MIBR allows its roster to explore options ahead of 2027 VCT season

MIBR has moved their VALORANT players to the inactive roster, allowing them to explore opportunities ahead of the 2027 VCT season. The decision was made taking the new circuit format into account, along with the “regional transition and the challenges associated with it.” The news comes days after Sheep Esports reported that the Brazilian organization had renewed their partnership in VCT Americas for another two years.

“MIBR has decided to reassess its Valorant roster for the upcoming season. [...] All existing contractual obligations remain in effect, and any potential transfers will be negotiated directly with MIBR,” the official announcement stated.

The roster features global stars Champions 2022 winner Erick "aspas" Santos and Masters Madrid titleholder Zachary "zekken" Patrone, alongside experienced players Roberto "Mazino" Rivas, Andrew "Verno" Maust, and Ian "tex" Botsch. According to VCT Global Contract Database, tex’s contract is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, while the remaining players’ tenures are set to run until the end of 2027.

MIBR announced aspas’ contract extension in December 2025, after a season in which the organization finished in the top five at Champions Paris. At the time, MIBR’s head of esports described the deal as a significant investment in a long-term project, with the roster built around “The Final Boss.”

The 2026 VCT season did not go as planned for MIBR. Despite having some of the best players in the region, the team could only manage a top-five finish at Americas Kickoff before getting eliminated in the lower quarterfinals of both Stage 1 and Stage 2. As a result, MIBR failed to make a single international appearance, and aspas missed VALORANT Champions for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, his former team, LOUD, lifted its second Champions trophy, becoming the only organization to win the title twice.

Heading into 2027, consistent top-level performances will be crucial for every team, as partnered organizations will receive direct entry only into Kickoff. The best-performing squads will qualify for the next tournament, while the rest will drop into the Open Playoffs and have to fight their way back into the circuit. This means a poor performance could put an organization at risk of missing every other event next season except Kickoff São Paulo, which is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 7.