100 Thieves has officially removed the in-game leader Joshua “steel” Nissan from the starting lineup, promoting Aaron “b0i” Thao to the main roster for upcoming games.
The rumors of Steel stepping away from an active role in 100T were ripe following the team’s semifinal finish at the VCT Berlin Major earlier this month. The North American organization has finally confirmed the reports by bringing b0i to the starting five.
The team’s performance under Steel has remained commendable across various tournaments. 100 Thieves came out on top against many teams in Masters Berlin, including the series favorite and Stage 3 Masters Champions Gambit. However, the team failed to maintain its form against Envy in the Semi-finals. The Steel-led roster lost 0-2 to Envy, losing a direct spot for Valorant Champions.
The North American roster didn’t necessarily underperform, but it seems that the team is looking to do “something new,” according to Founder Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag.
“I love Josh, I think Steel is an incredible player, but the team just needed something different right now. This isn’t the end of Steel. This isn’t the end of his career. We just gotta try something different,” he said.
After earning his stripes in CSGO as a notable tactician and rifler, Steel continued his legacy in Riot’s shooter Valorant. The pro player quickly adjusted in Valorant’s animated universe, winning First Strike a few months after his switch. Steel has managed to bring 100 Thieves to the forefront of the North American Valorant scene in a short time. However, the loss at VCT Masters Berlin will see Steel bid farewell to the roster for now.
The organization hasn’t announced whether this change is permanent, but 100 Thieves has removed Steel as the primary substitute as well. Johann “sevvn” Hernandez has been named as the main sub for the upcoming games. It remains to be seen if Steel makes a comeback in 100 Thieves’ or moves on with another North American roster.
Whatever the case, the surviving VCT North America Last Chance qualifier tournament is on top of the 100 Thieves’ priorities. The team is entering with a new player with less practice and coordination as compared to other rosters.
This is 100 Thieves’ final chance to qualify for Valorant’s most significant event to date, Valorant Champions. The matches kick off on October 12.
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