VP adds yek1ndar to CSGO roster amid slump, buster is out

Virtus.pro has made a change to its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive roster following almost a year of underperformances from a former AVANGAR team that once made the finals of the StarLadder Berlin Major. The team has moved Timur “buster” Tulepov to the bench, saying that the rifler will return to the active roster soon. 

In his place, VP has brought in rifler Dmitry “yek1ndar” Lemeshchuk from PRO100 to fill in for buster during his time away from the team. Virtus.pro made the announcement earlier on Twitter, along with several other additions to their CSGO management team.

Virtus.pro has brought on two additional members to their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team, including Alexey “Flatra” Zlobich as the team’s second coach. Maxim “MaAd” Goncharov also joined the team in a support capacity, adding an analytical psychologist to Virtus.pro’s roster.

Virtus.pro looks to return to form in CSGO

VP hasn’t had the best run of form since their grand finals appearance in Berlin, dropping from a number three world ranking to a low of 24 on May 11. The exact easons for their current slump are difficult to pin down, but buster’s removal from the team might hint at interpersonal difficulties, especially considering buster’s performance. With a 1.12 rating over the past three months, buster had been one of Virtus.pro’s top performers throughout the team’s ongoing slump, making him an odd choice for benching unless something was going on within the team’s camp.

Virtus.pro’s next match comes at the BLAST Premier qualifier, where they will face off against 1WIN for the chance to compete in the Summer season of BLAST’s ongoing tournament league. VP’s matchup against 1WIN will take place on May 25 at 7:00 a.m. EST.