Global Esports, a Pacific team in VALORANT, is quietly having a strong offseason as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season. The organization has made several impressive signings for the 2024 season, and they have now added another promising player from Indonesia to their core.
The fourth addition to Global Esports’ roster is Gary “blaZek1ng” Dastin, an Indonesian initiator formerly of BOOM Esports. Known for his standout performance at Champions 2022 and a semifinal finish at Ascension Pacific, blaZek1ng has established himself as a top initiator player in the region and is eager to prove himself in the tier-one scene.
Global Esports seems to be building a mixed roster with a different approach compared to last year. In 2023, the team aimed to combine up-and-coming Korean talent with Indian prospects, but with limited success. Now, they are still looking to mix Indian players with talents from other regions, focusing on countries like Singapore and Indonesia, which have produced some of the best VALORANT players.
The team’s first offseason signing was Benedict “Benkai” Tan from Paper Rex, followed by the return of Indian player Abhirup “Lightningfast” Choudhury. The addition of former Guild Esports player Russel “Russ” Mendes surprised many. With the inclusion of blaZek1ng, Global Esports is almost complete, adding a dominant initiator who can also flex into other roles if needed.
While blaZek1ng is known for his Sova play, he adapted to controller and sentinel roles during his time with BOOM Esports in 2023. Throughout his career, he played Sova in 59 percent of his matches but did not touch the initiator role in Ascension Pacific. Nonetheless, he showcased his talent and led his team to secure the region’s only spot at Ascension by winning Split Two and reaching the semifinals.
Given that Global Esports already has two strong sentinel players in Benkai and Russ, blaZek1ng’s role on the team may involve playing as a controller or initiator, depending on the final signing. This flexibility adds an intriguing aspect to the roster move for the 2024 season. The importance of flexibility was evident in the 2023 season, with teams like Evil Geniuses and Paper Rex excelling in this regard.
Acquiring an experienced player like blaZek1ng, who has succeeded in multiple roles and led his team to victory, could be crucial for Global Esports’ quest for more wins in the upcoming season.
Source: DOTESPORTS
