The organization stated that the gunman wanted to "explore new opportunities in the international arena."

ewjerkz is SAW's highest rated player in 2024

SAW has announced that Michel "ewjerkz" Pinto has been placed on the transfer list, stating that the decision was made "with careful consideration of the player's wishes."

"Recently, ewjerkz expressed a strong desire to seek challenges abroad to promote his development as a professional Counter-Strike player, as well as a desire to explore opportunities new opportunity in the international arena."

The move comes as a huge blow to SAW, who benched their other star shooter, Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing, in October for the same reason. They also parted ways with coach Danny "BERRY" Krüger just one day later. BERRY led the team to a top 4 finish at IEM Cologne earlier this year.

ewjerkz joined SAW in mid-2022 and quickly established himself as the star of the team. He continues to play a key role in SAW's squad as they rise to international prominence in 2024, forming a key attacking trio alongside arrozdoce and João "story" Vieira.

The 24-year-old player's average rating of 1.13 led the team throughout the year as SAW won their first ticket to the Major at PGL Major Copenhagen, reached the top 10 of the world rankings and surprisingly advanced to the semi-finals at IEM Cologne .

ewjerkz regularly impressed in SAW's international matches, especially at IEM Cologne, when he regularly topped the rankings and took on most of the team's opening moves.

With the departure of ewjerkz, SAW's current lineup includes:

•Christopher "MUTiRiS" Fernandes

•Ricardo "roman" Oliveira

•Joao "story" Vieira

•André "Ag1l" Gil

•Maikil "Golden" Selim (coach)

•Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing (reserve)

•Michel "ewjerkz" Pinto (transfer)