George G. June 27, 2019
Brazilian rostermania is underway as MIBR has traded João “felps” Vasconcellos for Luminosity Gaming’s Lucas "LUCAS1" Teles. The star riflers will be swapped with immediate effect and on a temporary basis.
Rifler felps will be joining Luminosity Gaming after his brief return to the MIBR organization in January. Since then, MIBR has failed to rekindle the flame the team once had when it played under the Luminosity and SK Gaming banners. MIBR hasn’t won a significant event this year and has struggled with consistent performance. With the addition of LUCAS1, the team is looking to add to the considerable firepower the team already possesses.
Felps will now be rejoining former teammates in Lucas “steel” Lopes, Henrique “HEN1” Teles, Ricardo “boltz” Prass, and coach Rafael “zakk” Fernandes.
In exchange, LUCAS1 has signed for MIBR. He has previously played with the likes of Epitacio “TACO” de Melo on Games Academy in 2015. Prior to this, LUCAS1 teamed with Fernando “fer” Alvarenga and Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo on KaBuM.TD in 2014.
These roster moves come at a time where the Brazillian Counter-Strike: Global Offensive scene has seen a new challenger rise. FURIA Esports has fared well in international competition, moving higher and higher in the world rankings, while MIBR and Luminosity Gaming have slowly declined. FURIA Esports has recently signed their players to controversial five year contracts, so its players won't be going anywhere soon and will have huge buyouts to ensure this.
Per the coach of Luminosity Gaming Rafael “zakk” Fernandes, the team will not be competing in the upcoming IEM Chicago on July 18. However, MIBR will be in attendance as the team received a direct invite to the event.
Fans of MIBR can watch this new roster even earlier, as the team will be competing at ESL One Cologne on July 2.