In recent esports history, very few players have managed a rookie campaign quite like Evil Geniuses’ VALORANT star, Max “Demon1” Mazanov. His journey is a remarkable tale of joining a team halfway through a season and becoming the catalyst that propelled them to a world championship. Demon1’s stellar performance not only secured him the Champions 2023 trophy but also earned him the coveted MVP award for Champions. Now, with three Esports Awards nominations, Demon1 is poised to add more accolades to his growing list of achievements.
The finalists for Esports PC Player of the Year are:@G2NiKo#Maru@zywoo@ccncdota2@G2huNter#Knight@Alfajervl@Demon1___@j1hu1V_chovy
✅ Vote now: https://t.co/Jnjxb680zR pic.twitter.com/lQk9GDS0iQ
— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) September 20, 2023
A Remarkable Triple Nomination of Demon1
Demon1’s nominations span across some of the most prestigious categories in esports awards. He’s a contender for PC Player of the Year, and Breakthrough Player of the Year (recognizing the best rookie), and, as a vital member of Evil Geniuses, he’s part of the nomination for Team of the Year. Notably, Demon1 and Zen, Team Vitality’s Rocket League star, share the distinction of being the only players across all of esports to be nominated in every player category they were eligible for. This achievement further solidifies their status as standout talents in the industry. In total nominations, they’re tied with the legendary Call of Duty player Scump, although Scump’s nominations are primarily in content categories.
Looking Towards an Uncertain Future
Despite Demon1’s incredible success and the strong performance of the entire EG roster, both fans and players are now looking to the future with uncertainty. Reports have emerged that EG has informed its players of the necessity for a pay cut to continue with the organization. Additionally, players are reportedly facing challenges in entering unrestricted free agency due to massive buyout clauses. This situation has cast doubt on the possibility of the entire EG roster returning next season. Notably, EG’s coach, Potter, has also received a nomination for Coach of the Year.
A Potential Impact on Negotiations
Demon1’s outstanding performance at the Esports Awards could significantly impact negotiations regarding his future. If he emerges as a big winner at the awards, it might lead to an even higher asking price for teams looking to acquire him. Conversely, Demon1 himself could demand a higher price from any organization seeking to sign him. His exceptional rookie season and the recognition he’s receiving have undoubtedly made him one of the most sought-after talents in the VALORANT esports scene.
As the esports community eagerly awaits the outcome of the Esports Awards, Demon1’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he has already left an indelible mark on the world of competitive gaming with his extraordinary talent and achievements.
