Grim on the closure of Complexity Gaming: “It all kind of fell apart because of financial issues.”
NRG rifler Michael “Grim” Vince spoke on the Half Time podcast about the closure of Complexity Gaming, the roster’s transition to the Passion UA banner, and explained why he ultimately decided to leave the team to join NRG.
On the Closure of Complexity Gaming
Complexity was an amazing organization, and everyone associated with it was great. I really like Jason Lake and the entire staff there. Unfortunately, things kind of fell apart because of financial issues: Complexity couldn’t secure funding or find sponsors, and the organization basically ceased to exist. It was pretty sad because I spent about four years there.
On a possible return of Complexity Gaming to Counter-Strike
I’d really hope so. I know Jason Lake is very passionate about all of this and loves Counter-Strike. So I assume that one day, hopefully, he’ll be able to make it happen. But yes, the problem was that we were based in Texas, where there are strict laws regarding gambling. Because of that, we couldn’t attract a single betting sponsor—which almost all other teams have and which bring in the bulk of their revenue. And after that, Jason just couldn’t find any other options. But if he manages to find something, I can imagine 100 percent that one day he’ll come back and get everything going again.
On the move to Passion UA
Our time at Passion UA was definitely interesting. I’d say we were just happy that someone was even able to sign us after we lost our organization. Jason Lake tried to reach out to different people, wanted to sell our roster, and didn’t want us to be left without an organization and all that. So I’m definitely glad that deal went through.
On the reasons for leaving Passion UA
Our baseline level of play was higher than our results showed. We should have won those tournaments where we finished second and third. And the Major in Budapest… to be honest, I probably have PTSD from FaZe Clan by now, because every time in my career I’ve been one step away from making the playoffs, I’ve played against FaZe Clan and lost the match. It’s frustrating, but the same thing happened at the Major in Copenhagen. After that, the team decided to part ways with hallzerk. I really liked hallzerk; he was a great teammate and, in my opinion, a wonderful person. Then I looked at our upcoming schedule and thought, “I don’t know if I can handle this mentally.” I wanted to spend more time in North America, to be there more often.
On the Move to NRG
That’s exactly when NRG reached out to me. I thought, “Yeah, this sounds like a good option for me.” I’d always wanted to play with nitr0—he’s one of North America’s greatest players. I just wanted less mental pressure and a more relaxed schedule. That’s basically how it all happened, and that’s exactly how I ended up at NRG.
Earlier, Michael “Grim” Vince spoke in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 about his feelings after NRG was eliminated from the season’s main tournament, and he also explained what helps him stay motivated to continue his career.
Photo — StarLadder.
