Another roster move is set to shake up
VCT EMEA ahead of the Stage 2 Play-Ins. After struggling throughout the Group Stage,
Gentle Mates are expected to sign Joona "
H1ber" Parviainen, sources tell
Sheep Esports. The change comes after M8 finished fourth in their group and prepares to continue its Stage 2 campaign in the Play-Ins this Sunday. At this stage,
Sheep Esports is not in a position to confirm which player H1ber will be replacing.
This is not the first time Gentle Mates have made a last-minute change following the Group Stage. During Stage 1, the organization parted ways with head coach Pavle "pakko" Kostić, promoting assistant coach Jiri "KUNDIKUNDI" Honkala to lead the team. The latest roster move appears to follow the same logic, as Gentle Mates look to address their ongoing issues and keep their hopes of qualifying for VALORANT Champions alive.
A reshaped lineup?
In recent weeks, much of the criticism surrounding Gentle Mates has focused on a roster that too often relied on star player Martin "marteen" Pátek to produce individual brilliance against the region's top teams. Questions were also raised over the team's role distribution, with Patrik "Minny" Hušek spending more time on Duelist than on Sentinel, a role in which he has historically excelled.
Having played primarily as a Sentinel or flex player this season, H1ber is therefore expected to take on those roles following his arrival, potentially allowing his teammates to move into positions they are more comfortable and confident in.
A brief stint at the highest level
The 28-year-old Finn has spent the past few seasons competing in the VCL ecosystem. This year, he represented WIP Esports in the French league, primarily playing Flex and Initiator roles. His experience at the highest level remains limited, with his only appearance on the international stage coming during a brief spell with Fnatic in 2022, when he stood in for Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev at Masters Reykjavík after the latter tested positive for COVID-19.
Gentle Mates will now hope H1ber can help guide the team back into contention for a place at VALORANT Champions. Sitting on seven Championship Points, the French organization will need a deep playoff run to maximize its chances of qualifying for the season-ending event. Their new chapter is expected to begin this Sunday against the winner of the Play-In match between Fnatic and Enterprise Esports.
