suzu is now open to exploring new opportunities in the market outside of ZETA DIVISION GC as a restricted free agent.
JAPAN – Suzu “suzu” Sasaki has announced her status as a restricted free agent, revealing that she is ready to explore new opportunities beyond ZETA DIVISION GC. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a complete exit from ZETA DIVISION, as it could be part of contract negotiations or a chance to evaluate her options as her current contract nears expiration.
The announcement has surprised many, especially given ZETA DIVISION GC’s strong performance on the international stage this year. The team finished second in the Pacific region and secured a 5th-6th place finish at the Game Changers Championship, with victories over FlyQuest RED and Falcons Vega. Their impressive run drew widespread attention, not just for their gameplay but also for the positive vibes and energy they brought to the competition in Berlin.
suzu has been an important part of ZETA DIVISION GC since their formation in June 2022, helping establish the team as a dominant force in the Japanese Game Changers circuit. Despite the team’s early withdrawal from the 2022 Game Changers Japan due to an incident involving another player, suzu’s talents shone through. She was loaned to FENNEL Hotelava for the East Asia competition, where she helped them win and secure qualification for the inaugural Game Changers Championship.
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In 2023, suzu further solidified her reputation as one of the top players in Game Changers Japan and ZETA DIVISION GC were again dominating in both GC Japan Splits, although they narrowly missed out on GCC qualification after finishing second in GC East Asia to China’s Chao Hui EDG. This year, they reclaimed their throne, securing a spot at the latest Game Changers Championship in Berlin.
As suzu explores new opportunities, she has emphasized that her primary focus remains competing in Game Changers. However, she is open to the possibility of joining Challengers or even VCT teams.
While ZETA DIVISION GC remain the undisputed top team in Japan’s Game Changers circuit, options for suzu within the GC Pacific region are so to say limited. FENNEL Hotelava, the second-strongest Japanese team, are a possible landing spot. Opportunities in less developed regions like Korea, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania may be less appealing given the disparity in competitive infrastructure and organizational backing.
EMEA and the Americas could offer suzu a fresh start, though communication within a new team might be a challenge. Nevertheless, suzu is now on the free-agent market, making her an exciting prospect for teams looking to finalize their rosters ahead of the next Game Changers circuit.
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Cover photo courtesy of Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
