T1’s Valorant squad parted ways with two of their original team members only days after signing Timothy “autimatic” Ta. This move confirmed speculations made after an image circulated online showing T1’s roster without Braxton “brax” Pierce and Keven “AZK” Larivière.
The organization broke the news with a goodbye video on Twitter explaining the situation around the team, and why they were parting ways with the Valorant team’s two founding members. In the video, Head Coach David Denis stated they are allowing Brax to pursue other opportunities in Valorant. AZK, meanwhile, simple said, “his time with T1 has come to an end.”
T1 has had their fair share of struggles in competitive Valorant. After a red hot start in the scene, winning the Twitch Rivals: Valorant North America Launch Showdown, it’s been all downhill. In the North America First Strike Tournament, they were swept by 100 Thieves and are currently sitting in 16th place in the Valorant Champions Tour.
Today we say our goodbyes to @brax1wnl and @AZKcs_.
Thank you for being such an integral part of T1 VALORANT – best of luck in your future endeavours & we'll see you on the server! pic.twitter.com/maNryDGNxl
— T1 (@T1) February 8, 2021
Denis added that these changes are necessary for both parties moving forward, and that the team is moving in a different direction. With autimatic’s departure from Counter Strike: Global Offensive and his reunion with former teammate Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham, T1’s new path is starting to take shape. However, the team is still short one of the five players needed to fill a Valorant roster.
Brax and AZK are now both free agents with long resumes throughout their Counter Strike and Valorant careers. Brax is a 24-year-old who specializes in using the Operator sniper rifle and playing Jett, while 29-year-old AZK generally plays utility characters like Breach and Omen.
With the Valorant Championship Tour underway, these players will be looking for new homes. To see what happens to both of them, be sure to stay tuned to Daily Esports for all your Valorant news and stories.
