The news comes at a difficult time. According to Sheep Esports sources, Dastan "dos9" Zhumagali is departing BOOM Esports to pursue opportunities with other tier 1 teams. The Kazakh Smoker had statistically been the team’s standout performer this year, recording a 1.19 rating during Stage 1 of the VCT Pacific—the third-highest across the entire league. Even in Stage 2, the Omen main maintained stronger numbers than his teammates, finishing with a 1.06 rating.

Losing dos9 is a significant blow for BOOM Esports, as the team now heads into the Ascension tournament, where its place in the VCT Pacific will once again be at stake. After narrowly losing the final of the 2024 promotion event, BOOM had secured a slot in the top regional league because of Bleed Esports’ financial collapse.

A disastrous Stage 2

BOOM’s first year at the top level since 2022 has been turbulent. Eliminated from the Kickoff without a single victory, the team rebounded in Stage 1 by topping its group with a flawless 5–0 record, defeating Paper Rex, Gen.G, or DRX. Yet, the playoff run unraveled just as quickly, with BOOM losing twice in succession and failing to advance a single round. Stage 2 proved even more punishing, as the team collapsed in the group stage, finishing with the exact opposite record: five defeats, no wins.

These results were insufficient to secure the organization a guaranteed second season in the league, though they still provide one final opportunity to climb back. The Ascension tournament will be held from October 13 to 26, with last year’s champion also returning. Nongshim RedForce—who acquired Sin Prisa Gaming after their promotion—has likewise endured a rocky integration into the VCT Pacific.