Imperial Esports go straight to First Strike with the signing of mix

Brazilian organization Imperial Esports are best known for their Crossfire team, though they also field a notable roster in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. They’ve now entered the VALORANT scene, and what do you know, they’ve already found a spot in First Strike.

Imperial have signed the lineup formerly known as mix: Lucas "rsT" Franco, Arthur "tuyz" Andrade Viera, Kayke "Evilkyk" Arrais, João Victor "Biscot1n" Vieira Melo, and Sergio "txddy1" Oliveira. The players previously played under the banner of InGaming, with whom they finished second in the Esportsmaker Spike Series. After departing the organization, they had a great First Strike qualifier run, knocking off RED Canids in a 3-map series that included the team’s 13-1 domination on Split. This qualified them for First Strike, where they’ll now be representing Imperial.

Biscot1n has been playing as the team’s Jett, with tuyz also taking up a fragging role, often on Raze, txddy playing Cypher, rsT on the smokes, and Evilkyk usually playing Sova. Interestingly, they’ve been playing a double sentinel composition on Split, with txddy’s Cypher and Evilkyk swapping to Killjoy. It’s worked, as they’ve only ever lost the map once with the composition. Perhaps we’ll see more teams picking this up, and more innovation out of this particular squad, as we head into First Strike.

Imperial Esports probably aren’t a favourite to win the whole thing. But just making it to First Strike is a big accomplishment, and Imperial will be happy to get their name out there in the biggest VALORANT event yet.

Imperial Esports are:

Lucas “rsT” Franco Arthur “tuyz” Andrade Viera Kayke “Evilkyk” Arrais João Victor “Biscot1n” Viera Melo txddy

phonics (Coach)