On August 6, 2023, superstar Valorant player for LOUD Erick “aspas” Santos was absent at the post-match press conference following the team’s defeat to DRX
at VCT Champions.
One of the best players in the world, aspas, is unwell and “not healthy,” but it’s “nothing serious,” according to LOUD teammates Matias “Saadhak” Delipetro and Felipe “Less” Basso.
The news follows LOUD’s dramatic loss to DRX in their opening match of VCT Champions, which saw the Brazilian team continue their poor run of form. LOUD lost 2-1 to DRX despite a strong performance from aspas. He put up impressive numbers with 174 average damage per round and 14 first kills, the joint-highest out of all players in the match, according to
VLR.gg.
Following the loss to DRX, LOUD is set to face off against Team Liquid in the first elimination match of Group D. The Valorant Champions could be sent home early, which would guarantee a new champion of the VCT this year.
LOUD face roster uncertainty with aspas health issues
With the Brazilian team’s dwindled form this year, the roster could lose aspas in the future, according to a report from journalist Rod “Slasher” Breslau.
Slasher said that the other LOUD players were dissatisfied with aspas’ commitment to the team and has had too much “outside influence,” which has affected his practice regime.
Slasher speculated that with aspas’ supposed departure, he could reunite with his former teammates Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi and Bryan “pANcada” Luna. The pair joined Sentinels from LOUD in October last year.
He suggested that Sentinels could be tempted to sign aspas in the off-season following VCT Champions if Tyson “TenZ” Ngo leaves the team.
At the time of publication, Sentinels, like most other teams, are yet to finalize any roster moves, according to sources close to WIN.gg.
Valorant
Valorant
Valorant
Valorant
Valorant
Valorant
![VCT Champions 2026 Power Ranking [Best Valorant Teams Ranked]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/vct-champions-2026-power-ranking.jpg.webp)
Valorant