Vision Strikers’ Zest takes prolonged medical leave

Vision Strikers player Kim “Zest” Gi-seok has taken prolonged medical leave, the organization has announced. 

His prolonged leave is due to arising health issues which are yet to be disclosed to the public. 

[VS Announcement] pic.twitter.com/tQ9X79FWAn

— DRX VS (@DRX_VS) July 13, 2021

Zest is yet to start for the seven-man Vision Strikers roster in the Korean VALORANT Championship Tour Stage 3 Challengers, which began July 3. He made his most recent appearance for the side during the Stage 2 Challengers in May. Vision Strikers lost to NUTURN in the semi finals, missing out on qualification to the Stage 2 Masters in Reykjavík. 

The organization has fielded Yu “BuZz” Byung-chul, Lee “k1Ng” Seung-won, Kim “MaKo” Myeong Gwan, Kim “stax” Gu-taek and Goo “Rb” Sang-Min in their first four matches of VCT Stage 3. 

Lakia’s potential promotion

Questions have arisen regarding newcomer Kim “Lakia” Jong-min, who is yet to play for the side since his return on July 1. But the Vision Strikers coaching staff believe that “synergy” is an important factor in the decision to potentially promote Lakia, communications manager John Ryu told Upcomer. 

“The coaching staff want to develop more synergy with the rest of the squad,” he said. 

Vision Strikers are one match away from earning one of the first seeds for the main group stage, which will determine whether the Korean side can earn qualification for Playoffs. The side are set to face off against ‘GochuGaru’ on July 16, while DAMWON Gaming and NUTURN can each earn a first seeded placement, also. 

The main group stage, which begins shortly after, will determine which eight teams will qualify for Playoffs, which begin August 5. The top two teams will then qualify for Stage 3 Masters in Berlin, Germany. 

Two teams from Korea can earn direct qualification for VALORANT Champions, which is similar in stature to the League of Legends World Championships. There is also one last chance qualifier for the tournament in Asia.