EMEA teams face VISA issues days before VCT Kickoff

With only three days left before the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Kickoff, two EMEA teams are already dealing with unexpected challenges. VISA complications have disrupted plans for both BBL Esports and Apeks, potentially hindering their tournament performance.

BBL Esports: Losing Their Sentinel

BBL Esports faces a significant setback as Egor "chiwa" Stepanyuk, their sole Sentinel player, is unable to attend due to visa issues. Chiwa, a recent addition to the roster in October 2024, has played and practiced with the team throughout the entirety of the off-season. His absence leaves a gap in BBL’s defense and potential game plan.

In response, BBL has brought in Vakaris "vakk" Bebravičius from NASR Esports, a tier 2 team. Vakk has never played with the BBL lineup, making this a high-pressure debut. His ability to adapt and perform at the top level will be critical in offsetting chiwa's absence and ensuring BBL remains competitive.

Apeks: A Veil of Mystery

Apeks’ situation is equally complicated but has an added layer of intrigue. While they too are facing a VISA issue, the affected individual is yet to be revealed at the time of writing, as the team has kept the identity of their fifth player under wraps. Instead, Apeks has turned to their recently hired Strategic Coach, Chad "oderus" Miller, to step into the vacant spot temporarily.

Oderus, known for his time with Moist x Shopify as both a coach and later a player, brings a steady and reliable presence. While not a standout player, oderus specializes in the Sentinel role, making him a logical choice to bolster Apeks’ defensive setup.

A Trial of Adaptability

Both teams now face a test of resilience and adaptability as they prepare for the VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff. These last-minute changes will challenge their ability to synchronize and execute under pressure. Fans and analysts are keenly observing how these EMEA representatives will tackle adversity and showcase their mettle on the big stage.

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