Aurora Gaming

Aurora Gaming was founded in 2022 in Serbia.{{cite web|url=https://auroragg.com/en/about|title=About|website=auroragg.com|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615130458/https://auroragg.com/en/about|url-status=live}} Their main sponsor/partner is 1xBet.{{cite web|url=https://auroragg.com/en/partners|title=Partners|website=auroragg.com|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615145755/https://auroragg.com/en/partners|url-status=live}} In November 2023, their CS2 roster appeared in an ad campaign with Russian adult film actress Eva Elfie; the ad received criticism, with some fans calling it "misogynistic".{{cite web|last=Mclaughlin|first=Declan|url=https://www.dexerto.com/counter-strike-2/fans-call-esports-org-ad-with-eva-elfie-misogynistic-2367375/|title=Fans call esports org ad with Eva Elfie "misogynistic"|work=Dexerto|date=3 November 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214916/https://www.dexerto.com/counter-strike-2/fans-call-esports-org-ad-with-eva-elfie-misogynistic-2367375/|url-status=live}} 1xBet is one of both Aurora's and Elfie's main sponsors.

A Serbian org, Aurora competes in the EMEA region for the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) competition.

Aurora played with an all-Russian squad to being the 2022–23 (ALGS Year 3) season, with the players previously completing on Team Empire roster, from which they were dropped when Team Empire left competitive Apex in August 2022.{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/team_empire/status/1556686731453370370|title=Today we're leaving competitive Apex Legends and announce the departure from our Apex ex-squad.|author=Team Empire|user=team_empire|number=1556686731453370370|date=8 August 2022|accessdate=4 May 2024}} On 4 November, Aurora signed the roster consisting of "RANCHES", "cleaveee", and "Maliwan".{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/TheAurora_GG/status/1588576458741809153|title=Today we are announcing the opening of the composition of the Apex Legends discipline.|number=1588576458741809153|author=Aurora Gaming|user=TheAurora_GG|date=4 November 2022|accessdate=4 May 2024}}

In EMEA play, Aurora was dominant during Split 1, winning the region.{{cite web|last=Labilles|first=Justin-Ivan|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-legends-star-player-forced-out-of-algs-split-2-playoffs-due-to-last-minute-visa-issues|title=Apex Legends star player forced out of ALGS Split 2 Playoffs due to last-minute visa issues|work=Dot Esports|date=11 July 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214101/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-legends-star-player-forced-out-of-algs-split-2-playoffs-due-to-last-minute-visa-issues|url-status=live}} This qualified them for the Split 1 playoffs, but they encountered visa issues which marred Aurora all season.{{cite web|last=Snavely|first=Adam|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-split-one-playoffs-plagued-by-visa-issues|title=ALGS Split One Playoffs plagued by visa issues and some favorite teams are at risk of missing the tournament|work=Dot Esports|date=1 February 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214102/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-split-one-playoffs-plagued-by-visa-issues|url-status=live}} These visa issues rendered them unable to play in the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs, held in London.{{cite web|last=ZT Marie|first=Hannah|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/emea-apex-legend-hardecki-could-make-algs-return-after-aurora-benches-taskmast33r|title=EMEA Apex legend Hardecki could make ALGS return after Aurora benches taskmast33r|work=Dot Esports|date=19 December 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502114555/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/emea-apex-legend-hardecki-could-make-algs-return-after-aurora-benches-taskmast33r|url-status=live}}

During the ALGS Split 2 Pro League, Aurora had a middling performance and Alexey "Mailwan" Rusinov stepped down from the active roster, with Danila "Sunset" Soloviov filling the vacant roster spot. Their performance improved and they were able to qualify for the Split 2 Playoffs as the EMEA region's ninth seed. However, visa issues further complicated Aurora's competitive efforts, as Sunset was forced to miss the ALGS Split 2 Playoffs. Maliwan returned and filled-in for Sunset during the competition.{{cite tweet|user=TheAurora_GG|number=1678755374000685056|url=https://twitter.com/TheAurora_GG/status/1678755374000685056|title=A few words about ALGS: Playoffs 👇|date=11 July 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024}} In the 2023 ALGS Split 2 Playoffs, they selected drop spots alongside other teams on both the Storm Point and World's Edge maps.{{cite magazine|last=Landis|first=Robbie|url=https://esi.si.com/apex-legends/aurora-challenges-darkzero-algs-split-2-playoffs|title=Aurora Challenges DarkZero in ALGS Split 2 Playoffs Group Stages|magazine=Esports Illustrated|date=13 July 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=25 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425143440/https://esi.si.com/apex-legends/aurora-challenges-darkzero-algs-split-2-playoffs|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Landis|first=Robbie|url=https://esi.si.com/apex-legends/algs-2023-split-2-playoffs-where-are-teams-dropping|title=Apex Legends Global Series: 2023 Split 2 Playoffs, Where Are Teams Dropping?|magazine=Esports Illustrated|date=12 July 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214110/https://esi.si.com/apex-legends/algs-2023-split-2-playoffs-where-are-teams-dropping|url-status=live}} After a 31st-place finish in the Split 2 Playoffs, Aurora disbanded the roster in August.{{cite web|last=Labilles|first=Justin-Ivan|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/aurora-carries-cis-apex-banner-forward-signing-one-of-emeas-best-teams-for-algs-championship|title=Aurora carries CIS Apex banner forward, signing one of EMEA's best teams for ALGS Championship |work=Dot Esports|date=24 August 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024}}{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/TheAurora_GG/status/1688211000812568577|author=Aurora Gaming|user=TheAurora_GG|number=1688211000812568577|title=For almost a year now, our team has been an integral part of every big Apex Legends tournament.|date=6 August 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024}}

Later in the month, Aurora would re-enter Apex competition, signing the then free agent Fire Beavers roster.{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/TheAurora_GG/status/1694753915911262523|author=Aurora Gaming|user=TheAurora_GG|number=1694753915911262523|title=Here is a mysterious story about a wandering beaver who fears nothing and is willing to take risks to achieve the highest results in his business.|date=24 August 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024}} This team consisted of Kiryl "9impulse" Kostsiu, Lev "taskmast33r" Grigoriev, and Syvatoslav "ojrein" Korochinsky, with the former playing as the team's captain.{{cite web|last=Labilles|first=Justin-Ivan|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-championship-will-be-missing-some-of-its-best-players-once-again-due-to-visa-issues|title=ALGS Championship will be missing some of its best players once again due to visa issues|work=Dot Esports|date=5 September 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214057/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-championship-will-be-missing-some-of-its-best-players-once-again-due-to-visa-issues|url-status=live}} They qualified for the 2023 ALGS Championship, held in Birmingham. However, visa issues once again came into play, with Jose "Uxako" Llosa and Keenan "Tax" Mackey, serving as substitutes for Aurora. Ultimately, 9impulse received his visa, though taskmast33r was denied entry to the U.K.{{cite web|last1=Labilles|first1=Justin-Ivan|last2=Snavely|first2=Adam|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-championship-team-forced-to-play-as-a-duo-after-realizing-they-cant-drop-their-sub|title=ALGS Championship team forced to play as a duo after realizing they can't drop their sub|work=Dot Esports|date=8 September 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214331/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-championship-team-forced-to-play-as-a-duo-after-realizing-they-cant-drop-their-sub|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Labilles|first=Justin-Ivan|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/most-disappointing-performances-of-2023-algs|title=The most disappointing performances of the 2023 ALGS|work=Dot Esports|date=28 December 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214334/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/most-disappointing-performances-of-2023-algs|url-status=live}} They instead began the tournament with "Uxako" playing the third spot on their roster. Internal team disagreements with Uxako occurred and after the group stage, Aurora attempted to make a swap to Tax. However, ALGS officials denied Aurora's roster swap. As Uxako was registered as a starting player for Aurora in the tournament, a swap to a sub was only allowed in a case such as illness. 9impulse and ojrein would finish the tournament playing as a duo, and Aurora finished the Championship in a disappointing 36th-place.

In December, Aurora benched taskmast33r. Konstantin "Hardecki" Kozlov would complete the Aurora roster as their third player.{{cite web|last=Snavely|first=Adam|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-heavyweights-aurora-drop-at-3-different-pois-at-split-one-playoffs-and-win-every-contest|title= ALGS heavyweights Aurora drop at 3 different POIs at Split One Playoffs—and win every contest |work=Dot Esports|date=2 May 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024}} During EMEA regional play in the Split 1 Pro League, the team performed well, securing a spot in the Split 1 Playoffs.{{cite web|last=Bull|first=Tom|url=https://esports.gg/news/apex-legends/aurora-win-another-week-of-algs-pro-league/|title=Aurora win another week of ALGS Pro League|website=esports.gg|date=2 March 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024}} In March 2024, 9impulse requested Apex Legends publisher Electronic Arts (EA) to send out official invites to the 2024 ALGS Split 1 Playoffs LAN location, in order for players to be proactive in applying for travel visas.{{cite web|last=Labilles|first=Justin-Ivan|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-pros-call-for-lan-invites-ahead-of-playoffs-to-avoid-visa-issues-again|title=ALGS pros call for LAN invites ahead of playoffs to avoid visa issues—again|work=Dot Esports|date=5 March 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501214059/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/algs-pros-call-for-lan-invites-ahead-of-playoffs-to-avoid-visa-issues-again|url-status=live}} Other pro players spoke up in solidarity of 9impulse.

Heading into the 2024 ALGS Split 1 Playoffs, Hadley Vincent of Dot Esports wrote that "Aurora is known by most as a wildcard team", and cited professional player "Zer0" of DarkZero concurring with that assessment.{{cite web|last=Vincent|first=Hadley|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/best-teams-to-watch-at-the-algs-2024-split-one-playoffs|title=Best teams to watch at the ALGS 2024 Split One Playoffs|work=Dot Esports|date=26 April 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502013857/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/best-teams-to-watch-at-the-algs-2024-split-one-playoffs|url-status=live}} They are also known as an aggressive team, with their play notably unorthodox in relation to the game's meta.

Aurora Gaming also fields rosters in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.betus.com.pa/esports/news/new-g2-cs2-lineup-defeated-by-aurora-12-06-2023/|title=New G2 CS2 lineup defeated by Aurora|publisher=BetUS|date=6 December 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=3 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303165027/https://www.betus.com.pa/esports/news/new-g2-cs2-lineup-defeated-by-aurora-12-06-2023/|url-status=live}} Aurora's CS2 roster won the Skyesports Masters 2024 tournament, defeating OG by a score of 3–1.{{cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/gaming/skyesports-masters-2024-tournament-grand-finale-results-aurora-gaming-1680187|title=Aurora Gaming Wins Skyesports Masters 2024, Earns Spot in Skyesports Championship 2024|work=ABP Live|date=15 April 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421063730/https://news.abplive.com/gaming/skyesports-masters-2024-tournament-grand-finale-results-aurora-gaming-1680187|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Taifalos|first=Nicholas|url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/skyesports-masters-2024-cs2-schedule-results-streams-and-more|title=Skyesports Masters 2024 CS2: Schedule, results, streams, and more|work=Dot Esports|date=14 April 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=14 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414163334/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/skyesports-masters-2024-cs2-schedule-results-streams-and-more|url-status=live}} The win clinched a berth in the Skyesports Championship 2024 tournament.

On 13 November 2023, Aurora signed the former Talon Esports roster, the strongest in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, after Talon and the roster mutually agreed to part ways.{{cite web|last=Soetjipto|first=Devin|url=https://esports.gg/news/dota-2/aurora-gaming-acquires-ex-talon-dota-players/|title=Aurora Gaming acquires ex-Talon Dota 2 squad|website=esports.gg|date=13 November 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=27 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527064339/https://esports.gg/news/dota-2/aurora-gaming-acquires-ex-talon-dota-players/|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/AuroraDota2_GG/status/1724019282961735688|title=New season, new players and new challenges for us!|author=Aurora Gaming|user=AuroraDota2_GG|number=1724019282961735688|date=13 November 2023|accessdate=4 May 2024}} The roster consisted of Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon,{{efn|Teermahanon's handle is now listed as "23" on Aurora's website.}} Armel "Armel" Tabios, Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong, Worawit "Q" Mekchai, and Chan "Oli" Chon Kien. In March 2024, Armel was benched.{{cite web|last=Zulkiflee|first=Sarah "KZ"|url=https://esports.gg/news/dota-2/armel-benched-from-aurora-dota-2-roster/|title=Aurora's midlaner Armel benched to inactive roster|website=esports.gg|date=14 March 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=13 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413040656/https://esports.gg/news/dota-2/armel-benched-from-aurora-dota-2-roster/|url-status=live}} Aurora shortly thereafter announced Artem "Lorenof" Melnik as their new mid laner.{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/AuroraDota2_GG/status/1768955380384604209|title=We welcome Artem «Lorenof» Melnick to Aurora as our new position 2 mid laner!|author=Aurora Gaming|user=AuroraDota2_GG|number=1768955380384604209|date=16 March 2024|accessdate=4 May 2024}}

On 5 April 2025, Aurora acquired Turkish organization Eternal Fire's Counter-Strike 2 roster.{{Cite web |title=Aurora signs Eternal Fire CS2 team — Escorenews |url=https://escorenews.com/en/csgo/news/67605-aurora-signs-eternal-fire-cs2-team |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=escorenews.com |language=en}}

Aurora Gaming joined the Philippine Mobile Legends: Bang Bang league, MPL Philippines.{{cite news |last1=Lojo |first1=Michelle |title=MPL Philippines welcomes Aurora Gaming |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/07/17/2370827/mpl-philippines-welcomes-aurora-gaming |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=17 July 2024 |archive-date=22 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822025338/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/07/17/2370827/mpl-philippines-welcomes-aurora-gaming |url-status=live }} On 27 July 2024, Aurora unveiled their official Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster for Season 14 at PARQAL, Aseana City, Parañaque. The roster consists of Edward Jay "Edward" Dapadap, John Paul "H2wo" Salonga, Kenneth Carl "Yue" Tadeo, Jan Dominic "Domeng" Delmundo, Ben Seloe "Benthings" Dizon Maglaque, and Renejay "Renejay" Barcase.{{Cite news |last=Caacbay |first=Kennedy |date=July 27, 2024 |title=Aurora unveils star-studded roster ahead of MPL Season 14 |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/7/27/aurora-unveils-star-studded-roster-ahead-of-mpl-season-14-1617 |access-date=December 11, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}

;Apex Legends

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming|game=Apex Legends|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | handle = 9impulse | first = Kiryl| last = Kostsiu| nat = BLR}}

{{Esports player | handle = ojrein | first = Syvatoslav | last = Korochinsky | nat = RUS}}

{{Esports player | handle = kazakhboi | first = Assanali | last = Zhandildin | nat = KAZ}}

{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=|head_coach=Anatoly "Wrugb" Belousov}}

Source:{{cite web|url=https://auroragg.com/en/teams/apex|title=Aurora Apex Team Composition|website=auroragg.com|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=14 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714105906/https://auroragg.com/en/teams/apex|url-status=live}}

;Chess

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming|game=Chess|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | handle = LachesisQ | first = Ian| last = Nepomniachtchi| nat = RUS}}

{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=|head_coach=n/a}}

Source:{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

;Counter-Strike 2

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming|game=Counter-Strike 2|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | handle = XANTARES | first = İsmailcan | last = Dörtkardeş| nat = TUR}}

{{Esports player | handle = MAJ3R | first = Engin| last = Küpeli| nat = TUR}}

{{Esports player | handle = Woxic| first = Özgür| last = Eker| nat = TUR}}

{{Esports player | handle = Wicadia | first = Ali Haydar| last = Yalçın| nat = TUR}}

{{Esports player | handle = jottAAA| first = Samet| last = Köklü| nat = TUR}}{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=5 April 2025|head_coach=Sezgin "Fabre" Kalaycı}}

Source:{{cite web |title=Aurora CS2 Team Composition |url=https://auroragg.com/en/teams/cs2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405114550/https://auroragg.com/en/teams/cs2 |archive-date=5 April 2025 |accessdate=5 April 2025 |website=auroragg.com}}

;Dota 2

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming|game=Dota 2|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | role = Carry | handle = Nightfall| first = Egor | last = Grigorenko| nat = RUS}}

{{Esports player | role = Midlane | handle = kiyotaka| first = Gleb| last = Zyryanov| nat = RUS}}

{{Esports player | role = Offlane | handle = TORONTOTOKYO | first = Alexander| last = Khertek| nat = RUS}}

{{Esports player | role = Support | handle = Mira | first = Myroslav | last = Kolpakov| nat = UKR}}

{{Esports player | role = Support | handle = panto | first = Nikita | last = Balaganin | nat = BLR}}

{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=16 March 2024|head_coach=Sergei "G" Bragin}}

Source:{{cite web|url=https://auroragg.com/en/teams/dota2|title=Aurora Dota 2 Team Composition|website=auroragg.com|accessdate=4 May 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615131724/https://auroragg.com/en/teams/dota2|url-status=live}}

;Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming Philippines|game=Mobile Legends: Bang Bang|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | handle = Edward | first = Edward | last = Dapadap | nat = Philippines}}

{{Esports player | handle = Demonkite | first = Jonard | last = Caranto | nat = Philippines}}

{{Esports player | handle = Yue | first = Kenneth | last = Tadeo | nat = Philippines}}

{{Esports player | handle = Domengkite| first = Jan Domenic| last = del Delmundo| nat = Philippines}}

{{Esports player | handle = Renejay | first = Renejay | last = Barcase | nat = Philippines}}

{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=|head_coach=Aniel "Master the Basics" Jiandani|asst_coach=Dexter Louise "Dex Star" Alaba}}

{{Esports roster header|team=Aurora Gaming Turkey|game=Mobile Legends: Bang Bang|nav=yes|bg1=#00FFFF|color1=#000000|bg2=#00FFFF|color2=#000000}}

{{Esports player | handle = Lunar | first = Mehmet | last = Ilgun | nat = Turkey}}

{{Esports player | handle = Tienzy | first = Sidar | last = Menteşe | nat = Turkey}}

{{Esports player | handle = Rosa | first = Ahmet | last = Batır | nat = Turkey}}

{{Esports player | handle = Sigibum | first = Şiyar | last = Akbulut | nat = Turkey}}

{{Esports player | handle = APEX47 | first = Furkan | last = Akbulut | nat = Turkey}}

{{Esports roster footer|roster_url=|transaction_date=|head_coach=Sacit "Bagdalseph" Arslan}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Apex Legends}}

{{Professional Counter-Strike competition}}

{{Dota}}

Category:2022 establishments in Serbia

Category:2024 establishments in the Philippines

Category:Apex Legends teams

Category:Counter-Strike teams

Category:Dota teams

Category:Esports teams based in Serbia

Category:Esports teams based in the Philippines

Category:Esports teams established in 2022