TL;DR
- Complexity Gaming officially released Owen ‘oBo’ Schlatter from contractual obligations after four months on the bench
- The separation stems from oBo’s abrupt departure during ESL Pro League Season 12, creating team instability
- Despite signing jks from 100 Thieves, Complexity continues struggling in world rankings
- oBo maintains strong market value with 1.11 rating despite recent inactivity
- The 17-year-old remains open to international opportunities despite NA preference

After months of speculation, Complexity Gaming has formally terminated its contractual relationship with rising star Owen “oBo” Schlatter, marking a significant roster shift for the North American organization.
The decision concludes a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the talented rifler’s status, finally providing clarity for both the player and the competitive community.
Today we are announcing the release of Owen @oBoCSGO Schlatter.
We’d like to thank him for all his contributions to #COLCS and wish him the very best for the future. #WeAreCOL pic.twitter.com/comxTysDbu
— Complexity Gaming (@Complexity) January 29, 2021
This official statement via Twitter represents more than just a roster update—it signals the end of an era for Complexity’s once-promising lineup and opens new possibilities for the young player’s career development.
The separation timeline reveals critical insights into professional esports management. While Complexity demonstrated respectable performance throughout 2020, the turning point emerged during ESL Pro League Season 12 preparations when oBo expressed hesitation about continuing European competition.
Management had acknowledged the player’s desire to return stateside and proposed post-tournament accommodations, but these negotiations proved insufficient to prevent his last-minute withdrawal.
Common mistake: Many organizations underestimate the psychological impact of extended international travel on younger players. Teams should implement comprehensive support systems for athletes competing abroad, including regular mental health check-ins and family communication facilitation.
The contractual limbo that followed created challenges for both parties—Complexity maintained roster flexibility while oBo’s career progression stalled during peak development years.
Practical tip: Organizations facing similar situations should establish clear bench protocols specifying practice access, streaming rights, and timeline expectations to prevent prolonged uncertainty.
oBo’s formal departure creates minimal immediate tactical impact given his extended absence, but symbolizes deeper organizational challenges. Complexity’s early 2021 performance has revealed systemic issues beyond individual roster changes.
The acquisition of Justin “jks” Savage from 100 Thieves ahead of BLAST Premier Fall represented a significant investment, yet the team continues underperforming against lower-ranked opposition.
Optimization insight: Top-tier organizations often struggle with integrating new talent during mid-season transitions. Effective team building requires 4-6 weeks of dedicated practice focusing on role integration and communication systems.
- Complexity signs 100 Thieves’ jks ahead of BLAST Premier Fall
World ranking decline often results from multiple factors including leadership transitions, strategic inconsistencies, and individual performance fluctuations—not singular roster decisions.
Complexity releases oBo from roster
oBo’s rise through Complexity’s ranks demonstrated exceptional early-career achievement. Joining at just fifteen years old under Benjamin “blameF” Bremer’s leadership, the prodigy developed within a structured professional environment for eighteen months.
During his tenure, the impact rifler contributed significantly to the squad’s ascent into global top-five contention throughout 2020, showcasing remarkable growth potential.
Despite recent absence from competitive play, his statistical profile remains impressive with a 1.11 rating attracting attention from established organizations seeking young, proven talent.
Advanced analysis: Player ratings above 1.10 consistently correlate with franchise-level potential, making oBo one of the most intriguing free agents currently available.
The player’s stated preference for North American residency doesn’t eliminate European opportunities, as he’s expressed willingness to participate in extended bootcamps and temporary European residency for competitive opportunities.
The esports community now watches closely to see how oBo navigates his next career phase. At seventeen years old, he possesses both competitive experience and developmental upside rarely available in the professional market.
Practical consideration: Young players returning from extended breaks should prioritize gradual reintegration through smaller tournaments rather than immediate top-tier competition to rebuild confidence and form.
For Complexity, the focus shifts to stabilizing current roster performance and addressing underlying issues affecting team cohesion. The organization must determine whether additional changes are necessary or if current personnel can develop the necessary synergy with proper coaching support.
Time estimate: Organizations typically require 2-3 months to fully evaluate roster changes and implement strategic adjustments effectively.
As the CS:GO competitive landscape evolves, both Complexity’s restructuring efforts and oBo’s free agency journey will provide valuable insights into professional esports management and player career development.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate team communication systems and implement structured feedback protocols
- Establish clear bench player development programs including practice access and competitive opportunities
- Develop mental health support systems for players competing internationally
- Create performance evaluation frameworks that balance statistical metrics with team contribution assessment
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