BIG has officially welcomed Pavle "Maden" Bošković to their academy squad, where the experienced player will assume the role of in-game leader. This career shift comes after the 27-year-old hinted at his leadership ambitions back in May.
Bošković's most recent contract ended in March when fnatic placed him on the bench. He became a free agent the following month and had a brief stint with the illwill mix-team before the summer break.
The academy team has restructured its leadership structure by bringing in former Young Ninjas coach Daniel "sprayxd" Kogan, who replaces Timo "Spiidi" Richter. Richter stepped down to concentrate on his academic pursuits.
Reflecting on his decision, Bošković acknowledged that recent times haven't met his expectations, prompting this new direction. He expressed enthusiasm about finally pursuing his long-held desire to lead a team, viewing BIG as the ideal environment to begin this journey. The Montenegrin is eager to reinvent himself while developing the next generation of talent.
Roman "Roman R." Reinhardt, BIG's Chief Gaming Officer, emphasized that this represents a deliberate career choice for the former ENCE and Falcons player. Despite having opportunities to continue competing at the highest tier in different roles, Bošković chose to pursue his calling as an in-game leader.
Reinhardt praised the player's extensive top-level experience and personal qualities necessary for team leadership. He expressed confidence in this mutually beneficial arrangement, where young players gain from Bošković's expertise while he develops his captaincy skills with the organization's full support.
Bošković will guide a roster featuring two teenagers—16-year-old Nikolas "Hrdina" Hutira and 19-year-old Anton "doni" Savienkov—alongside 20-year-old Asim "aZe" Khodzhaev and veteran David "prosus" Hesse, who has experienced multiple promotions and demotions with BIG's main lineup since 2023.
