Ottawa-based Nocturnal Esports return to Counter-Strike with ESL Impact roster

August 22, 2025 | Written by eviljonbob

Ottawa-based esports organization Nocturnal Esports have announced their return to Counter-Strike, signing the orgless roster girl kissers

girl kissers recently competed in the ESL Impact League Season 8: North America Open Qualifier #1, where they secured a win over wwaves to qualify for ESL Impact League Season 8.

The North American division is set to run from September 10th to October 25th, with teams competing for one of two spots for the $250,000 Season 8 LAN finals in Stockholm, Sweden.

Nocturnal Esports is now:

madss
raynee
gadfly
lunari
violet
Rake (Coach)

Ottawa native and Nocturnal Esports Owner & CEO Fukuro Derick “Canasian” Enge shared with us:

“Re-entering Counter-Strike means more to us than just competing in a legendary title — it’s about purpose. For Nocturnal, this return is rooted in our mission to shine a spotlight on underrepresented talent, especially women in esports, who deserve far more opportunities and recognition than the industry has historically given them...

Full Quote Here

“Re-entering Counter-Strike means more to us than just competing in a legendary title – it’s about purpose. For Nocturnal, this return is rooted in our mission to shine a spotlight on underrepresented talent, especially women in esports, who deserve far more opportunities and recognition than the industry has historically given them.

Counter-Strike has always been one of the most iconic proving grounds in competitive gaming, but it’s also a space where women have often been overlooked. We see this as a chance to change that narrative – to create an environment where women and underrepresented players can thrive, compete at the highest level, and be celebrated for their skill and dedication.

For us as an organization, this step isn’t just about building a roster – it’s about building representation, investing in the future of inclusivity, and showing the community that diversity is strength. By re-entering Counter-Strike, we’re making a statement: that talent knows no boundaries, and the future of esports must be more equitable, more diverse, and more inspiring.

Our goals for ESL Impact are, of course, what every team wants: to win and compete at the highest level. But for us at Nocturnal, success goes beyond just results on the scoreboard. We’re deeply focused on building a healthier relationship with the game and the space around it. That means prioritizing work-life balance, supporting our players as people first, and ensuring they have an environment where they can grow without burning out.

These core values – balance, well-being, and sustainability – are what keep us going as an organization. We believe that by creating a foundation where our players feel supported both inside and outside of the server, the results will follow naturally. ESL Impact is an important step, but our vision extends far beyond: shaping a healthier, more inclusive competitive scene where long-term growth is just as celebrated as championships (Fukuro).”

A short first run

Nocturnal’s first stint in Counter-Strike lasted only four months, beginning on May 8th, 2025, and marked by multiple roster changes before the lineup was dropped on July 21st after Fragadelphia 19 in Windsor, Ontario, where the team failed to advance to Stage Two. With their return through ESL Impact, Nocturnal will be hoping for a more stable roster this time around.

Looking ahead

As an Ottawa-based Counter-Strike community, we’ll be keeping an eye on Nocturnal’s progress in ESL Impact. Their return could present an opportunity for the org to connect more closely with the local scene. Inspiring CS players here in Ottawa and potentially build a pipeline for future talent.

For more details, check out the Dust2.us article by Mnmzzz here.