The Filipino clutch master will not be continuing with Team Secret into Stage 2.
PHILIPPINES – Team Secret have announced two changes to their roster, moving Noel “NDG” De Guia to the bench while parting ways with longtime player Jim “BORKUM” Timbreza.
This announcement comes just two weeks after Team Secret’s exit from VCT Pacific Stage 1 in 5th-6th place, leaving only three active players on the roster. The replacements for the two outgoing players are yet to be announced, though rumors suggest that plans are in the works.
BORKUM had been a part of Team Secret since September 2021 when the organization acquired the Bren Esports roster. Known for his clutch plays ‘BORKUM time‘, BORKUM contributed to the team’s domestic dominance during the 2020 and 2021 seasons and helped secure international qualifications for Masters and Champions Berlin, although visa issues prevented them from attending the former event.
ALSO READ: witz reunites with DubsteP on Oasis Gaming
The 28-year-old lifted the APAC Predator League 2024 trophy in front of a home crowd in Manila, Philippines, before competing in his final season in Seoul under the #LabanSecret banner. Despite that, he has expressed his intention to return to competitive play soon, stating on Twitter, “Life goes on from now on still gonna get into shape and find a new home while on break.”
With his departure, Jessie Cristy “JessieVash” Cuyco is now the only remaining member from the original TS/BREN roster that qualified for VALORANT Champions Berlin. Kevin “Dispenser” Te has been absent from competitive play since late 2022, while Riley “witz” Go and Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan recently reunited under Oasis Gaming following witz’s addition to the Challengers PH team three days ago.
Meanwhile, NDG was Team Secret’s most recent addition, joining seven months ago to replace DubsteP for the 2024 season. However, NDG has struggled to find form against tier-one opposition, recording ratings of 1.00 in VCT Pacific KICKOFF with a relatively more improved performance in Stage 1.
Team Secret still have three weeks before they return to the server for VCT Pacific Stage 2, where they are scheduled to play against Bleed Esports and Global Esports in the first week.
Team Secret are left with the following:
- 🇵🇭 Jessie “JessieVash” Cristy Cuyco
- 🇵🇭 Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera
- 🇵🇭 Adrian “invy” Reyes
- 🇺🇸 Evan “Warbirds” Olzem (Coach)
- 🇺🇸 Tim “dummy” Olson (Assistant coach)
For more insights on the Asian VALORANT scene and upcoming content like this, be sure to like and follow VALO2ASIA on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Cover photo courtesy of VCT Pacific
