Team Heretics has made a significant signing for the upcoming VALORANT season, securing Turkish flex player Mert “Wo0t” Alkan from Fire Flux Esports. Although Wo0t is currently 17 years old and ineligible to compete in the VCT, Heretics has reached a verbal agreement with him, planning to integrate him into the starting roster once he turns 18 in March 2024.
Heretics’ performance in 2023 highlighted the need for changes within the team. They benched former MVP zeek in an attempt to address their struggles, but ultimately finished eighth in the EMEA league with a 2-7 record. Their season ended with a close 2-1 loss to KOI in the Last Chance Qualifier. However, the late addition of benjyfishy for the LCQ showed promise for the team’s future.
As the off-season began, AvovA was also benched, leaving four players from the 2023 roster. With the addition of Wo0t, Heretics now has the potential for a new starting lineup, although specific roles have yet to be determined. Wo0t has primarily played as an initiator in recent tournaments, but his MVP performance in the Turkish league showcased his versatility with Neon, Jett, and Raze.
It is important to note that Wo0t will not be eligible to compete until after his 18th birthday on March 16, 2024, due to VCT rules. This means that Heretics will need to sign another player to fill in the same roles for the first few games of the regular season. However, they still have AvovA on their inactive roster as a potential option.
Only time will tell if Wo0t will make a significant impact in the franchised league, joining the ranks of other talented Turkish players like Alfajer and cNed. Regardless, his signing marks another exciting addition to the VALORANT scene.
Source: DOTESPORTS
