Six months after the initial lineup was formed, two of the original GXR players have now split ways with the team five days after the end of the KJC eSports VALORANT Invitational.
Emmanuel “Emman” Morales and Enrico “Ching” Perez have parted ways with Nigma Galaxy, both players revealed separately on Twitter. Both players were a part of the Galaxy Racer VALORANT division prior to the organization’s merger with Team Nigma. The departure brings an end to a six-month tenure with two of the lineup’s founding members.
“I know that I have a lot to learn, and I’m willing to work every day to be better than I was yesterday. I would like to thank GXR/NGX for giving me the opportunity to play on a higher level, and I am forever grateful for the experience and support they gave me.” Emman said to VALO2ASIA.
Nigma Galaxy in the past six months with Ching and Emman
(Photo courtesy of GXR/Nigma Galaxy)
Both players had been two of the core members of the Galaxy Racer lineup and were instrumental in the squad’s dominance in the Philippine scene. They most notably helped the team qualify for VCT SEA Stage 3 Challengers Playoffs by winning the second week of VCT PH Stage 3. Meanwhile, their most recent domestic victory together was at the AMD Adrenaline VALORANT Season 2 tournament.
The move comes five days after the KJC eSPORTS VALORANT Invitational tournament concluded on October 10. Nigma Galaxy were eliminated from the playoffs after losing two of their three group stage matches.
In the initial round, the team suffered a 0-2 loss by Thailand’s Foxy Araikordai (Split 14-16, Ascent 1-13). Nonetheless, their subsequent match against CERBERUS Esports in the elimination round was won by the Filipino side (Breeze 6-13), only to be annihilated once again by Foxy Araikordai in the deciding round (Icebox 10-13).
Nigma Galaxy are down to four players
While they thrived in the domestic scene in the second half of this year, save while facing against Team Secret (formerly Bren Esports) on multiple occasions, the team has struggled to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia’s elite tier.
The squad is presently ranked #4 in the Philippines, according to VLR.gg, and is seeking to improve their ranking soon as they are set to compete in the Mineski VxV Invitational Playoffs, set to take place on November 10-12.
Ching and Emman are free to join another team
Following the announcement, Ching has already begun negotiations with an organization. Besides that, Emman is also free to explore his options and is open to offers. Those interested in Emman’s services may contact him directly through Twitter.
Nigma Galaxy are now down to four players:
- 🇵🇭 Carlo “Karl” Ocampo
- 🇵🇭 Ronard “Yohann” Tecson
- 🇵🇭 George “Georggyyy” Lachica
- 🇵🇭 Franz “Astro” Del Rosario
- 🇵🇭 Kyung-in “Tr1cks” Lee (Coach)
- 🇵🇭 Jehiel “Pizzafps” (Coach)
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