Evil Geniuses Parts ways with Coach Zikz After Championship Victory
In a surprising turn of events, Evil Geniuses (EG) and assistant VALORANT coach Tony "Zikz" Gray have announced their separation on September 8th. This development comes shortly after Zikz played a pivotal role in EG's triumphant journey to victory at VALORANT Champions 2023.
Champion's Journey: Zikz's Impact on EG's Victory
Zikz's tenure with EG was relatively short, as he joined the team's coaching staff in November 2022 after departing from NRG. However, his impact was immediate and profound, culminating in a spectacular win at VALORANT Champions 2023. EG's thrilling run to victory included triumphs over LOUD in the lower final and Paper Rex in the grand finals, securing their place in VALORANT history.
Image Source: Valorant EsportsA Surprising Departure Raises Questions
The announcement of Zikz's departure has left Evil Geniuses fans both surprised and curious about his future plans. Zikz's departure hints at a possible move to a head coach position with another organization, as suggested by his cryptic message on social media. He expressed gratitude for his time with EG and hinted at an exciting "next journey" to pursue further success.
"There are countless memories that I will never forget for as long as I live. Love all of you and wish the best for you guys, but now I am onto my next journey to win another one," Zikz shared on Twitter.
Zikz's Remarkable Esports Journey
Zikz, at 30 years old, boasts a remarkable history in esports. He initially gained recognition as a head coach in the League of Legends' LCS from 2015 to 2021. In 2022, he made a successful transition to an assistant coach position in VALORANT. Despite calls from North American fans to return to League esports, Zikz has affirmed his commitment to the VALORANT scene.
Challenges in Finding a New Home
While Zikz's departure from Evil Geniuses has sparked speculation about his future as a head coach, potential challenges loom on the horizon. As of the time of writing, all major English-speaking teams in the VCT Americas League have head coaches signed until the end of 2024 or even 2025, according to the VCT global contract database. This means that organizations like Sentinels, 100 Thieves, Cloud9, or NRG would need to part ways with their current head coaches to make room for Zikz if he intends to take on a head coaching role in the Americas League next year.
EG's Future Coaching Staff and Roster Changes
EG's future coaching staff remains uncertain following Zikz's departure. It is unclear whether the organization plans to sign another assistant coach to assist Christine "Potter" Chi in leading the team. Additionally, EG made headlines recently by parting ways with its entire reserve roster on September 6th, leaving fans eager to see what direction the organization will take in the upcoming VALORANT seasons.
As the esports world eagerly awaits Zikz's "next journey," the VALORANT scene is poised for more excitement and competitive action in the months to come.