Team Vitality had a difficult time in the group stage of VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA Stage 2, failing to meet their high expectations. The squad achieved a 2–3 record, narrowly securing the final playoff spot. With the roster change window opening ahead of the playoffs, Team Vitality's management saw an opportunity. After careful consideration, they decided that a roster adjustment was necessary to strengthen the team for a deep run on home soil at Champions. They announced in a press release that former in-game leader Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel would rejoin Team Vitality as a sixth member for the remainder of the VCT season.

Earlier in the season, he had transitioned to the in-game leader role for Vitality and quickly delivered results. Under his leadership, Team Vitality claimed the VCT EMEA Kickoff 2025 title and secured a top-four finish at Masters Bangkok. These achievements established Vitality as an early powerhouse in 2025. Sayf, a 24-year-old Swedish player renowned for his firepower and strategic acumen, played a pivotal role in this success, effortlessly assuming the role of shot caller and guiding the team to international contention.

A Mid-Season Slump and Brief Departure

Maintaining that momentum proved challenging. In Stage 1 of the 2025 season, Vitality found it difficult to replicate their initial success. Despite being favourites, the team won only two matches in the group stage and were eliminated early in the playoffs. Sayf himself experienced a dip in performance during this period, and the pressures of IGL duties took their toll. Following the disappointing Stage 1 finish in June 2025, Sayf chose to step back from competition in order to focus on his well-being. Team Vitality released him from the active roster while he took a break. At the time, he reassured fans that they hadn’t seen the last of him, strongly hinting that he would return to professional play after taking time out.

Fast forward to the decisive final week of Stage 2: Vitality found itself in a do-or-die match against Gentle Mates to keep their season alive. In the lead-up to that crucial game in Berlin, one of Vitality’s players fell ill, leaving the team in a difficult position. The organisation explained in the press release that they contacted Sayf at short notice, asking him to join the team as an emergency substitute for the Gentle Mates match. Sayf travelled to Berlin and was ready to play if needed, demonstrating his commitment to the team.

Ultimately, he did not have to take to the stage, as the original lineup managed to secure a hard-fought victory without making a substitution. Nevertheless, Sayf’s presence had a positive impact; he actively participated in the team’s practice sessions, strategic preparations, and post-match reviews throughout that week. Those close to the team noted that he displayed a reinvigorated competitive spirit, suggesting that his time away had intensified his desire to compete at the highest level.

Reintegration as a Flex Player for Playoffs

In light of this experience, Vitality's coaches and management held discussions with Sayf, who impressed them with his attitude and performance. They have now decided to reintegrate him fully into the active roster as the team prepares for the EMEA playoffs. Instead of returning to the in-game leader role, Sayf will act as a flex player this time. This means he will play a versatile position, filling whatever role is required at any given moment, while the team retains its current in-game leader (IGL), Bartosz "UNFAKE" Bernacki, to lead the tactics. By adding Sayf as a sixth player, Vitality gains strategic depth and the option to rotate players or change their approach when necessary. This reflects the belief that Sayf’s firepower and game sense can strengthen the team without disrupting its chemistry.