(GotFrag) - It seems as though that a chance to represent the USA in Cologne, Germany for the World Cyber Games Grand Finals wasn't the only thing that Ediz “goodfornothing” Basol's “pornstache” brought to the table. x3o started getting recognition with their tie against NiP and win over e-Stro, in Group Play during ESWC 2007. The big break out as a core lineup was a 4th place finish at GameGune 2008 over EG.usa. After the win at the WCG USA Finals in Los Angeles, the x3o Counter Strike team was approached by Gravitas Gaming.

“We talked to them for a few days and everything sounded great, including their past teams recommendations and reviews," says Matt “Patyojon” Iantosca, x3o veteran player. We decided to make the move because we felt we deserved more. We have been winning most of the USA events and placing well for the past few months, yet we didn't really get anything in return for it.”

As to what Gravitas Gaming has to offer and why they decided to pick up x3o, Corbin “cbnz” Crnkovic, owner of Gravitas Gaming, chimes in,

“We can't release specifics but they will be receiving a salary now along with the chances to get to more international events. When we first started Gravitas Gaming, the counterstrike 1.6 scene in North America was in a small slump and we didn't really have a clear view of what was going to happen. It was easier for us to stay with a European squad. But now that we feel more comfortable with where the American scene is, we're back! We decided that if we were going to get back into the American scene, we were going to have to go all out and we feel that we have the best 1.6 team in the US now.”

Nick Fitzsimmons, manager of the x3o organization, commented as to where his organization stands at present,

“It is a bit personal for me, as I imagine it to be with any manager that tries to build personal relationships with their players. However, every transition I have ever made with this franchise has always taken us to the next level. X3O is still one of the strongest brands in North American e-Sports, and we aren't going anywhere. For the time being, we will continue to focus on our existing CoD4, CSS, and Quake divisions as well as begin planning our expansion to possibly WoW and GoW2 next year.”

“As for Counterstrike 1.6,” Fitzsimmons continues, “we are in the unique situation that we can seriously attract most professional players. We are looking to offer our players a very competitive salary within the 1st Quarter of 2009 which gives us a lot of options. Other than the new Gravitas Gaming, almost the entire community will be free from contract by the end 2008."

Fitzsimmons went on to say, "We will probably look to announce a roster in the upcoming weeks and then hand pick any replacements. Dust-Off, a valued partner of X3O, will continue to sponsor the Team USA Counter-Strike 1.6 team as they represent our country in the world finals. We hope that everyone will tune in and watch as Gravitas works to bring the gold home this November.”

On the leaving x3o and the relationship with x3o management, Iantosca spoke in kind of Fitzsimmons,

“Nick's been a great friend and manager, but this is just a better opportunity for the team so we all felt like it had to be made. We are still on good terms with Nick and x3o, so I feel like the split went well. Whatever Nick decides to do in the future will bring nothing but good to x3o and I wish him well.” Fitzsimmons replies, “I would have liked to finish out the remainder of their contracts, however they saw this as a better opportunity. The team did stay professional throughout the entire transition and I was able to negotiate reasonable terms with their new management.”

The Gravitas Gaming Counter Strike team will have their first test at Montreal's Extreme Masters Global Challenge happening this weekend. GotFrag will be at the event to bring live comprehensive coverage with scores, interviews and much more.

Gravitas Gaming Roster:

Ediz “goodfornothing” Basol
Matt “PaTyoJoN” Iantosca
Derrick “ImpulsivE” Truong
Dan “The Mehlman” Mehler
Ben “Benhui” Hui

Source: gravitasgaming.net