Belfast Storm has announced the Signing of Seth “Xetherato” Jackson, who has returned from hiatus, and Shane “Shane” McGlinchey, from Viperio Academy, to their Counter-Strike Roster.
Recently announcing his retirement on X, Luke “Nem” Mear will be one of the players making way for the new additions. Nem was one of the first names to join Belfast Storm when the organisation returned to CS with the Halal5 core. With Nem leaving, only Conner “Finui” Finucane and Joe “Dexie” Demmon remain from that initial lineup.
A legend of the UK scene and an absolute pleasure to have representing Belfast Storm.
A larger than life character and someone that will be missed greatly here.
Thank you @NemCsgo pic.twitter.com/zMF9Rwkqic
— Belfast Storm (@Belfaststorm) March 21, 2025
The other player leaving Belfast Storm is the relative newcomer, Tristan “Stop_it” Ellis. Only joining Belfast Storm just before the start of UKIC Season 5, replacing Karl-Hendrik “Tsutskam” Palu, his tenure on Belfast Storm was brief. As “Stop_it” departs Belfast Storm his highlight with the org is their top 6 placing at EPIC 44, his future is unclear.
Xetherato makes his return to the UK scene after last mixing Gamerfest in May 2024 with the Kings and Queens lineup, which contained the likes of ALASKA IGL, Tom “arTisT” Clarke, and Binman Joshua “Dweg” Nathan. This Kings and Queens roster would ultimately be eliminated from title contention in the semi-finals of Gamerfest by three members of Halal5 Kuba “Kas” Capala, Dexie, and Nem. Xetherato now links up with Dexie on Belfast Storm whilst Nem Steps down.
Xetherato previously played in the top flight of UK CS in 2020 on UMX. This was the breakout team for players Matas “Extinct” Strumila, Tom “arTisT” Clarke and Callum “Girafffe” Jones, who currently make up the core of ALASKA. It appears he still has what it takes after boasting a 1.4 rating from EPIC.LAN 44 after he finished 9th-12th.
Xetherato had positive things to say about Belfast Storm and less positive things to say about Alex “Edeninho” Holder:
After a 2 year hiatus playing with talent “Edeninho” I’m happy to return to playing with good players! I’ve known Finui, Joe [dexie] and Freddie [GrimyRannarr] for many many years and I’m looking forward to seeing what new heights we can reach together. Speaking with those about Belfast Storm as an organisation, only positive words have been said. A passion driven organisation that puts people first! So yeah I’m looking forward to inflicting mental damage to our opponents on and off the server!
The other player to be joining Belfast Storm is ex-Viperio Academy in-game leader Shane. Shane‘s addition comes after Viperio allowed their academy roster to explore other options. Shane joins Belfast Storm after a series of mixed results with Viperio Academy. The highlight was back-to-back top-eight finishes at EPIC.LAN 43 and 44, but the low was coming dead last in UKIC Season 5 Division 1 with a singular win over CTRL ALT DEFEAT. Their ESEA season bore more fruit as they came tenth in ESEA Intermediate’s regular season, automatically re-qualifying for ESEA Main.
Similarly, Shane had very positive things to say about joining Belfast Storm:
Belfast storm have always been interesting to me having reached LAN finals, it shows the org is capable of supporting the team well.
Finui is a very respectable IGL and I look forward learning things from him and improving as a unit.
There is also a very good amount of talent on the roster in dexie, Devi and Seth so it’s exciting to join.
Freddie is also a very supportive coach which is always a huge benefit in a team.
Ultimately, Shane had a statement of intent to close his words, simply:
Excited to win.
Belfast Storm are now:
Conner “Finui” Finucane
Joe “Dexie” Demmon
Lucian “devi” Manolache
Seth “Xetherato” Jackson
Shane “Shane” McGlinchey
Join us in welcoming 2 players to our Belfast Storm Counterstrike roster:@shane_cs2 @the_Xeth
Talent, skill, brains…
They may not have that yet but we’ll make sure they will soon!
See you in the server! pic.twitter.com/nUzla1gCsa
— Belfast Storm (@Belfaststorm) April 1, 2025
Disclaimer: Editor-in-chief Freddie Pritchard works as a coach for Belfast Storm.
The post Belfast Storm Sign Xetherato – No, This Isn’t an April Fools’ Joke appeared first on UKCSGO.
