The fact that this is FNS' first off season event and NRG has actual PROPER preparation in the off season is exciting. We know what happens when teams focus on development and growth during the off season (SEN having success last season) and I hope NRG can atleast make champs in 2025. I don't expect them to win any international trophies but I expect them to get top 4 or top 3 in one of the events.
The reason why the previous NRG "super team" didnt work was because they were late in announcing the roster, probably had little time to prep compared to every other team (Due to the EG roster lock), and ethan IGLing just didnt work + they kept changing around demon1 on raze which does not work. Demon1 isnt a pure entry duelist player and he plays more like a sentinel/2nd entry. IMO partly it was chet's fault for not utilizing the team last year. FNS and s0m also went in late and only had 1 month to prac with the team which is just isn't enough time.
With bonkar already cooking up a great NRG team in 10 days + 3 more months of practicing, bootcamping, and another offseason tournament for NRG, I'm sure they'll be atleast top 3 in Americas next year. After the SOOP valorant tournament, Mada and Verno can get some well needed experience against international tier 1 teams.
Discord