According to sources close to Sheep Esports, Ethan “Ethan” Arnold has reached a verbal agreement with NRG for a two-year extension, securing his future with the 2025 VALORANT Champions winners through the next VCT cycle.

Former top-tier Counter-Strike player, Ethan transitioned to VALORANT in 2021 and quickly became a regular fixture at the highest level. In October, he became the first player in VALORANT history to win two Champions titles, having lifted the trophy with Evil Geniuses in 2023 and with NRG in 2025.

One stays, one leaves...

He moved to his current home before the 2025 campaign, during which he took on increased leadership responsibilities and ultimately captained NRG to a 3–2 Grand Final victory over Fnatic in Paris. This year, Ethan became the first VALORANT player to surpass the $500k career earnings mark.

Retaining Ethan on a multi-year deal signals continuity around the in-server leadership and mid-round structure that underpinned NRG’s 2025 resurgence. With their IGL and two-time champion secured, NRG can focus offseason resources on complementary pieces and incremental refinement rather than foundational change.

As previously reported by Sheep Esports, Sam “s0m” Oh will, for his part, not continue his journey with the team. NRG might therefore take a gamble and find a new gem to lead now profile to the top, just like in 2025 with Logan "Skuba" Jenkins and Adam "Mada" Pampuch.

For more roster and staff moves, follow our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.