MAGNUM LFT as contract with BBL Esports comes to an end

As Martin "MAGNUM" Penkov’s contract nears its end, BBL Esports has given him the green light to explore opportunities heading into the offseason. While still in ongoing negotiations with BBL regarding the 2026 season, MAGNUM has officially announced that he is looking for a team.

Back in Form and Open to Offers

BBL picked up MAGNUM in March 2025. Although he was previously known for his work as a Sentinel, he stepped into a more flexible role within BBL’s lineup. Before joining the squad, MAGNUM had been teamless since VCT 2024 - EMEA Stage 2. In his LFT post on X, he reflected on the difficulties he faced last year and expressed how grateful he is to have found his form again.

Looking ahead, MAGNUM believes 2026 will be a pivotal year for many teams—and he’s confident that his experience and versatility can make an impact. He’s open to playing Sentinel, Initiator, or even re-rolling to fit a team’s needs. To be an IGL or second IGL is also on the table as he begins his search for a new squad. So far, MAGNUM has only competed in the EMEA league, but he’s now ready and willing to relocate if the project has the right vision.

Praise from Jamppi

In a past interview with THESPIKE.GG, BBL’s IGL Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen had high praise for MAGNUM, stating he was exactly the kind of player the team needed after Egor "chiwa" Stepanyuk was put on the bench. MAGNUM’s leadership and vocal presence on stage gave the team a much-needed spark. BBL made a strong push in Stage 2, advancing further than they had in any other VCT tournament this year.

“I think MAGNUM was exactly the player that we needed. He's done his job so well and he has improved massively in this team. Props to the coaches. I think his playstyle, his personality—he's just a perfect fit for us.” - Jamppi

Unfortunately, despite the momentum, BBL fell just short of qualifying for VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions. Their third-place finish in EMEA Stage 2 was a heartbreaker, as it looked like they were on track to secure the final slot for Paris.

Next for Magnum

With a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to adapt, MAGNUM is officially on the market. Teams in need of a proven, flexible, and experienced player—someone who can step into leadership or support roles—will no doubt keep a close eye on MAGNUM as a possible offseason move.

To stay updated on the latest roster changes across the regions, stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG.

Featured image credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games