DRX Flashback retires from VALORANT days before VCT 2026 Kickoff

Just days before the start of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Kickoff, DRX have confirmed the sudden retirement of Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk. The 20-year-old spent his entire VALORANT career under the DRX banner, and now has chosen to step away from competitive play entirely to “re-center his life” after three years in the professional scene.

DRX Announce Flashback’s Retirement

In a statement released on social media, DRX VALORANT shared the news with fans, emphasizing that Flashback himself approached the organization at the end of the 2025 VCT OFF//Season to discuss his future. After internal discussions between management, coaches, and teammates, DRX respected his decision to retire.

“Following the conclusion of the 2025 VCT OFF//SEASON, Flashback approached our management to discuss his future… all parties have ultimately agreed to support Flashback’s decision. While his departure is sudden, we respect his transparency… and believe it is in his best interest – as an individual, not just a player – for us to support him through this transition.”

Flashback also released a heartfelt message on his personal social media, offering both apology and gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.

“I’m so sorry for causing so much damage due to my own issues over this time. I feel like I’ve been a poor player right up to the end… I will retire as a player here, but I desperately hope that DRX wins it all this year. It makes me so happy that my first team and last team was DRX.”

Note: The above statements were translated from Korean to English using Grok AI.

A One-Team Career with Notable Highs

Flashback’s journey with DRX began in DRX Prospects before he earned promotion to the main team ahead of VCT 2024, to compete in VCT 2024 - Pacific Kickoff. Though he spent VCT 2024 - Pacific Stage 1 on the bench due to personal reasons, he returned for VCT 2024 - Pacific Stage 2 to help DRX secure a second-place finish, matching their best-ever regional performance.

2025 was a much better season for the team. They won VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Kickoff and capped off the season with a strong third-place finish at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions, marking one of the organization’s most successful international runs.

Hermes Steps In

To fill the vacancy, DRX have signed Ahn "Hermes" Byeong-wook from FearX. Hermes spent 2025 competing in Japan’s Challengers scene, and his promotion to tier-one play marks a major step up in competition.

It remains unclear whether this signing is permanent or temporary, as DRX continue to evaluate long-term options heading into the 2026 season. For now, the focus shifts to their upcoming matches.

Click HERE to learn more about the Pacific Kickoff structure and format. For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Riot Games