TACO announces return to competition

The two-time Major champion is ready to step back onto the server after going inactive in February.

Epitacio "⁠TACO⁠" de Melo has announced he is ready to continue his Counter-Strike career and is returning to the server as a free agent, with more information regarding his inactivity and his next steps to be revealed in the coming days.

TACO joined 00NATION in June 2022 when the organization acquired the GODSENT core. During his seven-month stint on the active roster, he averaged a 0.93 rating, attended IEM Cologne, and qualified for the IEM Rio Major Challengers Stage, notably exiting his home event with a 0-3 record.

He has been away from competition since February when he chose not to compete with 00NATION at ESL Pro League Season 17 due to "personal reasons," embarking on a hiatus from competition shortly thereafter.

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TACO to remain on sidelines for Major cycle: "My future is uncertain"

"I'm taking care of myself, improving, learning, so I can direct not only my life to the right place, but any decision that I will have to take in the future regarding my career," the 28-year-old had stated at the time. He had added that his future was uncertain even to himself, but after seven months of inactivity, now says he is ready to return.

"This period away from servers was extremely important to me," TACO said in his statement. "My entire trajectory, the last seven months, as well as the next steps, will be shared on my social media and on my stream during the following days and months."