On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the staff of Team Heretics officially
announced on X its decision to part ways with Berkcan
“ComeBack” Şentürk, who had been recruited at the beginning of the year to replace Dominykas
“MiniBoo” Lukaševičius. The staff explained that this "
This decision is not just about the loss against NAVI, but about recurring issues we’ve been observing for several months”, five days after their loss in their opening match in the VCT EMEA Stage 1.
Despite promising training phases and noticeable improvements in the team’s structural approach to the game, certain underlying tensions were never fully resolved.
The breaking point emerged following that match, exposing a deep divergence in gameplay philosophy. According to the staff, ComeBack did not share the same foundational principles as the rest of the team, particularly regarding advantage management and collective decision-making. These concerns had already been raised internally on multiple occasions but remained unresolved, ultimately making long-term integration unviable. “It came down to a fundamental disagreement after the NAVI game and how we see the game as a team and the fundamentals that have been established in this team from day one [...] He does not fit in this roster,” Head Coach Neil "neilzinho" Finlay summarized.
A deliberate shift in direction
Beyond strategic considerations, communication also played a decisive role in the decision. Despite significant efforts by the organization, including funded English lessons and ongoing support, the progress was deemed insufficient to the point that it began to affect the team’s overall performance. The staff nevertheless emphasized that no personal conflict was involved and acknowledged both the Turkish player's personality and talent.
To rebound swiftly, Heretics conducted intensive trials and opted to integrate Martynas “Koshmaras” Namikas into the roster. The player distinguished himself through his composure and ability to perform under pressure, aligning closely with the staff’s expectations. This change is also accompanied by a role adjustment, notably for Mert “Wo0t” Alkan, who is expected to assume greater responsibility as the team’s primary duelist, with Koshmaras taking on a secondary Duelist/Flex role.
