Sources - VALORANT: zekken set to join MIBR in VCT Americas

After a strong year in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Americas, Made in Brazil (MIBR) are preparing for a roster overhaul ahead of the 2026 season. The Brazilian organization had already hinted at incoming changes by allowing Gabriel "cortezia" Cortez and Arthur "artzin" Araujo to explore their options for next year, and now, the team has secured its first major signing of the offseason.

According to sources close to Sheep Esports, MIBR have reached a verbal agreement with Zachary "zekken" Patrone, joining from Sentinels. The American-Filipino Duelist departs the Red-and-Black after joining the roster in 2023. He will now share Duelist duties with Erick “aspas” Santos, who, as we previously reported, is set to continue with MIBR for the upcoming season.

This marks a major career move for zekken, who was the longest-standing member of Sentinels, having spent three years with the team. He leaves after an impressive but titleless 2025 season — one that showcased consistency and high-level performance.

Sentinels displayed remarkable steadiness across the year, finishing on the podium in every VCT Americas event. They placed second in both the Kickoff and Stage 1, falling short in two Grand Finals against G2 Esports, and later secured third place in Stage 3. With these results, Sentinels became the only team in 2025 to qualify for every international event and reach every upper-bracket final within their domestic league.

However, international success eluded them. Their results abroad were more modest compared to previous years, with a 7–8th finish at Masters Bangkok, 5–6th at Masters Toronto, and 13–16th at Champions Paris.

Throughout his three seasons with Sentinels, zekken has lifted domestic and international trophies, including Kickoff 2024 and Masters Madrid 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of the most impactful Duelists in VALORANT. Naturally, he sparked interest from multiple top-tier organizations such as all of the VCT Americas top teams, but it’s MIBR who managed to secure his signature.

With zekken’s arrival, MIBR are aiming to build a world-class roster capable of capitalizing on the momentum from their promising 2025 season — and potentially reaching new heights for the organization’s VALORANT history.

As mentioned, 2025 was a strong year overall for MIBR. The team started off hot, finishing third at both the Kickoff and Stage 1, which earned them a spot at Masters Toronto. Their Canadian run, however, ended early — they were eliminated in the Swiss Stage, placing 11–12th.

Their return to VCT Americas for Stage 2 proved just as challenging. aspas and his teammates struggled to maintain their early form, finishing 9–10th and failing to advance past the group stage. Fortunately for MIBR, a favorable scenario allowed them to qualify for Champions Paris through their accumulated Championship Points.

In Paris, MIBR turned heads. Despite being considered as underdogs by many, the Brazilian squad put on a remarkable performance, taking down teams such as Bilibili Gaming, Rex Regum Qeon, and Team Heretics. Their Cinderella run ended in the playoffs, where they fell to eventual champions NRG and DRX in the lower bracket, finishing 5–6th overall.

After a season defined by consistency and flashes of brilliance, MIBR appears determined to push even further in 2026. The addition of zekken, a proven international star with championship pedigree, could be the catalyst they need to finally reach the top.