Kv1, swiftt, and yANXNZ to represent Brazil at the Rocket League Esports Nations Cup

As one of the leading talent-producing nations in Rocket League Esports, Brazil has received a direct invitation to the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) in November. RLCS stalwart Danilo "kv1" Michelini will compete alongside FURIA duo Pedro Henrique "swiftt." Lewy Gomes and Yan Bernardo "yANXNZ" Xisto Nolasco. Roberto Lima "Sad" de Souza will act as a substitute for the event.

In the past three years, FURIA have dominated the Brazilian national team. The organization plays a central role in fostering talent in South America and consistently represents the region at major events. However, due to a ruling introduced by the ENC, only two members of a current RLCS team can feature for the national lineup. This has led to countries like the United States, Brazil, and Australia having to build teams that represent more than one organization in the RLCS.

In Brazil’s case, head coach Bruno "brunovisqui" Roschel Grandini settled on the addition of BS+ Competition star kv1 after an extensive selection process. Kv1 is not an inexperienced player; he has competed at nine RLCS LANs in his career, last appearing at RLCS 2025 World Championship. The 20-year-old has earned his spot on the roster ahead of Paris Major contenders Sad, Luiz Fellipe "Aztrø" Lopes Gomes, and most notably, João "diaz" Henrique. The young gun has had a breakout season for Spacestation Gaming as an import in North America and could have easily featured for Brazil at this event. The coach justified his choice by citing Kv1’s leadership skills in a post on X. FURIA professional Gabriel "Lostt." Souza Buzon, who currently plays for Brazil at the FIFAe World Cup 2026, misses out entirely due to the ENC ruling.

On Tuesday, Brazil became one of 24 teams to secure a direct invitation to the main event this November. South American compatriots Argentina and Chile will join Brazil at the event after managing to avoid the continental qualifiers expected to take place in July. Based on RLCS 2026, Brazil accumulated 260 points with its roster, placing the nation at 5th in the ENC rankings. At the previous FIFAe World Cups in 2024 and 2025, Brazil earned two top-four finishes in a row and will come into this new event as one of the major contenders for the title.

While the ENC looks set to take place in Riyadh, its sister tournament, the Esports World Cup (EWC) recently relocated to Paris due to the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East.