steel: "If there is an opportunity to play... I would absolutely consider it"

Only a few months ago many would consider Josh "steel" Nissan returning to compete in CS2 at a high level a fantasy. The 34-year-old has been around the block more than a few times in VALORANT, Counter-Strike: Source, and CS:GO, not to mention his recent focus on broadcast work.
However, with steel receiving the news at the start of the year that he would be finally unbanned from Valve events, it has expanded opportunities for the Canadian IGL immensely, with his return on Undone being a product of an open future.
NA to Z CS2's Mnmzzz spoke to steel in an extended interview following his team's win over MIGHT, discussing the tournament, where steel's heart is at in 2025, and what he has learned from a career of pivotal and consequential decisions, among other topics.

[@Bobo50centpvp]

Lets not forget that after his semi unban, every roster Steel ended up leading, all punched way above their weight. Pretty much all players he played with had their best performance under him. And he most likely would've been picked up by the best NA teams if not for the ban. Obviously were a couple years down the road, and things have changed a bit. But so far on Undone he seems like a good fragging IGL, and over the years all his (CS, I dont follow Valorant) teams have shown steady progression. I Sometimes watch his stream, or when I see him on the broadcast he still seems to have a very good mind for the game. Still think he is one of the best NA IGL's and if after ten years he could still lead a top NA team, and make a major, that'd be worthy to write a book about.

[@teratoidmaple]

Chaos EC man 😢😢

[@mart1n10601]

This guy literally threw games for thousands of dollars of skins. he should NEVER have an opportunity to play pro again. period. Disgrace to the game and comp scene.

[@teratoidmaple]

@@mart1n10601 1, it was for a couple hundred dollars (not that it matters much) 2, they WERE given harsh punishments off the back of the scandal. We should be able to forgive people that have wronged if they express genuine remorse and actually self reflect. Let's not forget there were probably dozens of players globally who did this and never got caught because Valve thought extreme punishment against 1 team for violation of competitive integrity would be enough to prevent all players from doing it ever.

[@gotrice5]

@@mart1n10601 Not to excuse Steel but that was one of the least important matches as well as the scene was not fleshed out like it is today. Players were not being paid that great and alot of sacrifice to even sustain a pro career for alot of players were rough. It was 2014, eSports was just gaining more popularity. Hell, if I remember correctly, the iBP team did not receive ANY salary and the only support they got was travel funding and a few sponsors (equipment), but everything else was on their dime. A couple thousands might seem small today, but in 2014, it was alot for just "playing video games". Ironically, the throwing/gambling scene is even worse today than it ever was, but go on and spout nonsense without knowing the situation. It's apples and oranges 2014 vs 2024 eSports scene.

[@mart1n10601]

@@gotrice5 too long, didn't read. frdaiy night bro, go outside not defend some trash cheater in a comment section

[@packers256]

Josh you haven't aged in like 12 yrs

[@prodcatastrophe]

This is one of the more exciting teams to watch in NA for 2025 tbh

[@Chris-sf2lk]

Glad hes finally able to compete again. He didnt murder anyone, no need to ban him for a lifetime. Valve made a mistske with banning all of them for so long.

[@tech4172]

Glad too see steel back RankS days were awesome

[@CrisperSR]

great interview!

[@SouleSpark]

OpTic Gaming should go after him to keep him competing he deserves to play at a major!

[@SouleSpark]

OpTic Ska makes sense he is a sniper. Both these guys are MLG.

[@TYLERLOVESBMX1]

still a top talent. the man can do whatever he puts his mind to. no matter the position, role or job at hand steel can get it done. i have no doubt in my mind he will be playing in a major playoff in 2025. smarter than everyone else on the server and still dominates FPL with firepower alone top fragging consistently.

[@AMRBB-LFG]

lets go steel.... i still believe! make a stack with dazed

[@sthlmfps]

xD

[@LLsunflower]

👑

[@ProdigyFPS.]

3:00 "what was it like getting back on the bicycle for you?" if you know, you know 😭

[@teratoidmaple]

Boxr merch 🔥🔥🔥

[@mote790]

NA cs revival

[@jadenjaden1151]

na needs u

[@macieqz90]

Bro is 34 what he wants to plaY KEKW

[@FeintMotion]

Made it into Chally over a bunch of 5 grand a month 20 somethings so what of it

[@brians5232]

I'm genuinely asking -- why do we forgive this guy for match fixing? I wasn't following CS at the time for it, but in my opinion its the greatest sin in esports. Why does Steel get a pass?

[@73i94L]

Part of it is cult of personality, people like him and the "what if" he never got banned will always play into people's minds. To be fair to him, as well, he has repaid his debts. He's shows his remorse. If you haven't already, I would watch his reflections with thorin and his interviews with Richard Lewis. Maybe they won't change your mind but you might at least get to see a different perspective of him/how he's changed

[@chimnhy8768]

I second what 73i94L has said. I got into CS soon after that match fixing scandal was exposed. He's repaid his debt to the scene and he has directly apologized for his mistakes multiple times throughout the past decade. He deserves the opportunity to play again and try his luck in pro CS.

[@thedeleted1337]

The match that was fixed happed Aug of 2014, and the ban was placed in Jan of 2015. He's served his time, and on top of that he was the only good NA IGL pro aside from seangares.

[@ArtsyJustin]

@@73i94L 100% agree. I used to hate the guy for what he did but he has paid his debt and is genuinely remorseful. I like him now. He's been great on broadcasts and has just become an open and honest person. And besides people like Forsaken are 1000 times worse. The only people Steel and Co hurt besides themselves were gambling junkies.

[@colonelblars9126]

a tiger never changes his stripes. this dude is great at lying, he lied for like 7 months before Richard Lewis leaked the texts from DBorn's ex girlfriend that proved they threw it. he's been lying about the remorse. the dude is an absolute snake and we don't need him poisoning another generation of NA talent.

[@mart1n10601]

This guy literally threw games for thousands of dollars of skins. he should NEVER have an opportunity to play pro again. period. Disgrace to the game and comp scene.

[@juanme555]

he gave all of it back, just between 2015 and 2016 he gave away at least 5000$ in giveaways.

[@mart1n10601]

@@juanme555 he made much more than 5k in skins... he only gave back a fraction of what he won.

[@juanme555]

@@mart1n10601 no he didnt, the bet was ridiculous, they all got less than 8k in skins each

[@trouble3172]

@@mart1n10601no he did not lmao what do you think this was

[@trouble3172]

He threw one game, of a random online tournament, it’s been ten years, you have no idea what you are talking about you do not get to decide if he’s a disgrace or not

[@colonelblars9126]

Pls volvo, do not unban him.