GIANTX isn’t changing their formula — just the people behind it. The organization has strengthened its coaching staff with a new face, as Nubar “Maxlore” Sarafian has been locked in as Assistant Coach for the 2026 season, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. He joins the staff once again led by André “Guilhoto” Guilhoto, alongside Rúben “Rhuckz” Barbosa, who was recently confirmed to remain with the organization.

Maxlore began his coaching career in 2025 with Solary, joining them ahead of the Spring Split. He brings with him over a decade of experience as a jungler, having competed for years at the highest level in Europe for teams such as GIANTS and Misfits in EU LCS. Notably, he was part of the 2018 Misfits roster that came within one game of taking down SK Telecom T1 in the Worlds 2018 quarterfinals, alongside Steven “Hans Sama” Liv.

Investing in the jungle

Although he comes with limited experience as a coach, he offers extensive knowledge as a former player. He is the second member of the GIANTX coaching staff with this kind of background and will bring a veteran’s perspective to the roster, much like Rhuckz. The latter known for his work as a positional coach with the botlane, GIANTX will likely aim to extend this kind of individual guidance to other players as well.

In 2025, Nicolas Pérez — now set to become the Head Coach of G2 Nord in the Prime League for 2026, as previously reported — worked closely with Adam "Jackies" Jeřábek and Ismaïl "ISMA" Boualem. Maxlore is expected to take over a similar role, adding his own expertise as a former player. The move fits perfectly with the comments Guilhoto made at the end of the Summer Split, reflecting on his team’s growth: “ISMA turned out to be a very good player. To me, he is the most improved player of this whole year.”

With ISMA continuing to develop within the team, GIANTX is doubling down on his potential and growth curve — a bet that may finally help the Spanish organization break past its glass ceiling of fifth place, where it’s been stuck for all three splits of the season.

GIANTX's reported 2026 LEC roster:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.