Team Envy
{{short description|American esports franchise}}
{{Distinguish|text = Envy Gaming, Team Envy's parent company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox sports team
| name = Team Envy
| logo = Team Envy logo.svg
| logo_size =
| alt = Inscribed in a circle, a capital letter "N" is diagonally split from the top left to the bottom right producing the lower case letters "N" and "V" (abbreviation of envy).
| nickname = The Boys in Blue
| short_name = NV
| sport_label = Divisions
| sport = Apex Legends
Marvel Rivals
Super Smash Bros. Melee
| founded = November 19, 2007 (original version)
January 17, 2025 (current version)
| folded = June 27, 2022 (original version)
| history = Team EnVyUs
(2007–2017)
Team Envy
(2017–2022, 2025–present)
| city = Dallas, Texas, U.S.
| colors = Dark blue, blue, black, white{{Cite web|url=https://envy.gg/branding/|title=Team Envy Branding|publisher=Team Envy|via=Envy.gg|access-date=July 30, 2019}}
{{color box|#0C2340}} {{color box|#0072CE}} {{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#ffffff}}
| ceo = Mike "Hastr0" Rufail
| parent_group = Envy Gaming
| main_sponsor = {{plainlist|
}}
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}
Team Envy is an American esports franchise based in Dallas, Texas, owned by Envy Gaming. Founded in 2007 as a professional Call of Duty team under the moniker Team EnVyUs, they fielded rosters in Counter-Strike, FIFA, Fortnite, Gears of War, Halo, League of Legends, Chess, Magic: the Gathering, Overwatch, Paladins, PUBG, Rocket League, SMITE, StarCraft, Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter and Valorant in their original form. Following the merger between Envy Gaming and OpTic Gaming, Envy Gaming retired the Team Envy brand in June 2022, shifting all of them to the OpTic Gaming moniker.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Sean |title=Envy Gaming retires its esports brand, becomes OpTic Gaming |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/optic-texas/2022/06/27/envy-gaming-retires-its-esports-brand-becomes-optic-gaming/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=June 27, 2022}}
On January 17, 2025, Mike "Hastr0" Rufail announced that he re-acquired the Team Envy name, as well as associated trademarks, from OpTic, reviving the franchise.{{cite news |last1=Duwe |first1=Scott |title=Team Envy revived by Hastr0 with Dallas Fuel, Dallas Empire in tow |url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/team-envy-revived-by-hastr0-with-dallas-fuel-dallas-empire-in-tow |access-date=January 18, 2025 |work=Dot Esports |date=January 17, 2025}} Envy has since entered Apex Legends and Marvel Rivals, as well as re-entering Super Smash Bros and Valorant.
{{TOC limit|3}}
History
=''Call of Duty''=
File:Mike Hastr0 Rufail - 2.jpg
Team EnVyUs was founded on November 19, 2007, as a Call of Duty 4 esports team by Skyler "FoRePlayy" Johnson and Tosh "Stainville" McGruder. The team finished runners-up in both the 2008 and 2009 MLG National Championships, with the 2009 roster fielding future owner Mike "Hastr0" Rufail.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/history-of-cod-esports-call-of-duty-4-modern-warfare-9779|title=History of CoD eSports: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare|last=James|first=Ford|date=April 17, 2015|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 22, 2018}}
At the 2011 National Championship, the final event of the Call of Duty: Black Ops season, Envy once again finished runners-up following a 5-match loser's bracket run; the event also marked the beginning of the classic rivalry with OpTic Gaming, dubbed the eClasico, after defeating them in the loser's bracket final.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/five-years-ago-2011-mlg-national-championship-9938|title=Five Years Ago: 2011 MLG National Championship|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=November 18, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dexerto.com/news/eclasico-optic-vs-envy/16752|title=This Is Why The eClasico Is OpTic vs EnVy|last=Kent|first=Mike|date=April 21, 2016|work=Dexerto|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234704/https://www.dexerto.com/news/eclasico-optic-vs-envy/16752|url-status=dead}}
In April 2013, as part of the Call of Duty: Black Ops II season, Envy competed in the inaugural US$1 million Call of Duty Championship; their roster for the tournament notably included Stainville, Raymond "Rambo" Lussier and Jordan "JKap" Kaplan. Non-favorites entering the event, the team showed they belonged after beating the undefeated Fariko Impact 3–2 in the winner's bracket finals to book a place in the grand finals. The grand finals consisted of a best-of-11 continuation series re-match with Fariko, where Envy would fall just short after losing 5–6 following a game 11 Search and Destroy, winner-takes-all, showdown. The final round earned the title of "the most famous round of Search and Destroy in Call of Duty history", as well as the match being widely considered one of the "greatest series ever played" in Call of Duty history.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/five-years-ago-cod-champs-2013-fariko-impact-22453|title=It's been 5 years since Fariko Impact won the first Call of Duty World Championship|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=April 7, 2018|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} The following month, on May 5, Team Envy won their first ever prized LAN championship and only Black Ops II title at UGC Niagara.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dexerto.com/news/trials-team-envyus-definitive-cod-history-2013-2016/22290|title=The Trials of Team EnVyUs - Their Definitive CoD History (2013-2016)|date=October 21, 2016|work=Dexerto|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234523/https://www.dexerto.com/news/trials-team-envyus-definitive-cod-history-2013-2016/22290|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/tournaments/ugc-niagara-2013|title=UGC NIAGARA 2013|date=July 30, 2018|website=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234930/https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/tournaments/ugc-niagara-2013|url-status=dead}}
In March 2014, as part of the Call of Duty: Ghosts season, Envy competed in the 2014 Call of Duty Championship. The team would once again finish 2nd after producing a miracle run starting from round 1 of the loser's bracket, including a 3–1 victory over OpTic in the loser's bracket final.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/2014-cod-champs-coL-13879|title=It's been 3 years since compLexity dominated CoD Champs and cemented their dynasty|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=March 30, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} On June 25, 2014, they announced the return of JKap and the acquisition of Matthew "Formal" Piper.{{Cite web|url=http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1s28qg0|title=The Team Envy MLG Season 3 Roster Change|date=June 25, 2014|publisher=Mike Rufail|via=TwitLonger|access-date=August 11, 2018}} The new roster won Gfinity 3, Envy's first major LAN championship, and Season 3 of MLG's Ghosts Pro League. However, the roster was short-lived as after ESWC 2014, the last event of Ghosts, star AR player Formal and Envy mutually agreed to part ways.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/envyus-eswc-formal-886|title=EnVyUs implodes at ESWC|last=Lingle|first=Samuel|date=November 3, 2014|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}}
Moving into Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Envy made multiple roster changes throughout a disappointing season. The team managed a top-12 finish at the 2015 Call of Duty Championship, before reaching their only final at UGC Niagara 2015. They ended the season with a 4th-place finish at the 2015 MLG World Finals.{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/tournaments/ugc-niagara-2015|title=UGC NIAGARA 2015|date=July 30, 2018|website=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731093140/https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/tournaments/ugc-niagara-2015|url-status=dead}}
In April 2016, Envy acquired Bryan "Apathy" Zhelyazkov and Johnathon "John" Perez to join JKap and Austin "SlasheR" Liddicoat for the latter half of the Call of Duty: Black Ops III season.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/team-envyus-makes-roster-changes-11498|title=Team EnVyUs Makes Roster Changes|last=Byers|first=Preston|date=April 17, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}} Together they won Stage 2 of the NA Call of Duty World League, Envy's first major championship since Ghosts.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/17102447/team-envyus-take-call-duty-world-league-na-championship|title=Team EnVyUs take the Call of Duty World League NA Championship|last=Bartel|first=Joe|date=July 19, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 31, 2018}} The team then participated at the 2016 MLG Orlando Open, where following a loser's bracket run they met OpTic in the grand finals. In the finals they took the first best-of-5 series 3–2, before being swept in the deciding series. In the last event of the season, in September 2016, Envy competed in the 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship. The team went undefeated in the group stages and drew a winner's bracket round 1 match-up with heavy favorites OpTic, who they had not defeated on LAN in over two years. A 3–1 victory over OpTic, followed by a 3–0 over FaZe Clan opened the path to the grand finals where they met Splyce in the first ever North American vs. European final. Team Envy took down Splyce 3–1 to finally break their 2nd place curse and win the Call of Duty Championship; securing $800,000 as part of the largest Call of Duty prize pool.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/team-envyus-wins-2016-call-of-duty-world-league-championship-12314|title=Team EnVyUs Wins 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship|last=Duwe|first=Scott|date=September 4, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}}
Maintaining their championship winning roster, they headed into the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare season. The first three-quarters of the season proved disappointing as the team failed to live up to their Black Ops III success, with their only notable result being a 3rd-place finish at the 2017 MLG Atlanta Open in February 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.callofduty.com/esports/event/2017/mlg-atlanta?bracket-tab=2|title=CWL ATLANTA|date=July 31, 2018|website=Call of Duty|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213417/https://www.callofduty.com/esports/event/2017/mlg-atlanta?bracket-tab=2|url-status=dead}} It was not until the last two events that Envy bounced back. In July 2017, the team finished runners-up at Stage 2 of the 2017 CWL Global Pro League.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/cwl-gpl-stage-two-playoffs-sunday-16266|title=OpTic take down EnVyUs twice to win the CWL Stage 2 Playoffs|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=July 30, 2018|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}} In August 2017, they competed in the 2017 Call of Duty World League Championship where they attempted to become the first back-to-back champions. In the winner's bracket semi-finals they defeated {{Proper name|eUnited}} 3–1, which included their famous second half 0–10 to 12–10 Uplink comeback.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/team-envyus-eunited-cod-champs-2017-16622|title=An insane Uplink comeback helps EnVyUs send eUnited to the losers bracket at CoD Champs 2017|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=August 12, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}} In the winner's bracket final they defeated OpTic to book their place in a record 4th Call of Duty Championship grand finals, however this time around the roster would be heartbroken as they lost both best-of-5 series to OpTic in a rematch to finish in 2nd place.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/20335529/call-duty-world-championship-optic-gaming-claims-crown|title=Call of Duty World Championship - OpTic Gaming finally claims its crown|last=Bartel|first=Joe|date=August 14, 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=July 31, 2018}}
Heading into Call of Duty: WWII, Envy released JKap, Apathy, and John.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/apathy-jkap-john-leave-team-envyus-16937|title=Apathy joins JKap and John as free agents after leaving Team EnVyUs|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=August 27, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}} In November 2017, they revealed their new roster which included Cuyler "Huke" Garland who had been competing in Team Envy's Halo division as he was too young (under the age of 18) to compete in the Call of Duty World League.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/team-envy-new-roster-cod-wwii-18297|title=Team Envy finalize its roster for Call of Duty: WWII|last=Binkowski|first=Justin|date=November 4, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 31, 2018}}
On September 22, 2018, Envy acquired the roster of Evil Geniuses consisting of ACHES, Apathy, Assault and SiLLy. They will join the organization and pair with Huke to complete the roster.{{Cite news|url=https://envy.gg/2018/09/22/team-envy-signs-2018-world-champions/|title=Team Envy Signs 2018 World Champions|date=September 22, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018}}
Team Envy's parent company Envy Gaming purchased a Call of Duty League slot in late 2019, ending Team Envy's Call of Duty division. The team, Dallas Empire, competes in the league in the 2020 season.{{cite news |last1=Magelssen |first1=Tommy |title=Dallas Empire branding for Envy Gaming's Call of Duty League team signals 'a new era' for a storied esports organization |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-fuel/2019/10/20/dallas-empire-branding-for-envy-gamings-call-of-duty-league-team-signals-a-new-era-for-a-storied-esports-organization/ |access-date=December 18, 2019 |work=Dallas Morning News |date=October 19, 2019}}
=''Counter-Strike''=
Team Envy officially entered the Counter-Strike scene, their first venture into PC Esports, on February 2, 2015, after acquiring the French Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) squad of Team LDLC led by captain Vincent "Happy" Schopenhauer.{{cite web|url=https://teamenvyus.com/team-envy-acquires-ldlc-csgo/|title=Team Envy Acquires LDLC CS:GO - Team EnVyUs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208100245/https://teamenvyus.com/team-envy-acquires-ldlc-csgo/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=November 28, 2015}}
In March 2015, Envy finished 3rd–4th in their first major appearance, ESL One Katowice 2015, after losing to Ninjas in Pyjamas 0–2 in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=https://en.esl-one.com/csgo/katowice-2015/standings/|title=Katowice 2015 Standings|date=July 26, 2018|publisher=ESL One|access-date=July 26, 2018}} Shortly afterwards, in March, the team won their first ever championship at the Gfinity Spring Masters.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/esn-daily-brief-tuesday-march-24-2015-9701|title=ESN Daily Brief - Tuesday, March 24, 2015|last=Kish|first=Ryan|date=March 24, 2015|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 26, 2018}} On June 21, 2015, they traded Richard "shox" Papillon and Edouard "SmithZz" Dubourdeaux to Titan in exchange for Kenny "kennyS" Schrub and Dan "apEX" Madesclaire.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/counter-strike-envy-titan/|title=The French shuffle: EnvyUs and Titan swap players|last=Wynne|first=Jared|date=July 21, 2015|website=The Daily Dot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130108/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/counter-strike-envy-titan/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=November 27, 2015}} With the new roster they finished runners-up at the ESL One Cologne 2015 major, before finally winning their first major championship at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 after defeating Natus Vincere 2–0 in the grand finals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-favorites-of-the-dreamhack-open-cluj-napoca-csgo-tournament/|title=The favorites in this weekend's CS:GO tournament|last=Kovanen|first=Tomi|date=October 28, 2015|work=PC Gamer|access-date=July 30, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/csgo-major-event-dreamhack-cluj-napoca-2015-11483|title=CS:GO Major Event - DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015|last=Redler|first=Jannes|date=November 4, 2015|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} Following the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, Envy withdrew from IEM San Jose due to travel safety concerns.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/france-based-counter-strike-pro-team-withdraws-fro/1100-6432417/|title=France-Based Counter-Strike Pro Team Withdraws From Event After Paris Attacks|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=November 19, 2015|work=GameSpot|access-date=July 30, 2018}} The team ended the 2015 season securing 7 championships and 11 grand final appearances.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gfinity.net/news/details/devil-replaces-kioshima-in-envy-cs-lineup|title=DEVIL REPLACES KIOSHIMA IN ENVY CS LINEUP|date=March 8, 2016|work=Gfinity|access-date=July 30, 2018}}
In March 2016, following an 11–12th-place finish at IEM Katowice 2016, Envy benched Fabien "kioShiMa" Fiey due to communication problems and LDLC White's Timothée "DEVIL" Démolon replaced him in the starting line-up. However, the change would prove unsuccessful and in October 2016, DEVIL was released with Christophe "SIXER" Xia replacing him.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/from-first-to-last-envyus-fall-from-grace-8476|title=From First to Last: EnVyUs' Fall from Grace|last=Brierley|first=Cam|date=July 15, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/sixer-joins-team-envyus-devil-is-removed-10421|title=SIXER Joins Team EnVyUs, DEVIL is Removed|last=Bradley|first=Connor|date=October 5, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} On January 15, 2017, the team won WESG 2016, securing US$800,000 as part of the largest CS:GO prize pool.{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/chinas-2016-world-electronic-sports-games-were-lit-1791229260|title=China's 2016 World Electronic Sports Games Were Lit|last=Gach|first=Ethan|date=January 15, 2017|work=Kotaku|access-date=July 30, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/biggest-prize-pools-esports-14605|title=The top 10 highest prize pools in esports|last=Nordmark|first=Sam|date=December 24, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}}
In February 2017, kennyS, apEX, and Nathan "NBK" Schmitt departed to G2 Esports, with Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom, Cédric "RpK" Guipouy, and Alexandre "xms" Forté joining in their stead.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/envyus-csgo-roster-4633|title=EnVyUs pieces together new roster after the French shuffle|last=Nordmark|first=Sam|date=February 4, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/scream-signs-envyus-not-faze-clan-4707|title=ScreaM joins EnVyUs despite FaZe Clan reports|last=Leslie|first=Callum|date=February 8, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} In late April, Envy officially revealed their academy project.
On June 20, 2018, Team Envy announced they had departed from the Counter-Strike esports scene following the release of their entire CS:GO roster.{{Cite news|url=https://cybersport.com/post/envyus-release-csgo-rosters|title=Team EnVyUs part ways with CS:GO rosters, effective immediately|last=Louchnikov|first=Aleksei|date=June 21, 2018|work=Cybersport|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730203205/https://cybersport.com/post/envyus-release-csgo-rosters|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/envy-drops-french-teams-look-new-talent-na-25076|title=Envy drops French CS:GO teams, looking for new talent in North America|last=Villanueva|first=Jamie|date=June 20, 2018|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 30, 2018}} On September 27, 2018, they announced a new North American team, signing the core of ex-Splyce.{{Cite news|url=https://envy.gg/2018/09/27/welcome-the-new-envy-csgo/|title=Welcome the New Envy CSGO! – Team Envy|date=2018-09-27|work=Team Envy|access-date=2018-09-30|language=en-US}} Team Envy disbanded their CS:GO division on January 11, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Hunter |title=Envy releases CS:GO roster |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/envy-releases-csgo-roster |access-date=March 12, 2021 |work=Dot Esports |date=March 12, 2021}}
=''Gears of War''=
The Team Envy Gears of War (GoW) division was founded on January 4, 2012, when the organization formed the professional GoW team "EnVyUs MbN".{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=154716092168810496 |title=Our team is excited to announce EnVyUs - MbN... Our new Gears of War professional team |date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2018}} The team competed in Gears of War 3, where they placed 4th in the LAN tournament Hypefestation 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.twitch.tv/falloutt|title=EnVyUs Gaming - GoW3 Partnership; The End - Hypefestation 2, January 2012|date=July 18, 2018|publisher=Jon Kefaloukos|via=Twitch|access-date=July 18, 2018}}{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=161264708698112000 |title=Good run by EnVyUs MbN @Hypefestation. They finish the tournament in 4th place |date=January 22, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2018}}
In October 2015, Envy announced they were re-entering the GoW competitive scene for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and were revealed as one of eight teams in ESL's GoW Pro League.{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=655114654750932992 |title=SURPRISE! We signed a Gears of War team |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/10/23/gears-of-war-esports-league-announced|title=GEARS OF WAR ESPORTS LEAGUE ANNOUNCED|last=Moser|first=Cassidee|date=October 23, 2015|work=IGN|access-date=July 18, 2018}} In Season 1 of the league, Envy finished runners-up to Denial Esports.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RluBIZD1sgs|title=Gears eSports ESL Pro League Season 1 Grand Finals Recap|date=January 22, 2016|publisher=Gears of War|via=YouTube|access-date=July 18, 2018}} In Season 2, they became champions after defeating Denial in a rematch of the finals following a 12–2 regular season record; the tournament win marked their first ever Gears of War title.{{Cite web|url=https://gearsofwar.com/en-us/community/news/season-2-finals-recap-congrats-to-envyus|title=SEASON 2 FINALS RECAP AND VIDEO - CONGRATS TO ENVYUS|last=Felling|first=Jack|date=May 9, 2016|website=Gears of War|access-date=July 18, 2018}} In July 2016, without dropping a single map, Envy won their second title at the Gears eSports European Open in London.{{Cite web|url=https://gearsofwar.com/en-us/community/news/recap-gears-esports-gfinity-european-open|title=RECAP: GEARS ESPORTS EUROPEAN OPEN|last=Pensak|first=Evan|date=July 28, 2016|website=Gears of War|access-date=July 18, 2018}}
Heading into Gears of War 4, Envy competed in the Coalition's $1 million Gears Pro Circuit.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17706633/can-gears-war-become-esport|title=Can Gears of War become an esport?|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=October 5, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 18, 2018}} Their campaign included multiple second-place finishes, as well as the team's third championship in January 2017, when the team dethroned OpTic Gaming at the Mexico City Open, the first ever GoW event in Latin America.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dexerto.com/news/optic-gaming-finally-toppled-gears-mexico-city-event/25279|title=OpTic Gaming Finally Toppled at Gears Mexico City Event|date=January 23, 2017|work=Dexerto|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719054736/https://www.dexerto.com/news/optic-gaming-finally-toppled-gears-mexico-city-event/25279|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://gearsofwar.com/en-ca/esports/recap-gpc-mexico-city-open|title=RECAP - GEARS PRO CIRCUIT MEXICO CITY OPEN|date=July 18, 2018|website=Gears of War|access-date=July 18, 2018}}
On June 13, 2017, shortly after the end of the Gears Pro Circuit, Team Envy announced they had departed from the Gears of War esports scene following the transfer of their roster to Echo Fox.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/gears-of-war/news/team-envyus-leave-gears-of-war-scene-15261|title=Team EnVyUs leave the Gears of War scene following a roster transfer|last=White|first=Jovon|date=June 16, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 18, 2018}}
=''Halo''=
The Team Envy Halo division was founded on November 10, 2015, when the organization signed a professional esports team for Halo 5: Guardians; the roster included Justin "Pistola" Deese and Austin "Mickwen" McCleary.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/halo/news/team-envyus-enters-the-halo-championship-series-11067|title=Team EnVyUs Enters the Halo Championship Series|last=Chevere|first=Zachery|date=November 12, 2015|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 20, 2018}}{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=664213866402996224 |title=Welcome EnVy Halo |date=November 10, 2015 |access-date=July 20, 2018}} The team failed to qualify for the 2016 Halo World Championship after being knocked out of the group stages at the NA Regional Finals.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/17157463/envyus-enviable-talent-ready-hcs-summer-finals|title=EnVyUs' enviable talent ready for HCS Summer Finals|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=July 27, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}}
Their first major breakthrough came in July 2016, when the team finished 3rd place at the NA HCS Pro League - 2016 Summer Finals.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17189930/clg-dominates-halo-championship-summer-finals|title=CLG dominates the Halo Championship Summer Finals|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=August 1, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}} In the offseason to follow, Envy acquired rookie Cuyler "Huke" Garland and veteran Eric "Snip3down" Wrona.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/18237620/halo-championship-series-na-fall-finals-preview|title=The stakes for the NA Halo Championship Series Fall Finals|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=December 10, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}} In November, they obtained their first Halo championship after winning HCS Las Vegas 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hcs-las-vegas-recap|title=HCS LAS VEGAS RECAP|date=November 22, 2016|publisher=OFFICIAL HCS|via=Halo Waypoint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319021616/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hcs-las-vegas-recap|archive-date=2017-03-19|url-status=dead|access-date=July 20, 2018}} Shortly afterwards, in December, the team dethroned OpTic Gaming and won their second championship at the NA HCS Pro League - 2016 Fall Finals.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/18261899/2016-hcs-fall-finals-team-envyus-dethrones-optic-hcs-grand-finals|title=Team EnVyUs dethrones OpTic in HCS Fall Finals|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=December 12, 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}} Their 2016–17 season campaign ended with a runners-up finish at the 2017 Halo World Championship, where the team produced a 5–0 loser's bracket run before losing to OpTic Gaming in the grand finals.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/19011545/optic-gaming-takes-halo-world-championship-ease|title=OpTic Gaming takes down Halo World Championship with ease|last=Lyles|first=Wyatt|date=March 27, 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/19040078/go-toe-toe-optic-gaming-lose|title=Mikwen: 'You can't go toe-to-toe with OpTic Gaming because you'll lose'|last=Lee|first=Timothy|date=March 30, 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=July 31, 2018}}
In May 2017, Envy won their third Halo championship at HCS Daytona 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hcs-daytona-recap|title=HCS DAYTONA RECAP|date=May 14, 2017|publisher=OFFICIAL HCS|via=Halo Waypoint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523170616/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hcs-daytona-recap|archive-date=2017-05-23|url-status=dead|access-date=July 20, 2018}} Their 2017–18 season campaign ended in April 2018, following a 3rd-place finish at the 2018 Halo World Championship.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/23207665/splyce-decisively-ends-tox-halo-world-championship-streak|title=Splyce decisively ends Tox's Halo World Championship streak|last=Cortez|first=Doug|date=April 17, 2018|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}} On May 24, 2018, Team Envy announced they had departed from the Halo esports scene following the release of their roster.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dexerto.com/halo/team-envy-announce-departure-from-competitive-halo-esports|title=Team Envy Announce Departure from Competitive Halo Esports|last=Patterson|first=Calum|date=May 24, 2018|work=Dexerto|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720195206/https://www.dexerto.com/halo/team-envy-announce-departure-from-competitive-halo-esports|url-status=dead}}
Team Envy announced their return to the Halo esports scene on October 12, 2020, announcing four new players to compete under head coach Alex "Swift Kill" Ramirez for the upcoming Halo franchise game Halo Infinite.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Sean |title=Envy to make return to Halo esports in 2021, announces new team |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-esports/2020/10/12/envy-to-make-return-to-halo-esports-in-2021-announces-new-team/ |access-date=March 12, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=March 12, 2021}} After the merger of Envy Gaming and OpTic Gaming in 2021, OpTic took over Team Envy's Halo division.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Sean |title=Envy Halo is now OpTic Halo. Here's what that means prior to Halo Infinite's December release |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-esports/2021/11/15/envy-halo-is-now-optic-halo-heres-what-that-means-prior-to-halo-infinites-december-release/ |access-date=November 26, 2021 |date=November 15, 2021}}
=''League of Legends''=
On May 18, 2016, after passing Riot's vetting process, Team Envy officially purchased Renegades’ NA LCS spot in a deal reportedly valued in excess of $1 million.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/15593401/envyus-join-na-lcs-picks-seraph-ninja-hakuho|title=EnVyUs to join NA LCS, picks up Seraph, Ninja, Hakuho|last=Wolf|first=Jacob|date=May 18, 2016|newspaper=ESPN|access-date=December 14, 2016}}
In their inaugural split, following a perfect 4–0 start, Envy finished in 6th place achieving a playoffs berth, where they were eliminated in the first round.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/na-lcs-2016-summer-split-week-3-power-rankings-10032|title=NA LCS 2016 Summer Split: Week 3 Power Rankings|last=Hester|first=Spencer|date=June 17, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 20, 2018}} In the last chance Regional Qualifier for the 2016 League of Legends World Championship, the team once again fell short after losing in the second round to eventual winners Cloud9.{{Cite news|url=https://www.riftherald.com/na-lcs/2016/12/25/14076908/team-envy-lol-roster-2017-lira-apollo|title=Team Envy signs Lira, Apollo, completes new roster|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=December 25, 2016|work=The Rift Herald|access-date=July 20, 2018}}
Following the 2017 Spring Split, Envy faced relegation and had to compete in the Summer Promotion Tournament. In the Promotion Tournament, they qualified into the 2017 NA LCS Summer Split after defeating Gold Coin United 3–2 in the loser's bracket finals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.riftherald.com/na-lcs/2017/4/2/15154762/nv-gcu-lcs-promotion-lol-2017-live-scores-results-highlights|title=Team Envy vs. Gold Coin United 2017 live blog: Scores, highlights, and news from the Promotion Series|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=April 2, 2017|work=The Rift Herald|access-date=July 20, 2018}}
On November 20, 2017, Team Envy withdrew from League of Legends after their franchise application for the 2018 NA LCS season was declined.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/league-of-legends-north-america-league-teams-esports-1202619230/|title=Ten Franchise Teams for 'League of Legends' North American eSports League Unveiled|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=November 20, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=July 20, 2018}}{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=932776636814016512 |title=Congratulations to all 10 teams selected for the @lolesports #NALCS |date=November 20, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2018}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Overview of Team Envy's splits in the NA LCS |
rowspan="2" |Split
! colspan="2" |Record (win–loss) ! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|Pos|Final position}} ! rowspan="2" |Playoffs ! rowspan="2" |Regional Qualifier ! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|Promotion|Promotion Tournament}} ! rowspan="2" |MSI ! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|Rift Rivals|Rift Rivals - NA vs. EU (Blue)}} ! rowspan="2" |Worlds ! colspan="7" |Roster |
---|
Matches
!Games !Top !Jungle !Mid !ADC !Support !Coach !Sub{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Substitute players with no appearances during a split are not included.}} |
Summer 2016
|8–10 |17–25 |6th |5th–6th |3rd |— | style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|n/a | style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|none |— | rowspan="3" |Seraph |Proxcin | rowspan="2" |Ninja |LOD | rowspan="3" |Hakuho |Miracle |style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|none |
Spring 2017
|3–15 |14–31 | style="background:#fcc;"| 10th ↓ |— | style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|n/a | style="background:#cfc;"| 2nd ↑ |— | style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|n/a |style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|n/a | style="background:#ffe766;"| LirA ♦{{Cite news|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/04/08/heres-the-2017-spring-split-all-lcs-team/253627/|title=Here's the 2017 Spring Split All-LCS Team|last=Boatman|first=Brandon|date=April 8, 2017|work=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=July 20, 2018}} | rowspan="2" |Apollo |Dylan Falco |
Summer 2017
|8–10 |21–26 |6th |5th–6th |— |— |style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|n/a |— |— | style="background:#e1b284;"| LirA ♦{{Cite news|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/08/20/heres-your-na-lcs-all-pro-team/268620/|title=Here's Your NA LCS All-Pro Team|last=Boatman|first=Brandon|date=August 20, 2017|work=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=July 20, 2018}} |Nisqy |viOLet |Pirean |
class="wikitable" |
style="background:#cfc;"|Promoted ↑
| style="background:#fcc;"|Relegated ↓ | style="background:#ffe766;"|1st All-Pro Team ♦ | style="background:#d9d9d9;"|2nd All-Pro Team ♦ | style="background:#e1b284;"|3rd All-Pro Team ♦ |
=''Overwatch''=
File:Team Envy wins MLG Vegas 2016.jpg, cocco.]]
{{main|Team Envy Overwatch}}
Formed during the Overwatch closed beta in February 2016, Team EnVyUs acquired the players of Team Hubris, a North American squad that finished first in six of the seven tournaments played during the beta, to officially create their Overwatch esports division.{{cite news |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/team-envyus-hubris-overwatch-2972 |title=Team EnVyUs picks up Overwatch's best team |last=Lingle |first=Samuel |date=February 3, 2016 |work=Dot Esports |access-date=July 28, 2018}} The team won Season 1 of OGN's Overwatch APEX in Seoul, Korea,{{Cite news |url=https://www.redbull.com/us-en/the-envyus-miracle-at-ogn-overwatch-apex |title=The EnVyUs Miracle at OGN Overwatch APEX |last=Ellis |first=Anne |date=December 2, 2016 |work=Red Bull |access-date=July 28, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/518/team-interview-with-envyus-overwatch-apex-season-1-champions |title=Team interview with EnVyUs, Overwatch APEX Season 1 champions |last=Jeon |first=Young-jae |date=December 3, 2016 |work=Inven Global |access-date=July 28, 2019}} marking the first time that a Western-owned team had taken home an esports title on Korean soil.{{cite news |author=Liang Jing Hao |title=Breaking it down: what Fusion University's move to Korea means for Overwatch contenders |date=June 4, 2019 |work=NBC Sports Philadelphia |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/fusion/breaking-it-down-what-fusion-universitys-move-korea-means-overwatch-contenders |access-date=July 29, 2019}} Returning home from Korea, Team EnVyUs ended their pre-Overwatch League journey on a high, going undefeated and winning Season 1 of North America's Overwatch Contenders.{{Cite news |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/team-envy-overwatch-contenders-finals-17895 |title=Team Envy make undefeated run at Overwatch Contenders |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=October 9, 2017 |work=Dot Esports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030175203/https://dotesports.com/overwatch/team-envy-overwatch-contenders-finals-17895 |archive-date=October 30, 2017}} On September 20, 2017, Blizzard officially announced that Envy Gaming had acquired the Dallas-based Overwatch League franchise spot, making them one of twelve teams competing in the inaugural season.{{Cite news |url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/9/20/16338168/envyus-optic-comcast-join-overwatch-league |title=Meet the final founding members of the Overwatch League |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=September 20, 2017 |work=Heroes Never Die |access-date=July 28, 2019}} The team was branded as the Dallas Fuel, and all of the existing members of Team EnVyUs were transferred to the Fuel roster – ending Team Envy's Overwatch division.{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Cass |title=The Dallas Fuel are eager to debut in the Overwatch League |work=Heroes Never Die |date=November 7, 2017 |url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/11/7/16617034/dallas-fuel-mike-rufail-interview-roster-overwatch-league |access-date=July 28, 2019}}
On July 2, 2018, Envy Gaming formally announced Team Envy's return to Overwatch Contenders as an academy team for the Dallas Fuel, as the team acquired EnVision Esports' Contenders slot and roster and signed former Team EnVyUs member Ronnie "Talespin" DuPree.{{Cite news |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/ow-contenders-team-envy-29581 |title=Team Envy's got an Overwatch Contenders team now |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=July 3, 2018 |work=Dot Esports |access-date=July 28, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://overwatchwire.usatoday.com/2018/07/03/dallas-fuel-announce-contenders-academy-team-talespin-to-join/ |title=Dallas Fuel announce Contenders academy team, Talespin to join |last=Baker |first=Harry |date=July 3, 2018 |work=Overwatch Wire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021163231/https://overwatchwire.usatoday.com/2018/07/03/dallas-fuel-announce-contenders-academy-team-talespin-to-join/ |archive-date=October 21, 2018}} The team defeated ATL Academy in the 2019 Season 1 Finals by a combined map record of 7–1 to claim their second Overwatch Contenders regional title.{{cite news |last=Knudsen |first=Connor |title=NA Contenders: 2019 Season 2 Preseason Power Rankings |work=The Game Haus |date=June 15, 2019 |url=https://thegamehaus.com/na-contenders-2019-season-2-preseason-power-rankings/2019/06/15/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722142507/https://thegamehaus.com/na-contenders-2019-season-2-preseason-power-rankings/2019/06/15/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Weil |first=Katrina |title=Contenders casters from around the world weigh in on Atlantic Showdown |work=Upcomer |date=May 31, 2019 |url=https://upcomer.com/overwatch/story/1418943/contenders-casters-from-around-the-world-weigh-in-on-atlantic-showdown |access-date=July 28, 2019}} In 2019 Season 2 of Contenders, Envy defeated New York Excelsior's academy team XL2 Academy in the finals to secure their third Contenders regional title.{{cite news |last1=Amos |first1=Andrew |title=Who has qualified for the 2019 Overwatch Contenders Gauntlet? |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-has-qualified-for-the-2019-overwatch-contenders-gauntlet |access-date=September 25, 2019 |work=Dot Esports |date=August 18, 2019}}
On April 27, 2020, Team Envy disbanded their Overwatch Contenders division.{{cite news |last1=Peres |first1=Pedro |title=Team Envy drops out of Overwatch Contenders |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/team-envy-drops-out-of-overwatch-contenders |access-date=October 18, 2020 |work=Dot Esports |date=April 28, 2020}}
=''Rocket League''=
The Team Envy Rocket League division was founded on June 21, 2017, when the organization acquired Northern Gaming's active roster; the roster included Season 3 Rocket League Championship Series champions Remco "Remkoe" den Boer and David "Deevo" Morrow. The organisation separated with the roster on July 30, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/esports/team-envyus-sign-star-rocket-league-squad|title=Team EnVyUs sign star Rocket League squad|last=Tucker|first=Jake|date=June 23, 2017|work=MCV|access-date=July 20, 2018}}{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=877633292324843520 |title=Welcome Envy Rocket League |date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2018}}
Team Envy reentered Rocket League on April 25, 2020, picking up the ex-Ghost roster consisting of players Braxton "Allushin" Lagarec, Massimo "Atomic" Franceschi, Nick "mist" Costello, and coach Spencer "furane" Taub.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Envy/status/1254068649775808514|title=WE ARE BACK IN @RLEsports. Please welcome @AllushinRL, @At0micRL, @mistiwnl, and Coach @FuraneRL as the newest members of #TeamEnvy|website=@Envy|date=2020-04-25|access-date=18 July 2020}} Two months later, on June 25, 2020, four-time World Champion Pierre "Turbopolsa" Silfver was added to the starting roster, moving Allushin to the inactive roster.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Envy/status/1276311966768754689|title=4-Time World Champion and Winningest Player in Rocket League History. Welcome the GOAT to Envy, @Turbopolsa. #TeamEnvy|website=@Envy|date=2020-06-25|access-date=18 July 2020}} On August 6, 2020, Allushin was confirmed to have left Envy, having joined The Peeps ahead of RLCS Season X.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ExplosiveGyro/status/1291472435833966598|title=Season X RLCS The Peeps Roster|website=@ExplosiveGyro|date=2020-08-06|access-date=9 August 2020}} Envy would qualify for the 2021 fall major finishing 12th-14th. On June 27th 2022 the roster would move to optic gaming after the two organizations merged
=''SMITE''=
The Team Envy SMITE division was founded on October 5, 2015, when the organization acquired the North American team AFK Gaming.{{Cite tweet |user=Envy |number=651152094330654721 |title=Team EnVyUs signs top North American team AFK Gaming |date=October 5, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2018}} The team's only championship came in January 2016, when they won the 2016 SMITE World Championship - Xbox One Invitational.{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/envyus-win-smite-xbox-world-championship-2816|title=EnVyUs win Smite Xbox World Championship|last=Mueller|first=Saira|date=January 10, 2016|work=Dot Esports|access-date=July 18, 2018}} In May 2016, during a match against SoaR, Envy violated the SMITE Pro League code of conduct after they forfeited their second game less than two minutes in; the pro-level rage-quit is branded "the worst match in SPL history" and resulted in Hi-Rez sanctioning each participating Envy player with a $500 fine.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/team-envyus-sanctioned-for-smite-pro-league-conduct/|title=Team EnVyUs sanctioned for Smite Pro League conduct|last=Morrison|first=Angus|date=May 27, 2016|work=PC Gamer|access-date=July 18, 2018}}
On November 30, 2016, Team Envy announced they had departed from the SMITE esports scene following the release of their roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeRwFeZSbR8&t=75|title=The Blueprint - November 30, 2016|date=November 30, 2016|publisher=Team EnVyUs|via=YouTube|access-date=July 18, 2018}}
=''Valorant''=
On July 13, 2020, Team Envy signed as an official organization for Valorant esports. They signed on Adam "aKis" Kisseberth, Abdo "C4Lypso" Agha, Pujan "FNS" Mehta, Anthony "mummAy" DiPaolo, and Jake "kaboose" McDonald as their first 5.{{cite news |last1=Ocal |first1=Arda |title=Envy sign Together We Are Terrific as VALORANT roster |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/29457235/envy-sign-together-terrific-valorant-roster |access-date=May 5, 2021 |work=ESPN |date=July 13, 2020}} After participating in a few events, Team Envy took the next step in building out their Valorant roster. On September 12, they added Victor "Victor" Wong and Austin "Crashies" Roberts and added "aKis" and "C4Lypso" to their reserve team.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-13|title=Envy Sign Food and Crashies to VALORANT Roster|url=https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/envy-sign-food-and-crashies-to-valorant-roster|access-date=2021-06-07|website=Hotspawn|language=en-US}} On June 30, 2021, they loaned Jimmy "Marved" Nguyen from FaZe Clan and moved Jake "kaboose" McDonald to the bench. On August 5, 2021, they acquired Jaccob "yay" Whiteaker from Andbox and moved Anthony "mummAy" DiPaolo to the bench.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} When asked the difference between Andbox and Team Envy, yay commented that Envy's players were "more instinctual" and that they "understand how to support my playstyle better so that I am best set up for success".{{cite web |url=https://esports.gg/news/valorant/envy-yay-vct-masters-playoffs-2021/ |title=Envy Yay: Our players are more instinctual |last=Datuin |first=Sage | website= Esports.gg |access-date=August 18, 2021}} On February 10, 2022, the team announced that it would be competing under the OpTic Gaming brand moving forward.{{cite web |url=https://www.dbltap.com/posts/envy-valorant-switches-to-optic-gaming-branding-01fvjk7xkcz9 |title=Envy Valorant Switches to OpTic Gaming Branding |last=Dacanay |first=Ralston | website= Esports.gg |date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2022}}
On March 8th, 2025, Team Envy rejoined the Valorant competitive scene by signing the highly successful "RANKERS" roster. The team, composed of Matteo "P0PPIN" Weber, "ion2x", "Eggsterr", Hunter "Inspire" Schline, and canezerra, along with head coach Dakota "Stunner" MacLeod, had demonstrated exceptional form throughout late 2024 and early 2025 in the North American Tier 2 scene.
= ''Apex Legends'' =
On January 17, 2025, to accompany the relaunch of Team Envy, the team signed the Apex Legends roster Loan Sharks, consisting of Dropped, Knocked, YanYa and coach raven (who coached TSM to the Year 3 Championship). The team will compete at the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Year 4 Championship in Sapporo, Japan.{{cite news |last1=Bull |first1=Tom |title=Recently revived Envy sign Loan Sharks ahead of ALGS Championship |url=https://esports.gg/news/apex-legends/recently-revived-envy-sign-loan-sharks-ahead-of-algs-championship/ |access-date=January 18, 2025 |date=January 17, 2025}}
== Current roster ==
{{Esports roster header
| team = Team Envy
| game = Apex Legends
| nav = yes
| bg1 = #0C2340 | color1 = #FFFFFF
| bg2 = #0072CE | color2 = #FFFFFF
}}
{{Esports player | handle = Knoqd |first=Logan |last=Layou |nat=US | inj = | sub = | note = }}
{{Esports player | handle = Dropped |first=Mark |last=Thees |nat=US | inj = | sub = | note = C }}
{{Esports player | handle = YanYa | first=Saul |last=Ocampo Plascencia | nat= MX | inj= | sub= | note= }}
{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach = N/A
| asst_coach = N/A
| otherlegend = (C) In-game leader
| roster_url = https://esports.gg/news/apex-legends/recently-revived-envy-sign-loan-sharks-ahead-of-algs-championship/
| transaction_date = January 17, 2025
}}
Ownership and finances
In March 2017, it was revealed that prior to becoming chief business officer of Team Envy, John Brock had invested a seven-figure sum into the team.{{Cite news|url=https://www.charlotteagenda.com/83624/will-team-become-charlottes-next-major-league-sports-franchise/|title=Will this team become Charlotte's next major league sports franchise?|last=Dunn|first=Andrew|date=March 9, 2017|work=Charlotte Agenda|access-date=July 20, 2018}} In August 2017, John Brock confirmed that the reported multimillion-dollar investment from venture capital firm SierraMaya360, in late 2016, never materialized.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/esports/story/_/id/20267274/blizzard-add-team-envyus-austin-dallas-overwatch-league-rep|title=Sources: Blizzard to add Team EnVyUs as Austin-Dallas Overwatch League rep|last=Wolf|first=Jacob|date=August 6, 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=July 20, 2018}}
On September 18, 2017, Team Envy owner Mike "Hastr0" Rufail confirmed that the organization had secured a multimillion-dollar investment from Hersh Interactive Group. The deal entailed Hersh serving as strategic partners to the organization, whilst Hastr0 would remain as the principal owner and operator of the team.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/sports-business/2017/09/18/official-e-sports-pioneer-team-envy-announces-relocation-dallas-big-investment-oil-baron|title=E-sports pioneer Team Envy announces relocation to Dallas after big investment from oil baron|last=Garrett|first=Arnessa|date=September 18, 2017|work=Dallas News|access-date=October 20, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://dotesports.com/business/team-envyus-oil-magnate-investment-17452|title=Team EnVyUs confirms eight-figure investment deal from oil magnate|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|date=September 18, 2017|work=Dot Esports|access-date=October 20, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022033401/https://dotesports.com/business/team-envyus-oil-magnate-investment-17452|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://esportsinsider.com/2017/09/team-envyus-confirm-multi-eight-figure-investment-hersh-interactive-group/|title=Team EnVyUs confirm "multi eight figure investment" from Hersh Interactive Group|last=Ring|first=Oliver|date=September 19, 2017|work=Esports Insider|access-date=July 16, 2018}}
In November 2017, Team Envy signed a multimillion-dollar, multiyear deal with the restaurant chain Jack in the Box.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2017/11/08/jack-in-the-box-becomes-1st-overwatch-league-jersey-sponsor/#4b54a68f51b2|title=Jack In The Box Becomes 1st Overwatch League Jersey Sponsor|last=Heitner|first=Darren|date=November 8, 2017|work=Forbes|access-date=November 8, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/11/8/16625176/overwatch-league-dallas-fuel-jack-in-the-box-team-envy|title=Overwatch League has its first partnership as Dallas Fuel join forces with Jack in the Box|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=November 8, 2017|work=Heroes Never Die|access-date=July 16, 2018}}
In August 2020, Post Malone acquired a majority stake, joining as a co-owner.{{Cite web|last=Beresford|first=Trilby|date=2020-08-28|title=Post Malone Takes Equity Stake in Envy Gaming (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/post-malone-takes-equity-stake-in-envy-gaming-exclusive-4048842/|access-date=2021-08-02|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2020-08-28|title=Post Malone is now a co-owner of Texas' biggest esports teams|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/28/21406041/post-malone-envy-gaming-dallas-empire-fuel|access-date=2021-08-02|website=The Verge|language=en}}
Notable alumni
Awards and nominations
class="wikitable" |
Date
!Award !Category !Nominated work !Result !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
---|
December 3, 2015
|The Game Awards 2015 |eSports Player of the Year | style="background:#9f9; text-align:center;"| Won | style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/3/9846760/the-game-awards-2015-winners|title=Here are the winners of The Game Awards 2015|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=December 3, 2015|website=Polygon|access-date=December 26, 2016}} |
March 19, 2016
|SXSW Gaming Awards 2016 |Most Valuable Esports Team | style="background: #ececec; color: #2C2C2C; font-size: smaller; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="unknown table-unknown"|not specified | style="background:#fdd; text-align:center;"| Nominated |
November 21, 2016
|The eSports Industry Awards 2016 |eSports Team of the Year |All Games | style="background:#9f9; text-align:center;"| Won |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Team Envy}}
- {{Official website}}
{{Apex Legends}}
{{Competitive Super Smash Bros.}}
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{{Professional Counter-Strike competition}}
{{Professional Halo competition}}
{{Texas sports}}
Category:2007 establishments in Texas
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Category:Esports teams based in the United States
Category:Defunct and inactive Call of Duty teams
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Category:Defunct and inactive Gears of War teams
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