Adding more international touch to their roster, True Rippers have recruited Pablo “Darkzero” Alonso, a former coach from Movistar Rider and Bravado Gaming, along with British analyst “jtay”.
INDIA – True Rippers have secured the services of Spanish coach Pablo “Darkzero” Alonso and British analyst “jtay” for the 2024 season, tapping into international expertise to enhance their performance in the South Asian circuit.
Darkzero takes over the spot vacated by Francis “Rabbet” Buñag, who stepped down at the end of November after recently standing behind the team throughout the OFF//SEASON with three runners-up finishes at TEC Challenger Series 10, Predator League India, and The Arena Championship. With Darkzero’s and jtay’s additions, and the experience they bring, True Rippers will be hoping to continue their upward trajectory as of late.
Their run at Convergence 2023 was reportedly already benefiting from the strategic input of their newly appointed tacticians, where the team won the India Qualifier to qualify for the LAN in Bengaluru. In the main event, True Rippers took VCT Pacific team Gen.G to the verge of defeat after stealing the first map but ultimately fell short on the last two.
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Having made his first appearance in the APAC circuit, Darkzero previously coached teams in the lower echelons of VALORANT since 2020.
Over the last five years, his stints have seen him move between Oceania, NA, LATAM, Europe, and Middle East, working with the Australians of Sydney Drop Bears during his time in Overwatch, a North American lineup under Carpe Noctem, a LATAM squad under LDM Esports, two European rosters of Movistar Riders playing in the Spanish circuit and AW3 playing in the Nordic circuit, as well as the Middle Eastern side of Bravado Gaming prior to his appointment as True Rippers’ head coach.
Darkzero will collaborate with analyst jtay as part of the coaching staff, complementing the team with his expertise. The British will be transitioning into the role of an analyst after coaching Wizard Esports in the Norwegian circuit and playing a key role in CTRL Elektra’s achievement of reaching the top 16 in VCT Game Changers EMEA Contenders Series 2.
The coaching announcement came before True Rippers kicked off their VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 1 Cup 1 campaign, where they are currently down 0-1 after losing their opening match against Medal Esports, 0-2 (Sunset 9-13, Icebox 12-14). Philip “Aryu” Vergara and co. are scheduled to take on Grayfox Esports today, February 2, at 5:30 PM SGT (UTC+8).
True Rippers are now:
- 🇮🇳 Shravana “Techno” Sahoo
- 🇮🇳 Debanjan “DEATHMAKER” Das
- 🇮🇳 Sagnik “Hellff” Roy
- 🇵🇭 Philip “Aryu” Vergara
- 🇵🇭 Nereus “d1srupt” Lico
- 🇪🇸 Pablo “Darkzero” Alonso (Coach)
- 🇬🇧 “jtay” (Analyst)
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Cover photo courtesy of True Rippers
