Team Vitality continues reshaping its roster ahead of the next VCT EMEA stage. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, the French organization has secured the signing of Blendi “kovaQ” Kovaci. The Swiss–Albanian Duelist and flex player is probably replacing Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel, whose departure marks the end of a year-long chapter with the Bees. He is joining the team alongside Bartosz "UNFAKE" Bernacki, as reported earlier.

The Bees bet on youth and talent

kovaQ has spent the past year making a name for himself in the DACH region with ALTERNATE aTTaX. After short stints with KVM and Sissi State Punks, he joined aTTaX in late 2023 and quickly became one of the most consistent performers in the VCL. Known for his sharp aim and calm under pressure, kovaQ maintained a rating above 1.15 over more than 100 official matches, frequently topping leaderboards on Duelist and Sentinel roles alike. In 2023, he helped his team win Project V Split 1 and pushed them into playoff contention throughout both splits of the regional league. Though untested at the VCT level, his raw numbers and flexibility have drawn attention for over a year, and Vitality decided not to wait.

For Vitality, kovaQ’s signing is another calculated bet on youth and momentum. The team opened 2025 with a bang, winning the VCT EMEA Kickoff and reaching the semifinals in Bangkok. But internal challenges and evolving roles made Sayf’s position less stable over time, prompting the org to seek fresh energy. In pairing kovaQ with fellow newcomer Unfake, Vitality is handing the keys to two rising prospects with little top-tier experience — and a lot to prove. It’s a high-risk move in a ruthless league, but one that speaks to the Bees’ ambition: build a future before the rest of the region catches up.