FunPlus Phoenix have decided to transfer list two of their players ahead of a roster revamp. Tobias “ShadoW” Flodström and Dmitriy “dimasick” Matvienko are no longer part of the team’s active roster. The VALORANT team failed to find major success for the entirety of VCT in 2021.

I really hate goodbyes, especially when it's about very talented players. Unfortunately, it did not work out for us.@dimasickCSGO and @Shadowlolz are some of the best players in the world at their roles, but it's time we make some changes and start fresh for the next season. https://t.co/TuOknIgUU7

— Petar Peca Markovic (@pecagg) August 26, 2021

Lack of VCT Success Leads to Changes

FunPlus Phoenix was considered to be one of the most promising VALORANT rosters in Europe. Under the leadership of esports veteran Kirill “ANGE1” Karasiow, FPX was destined for success. Unfortunately, as we know, FPX’s 2021 was riddled with losses at all the wrong stages and at the worst possible times.

Most recently, FPX made it to the EMEA Challengers Playoffs of Stage 3 VCT. There, ANGE1 and co. overcame Fire Flux Esports, but were cut short by SuperMassive Blaze (who made it to Masters Berlin). In the Lower Bracket, forZe emerged as the better team and eliminated FPX from the event.

If we rewind a couple months back, all the way to VCT Stage 1 where each region had their own distinct event, FPX was the closest ever to getting their first major victory in VALORANT. However, in the semifinals, a 2-1 loss to Acend saw them drop out of the event in a respectable 3rd-4th spot.

Lastly, FPX made it into the EMEA Finals ahead of Masters Reykjavik at Stage 2. There, dimasick‘s former side was stunned by Gambit in the Decider Match of Group A. This led to one of the favorites of Group A to not make it into the semifinals.

Despite all of the aforementioned results not technically being failures, they mark FunPlus Phoenix’ shortcomings throughout 2021. Lack of EU representation at either Reykjavik nor Berling is a huge blow for a team that was at the beginning of the year considered one of the strongest VALORANT sides in Europe.

With the benching of dimasick and ShadoW, FPX are now:

• Kirill “ANGE1” Karasiow
• Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky
• Pontus “Zyppan” Eek
• Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren (Coach)

Remember to follow us at Run it Back and join our Discord for all your latest news, extensive guides, and exclusive interviews in the world of VALORANT.