After a series of major roster adjustments and massive changes to their coaching staff, 100 Thieves VALORANT is close to finalizing a strong roster for the upcoming 2022 season.
In the early 2021 season, the Los Angeles-based esports team was a fierce competitor and top contender in regional and global events. At one point, they were the only team to have beaten the then world’s number one team in Gambit Esports.
However, after a series of heartbreaking losses to lesser-known NA teams Cloud9 Blue and Rise in the North American Last Chance Qualifiers, the 100 Thieves dream fell apart.
Their LCQ failure led to the eventual release of then-coach Hector “FrosT” Rosario, substitute Quan “dicey” Tran, starter Aaron “b0i” Thao, former IGL (in-game leader) turned benched player Joshua “steel” Nissan, and starter and backup IGL Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella.
Joshua “steel” Nissan was one of the players released from 100 Thieves.
What Remains and Looking Forward
These major adjustments left the 100 Thieves VALORANT roster with very little to work with. 100 Thieves VALORANT retains founding member Spencer “Hiko” Martin, breakout star Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk, similarly prolific Ethan “Ethan” Arnold, and substitute Johann “seven” Hernandez.
While these players are still top tier, it is challenging to continue operating, practicing, and preparing for the upcoming VALORANT season without a complete team or a coach.
The 100 Thieves VALORANT staff have resolved one of those issues, reportedly promoting analyst Jovanni “Jovi” Vera to the head coach role. However, left without an IGL and 5th player, 100 Thieves have scrambled to put together a complete roster.
While nothing is official yet, reports suggest that 100 Thieves have outsourced an IGL from the dominant and leading EMEA (Europe, Middle, East, and Africa) region in Team Liquid’s former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive IGL Adam “ec1s” Eccles to fill the organizational void in their disheveled team.
What Happened to nitr0 and steel?
While 100 Thieves are actively rebuilding their VALORANT roster, seeking to return to their former glory, they have left top-tier players nitr0 and steel behind. These players are no ordinary releases, meaning that other similarly incomplete teams have these guys at the tops of their recruiting lists. What does this mean for American stars nitr0 and steel?
Unfortunately, American CSGO star turned VALORANT player nitr0 is out of professional play. While rumors circled around a potential return to CSGO under his former team, Team Liquid, following the uncertainty of his place in the 2022 100 Thieves VALORANT roster, no official statements have been made by him or Team Liquid to validate these claims.
On the other hand, steel has made a major career move within the realm of VALORANT. Made official in early December, steel was released from his contract with 100 Thieves to join the struggling T1 VALORANT roster. He will play as their IGL alongside former CSGO pros Timothy “autimatic” Ta and Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham.
With these significant adjustments, 100 Thieves VALORANT is looking to come back big in 2022. Will these changes be enough, or will established NA greats Sentinels and Envy still dominate the NA competitive scene?
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