The Kansas City Pioneers are in discussions to sign former Andbox player Noah “JcStani” Smith and former Luminosity player Brady “thief” Dever to kick start the rebuild of the organization’s VALORANT team, multiple sources told Upcomer Oct. 5.
Pioneers are also attempting to sign Built by Gamers player Tristan “Critical” Trinacty, according to sources. He is currently under contract, but Pioneers have tried to play with him during practice. Built by Gamers is yet to finalize their decision regarding Critical, which leaves the player in limbo. Pioneers was one of the few teams other than TSM that were granted permission to trial with Critical, according to one source.
Jason “jmoh” Mohandessi will likely remain on the roster. Former Andbox player Sebastian “seb” Bucki is an option for Pioneers to finalize the roster alongside Jamal “jammyz” Bangash. The final spot on the roster is currently undecided.
Pioneers benched three of their starting players in September following the conclusion of the BoomTV Proving Grounds Finals. The catalyst of the changes was the removal of Chad “Oderus” Miller on Sept. 10. He is linked with a move to Version1 following the transfer of in-game leader Anthony “vanity” Malaspina to Cloud9, as first reported by Upcomer.
Pioneers did not qualify for the Last Chance Qualifier, which begins later this month. The event is the final shot for teams to earn Champions qualification, the most anticipated VALORANT event of the year. If the former Pioneers player joins Version1, he will play for the side during the tournament.
Most North American teams will likely make significant changes to their VALORANT rosters following the conclusion of the Last Chance Qualifier. The new VCT season will begin next year with significant improvements in production, more events but without franchising, as reported by Upcomer.
If Pioneers sign thief, JcStani and Critical the organization will field the following roster:
- Thief
- JcStani
- Critical
- Jmoh
- Daniel “fRoD” Montaner (coach)
