X10 CRIT and its VALORANT lineup have decided to go their separate ways, the Thailand-based organization has announced.
The announcement brings an end to a twelve-month association with the Itthirit “foxz” Ngamsaard-led side, capping off the 2021 VCT campaign for the organization on a high note. The lineup decided to not renew the contract, which expires at the end of the year.
“When one door closes, another one opens. Today with a heavy heart we bid farewell to the current members of X10 CRIT. They proved to everyone, that as a smaller region we can compete with some of the very best teams around the world. And for this, we are grateful to the boys for their achievements and hard work,” the organization stated.
“We would like to say thank you and we appreciate all the commitment, hard work, determination, and sacrifice you have given throughout this 2021 season. We wish you all the very best in your future journey.”
(Photo courtesy of Michal Konkol/Riot Games)
The squad had remarkable success throughout their tenure under the X10 CRIT (formerly X10 Esports) banner, having qualified for two major international LAN events: Masters 2 Reykjavik and VALORANT Champions. The team made headlines, particularly at VALORANT Champions, when they beat Keyd Stars and one of the tournament favorites, Envy, en route to qualifying for the quarter-finals. Following that, X10 fell short to the Masters Berlin champions, Gambit Esports, 1-2.
In the SEA region, X10 CRIT were a powerhouse, having dominated almost every VCT Thailand event and defeating home competitors FULL SENSE, on their way to qualifying for the first VALORANT international LAN event ever, Masters 2 Reykjavik, hosted in Iceland.
Although X10 CRIT failed to make it to VCT Masters Berlin through the VCT Stage 3 – SEA Challengers Playoffs, they did enough to earn a spot at Champions. The Thai team secured 295 circuit points over the course of 2021, above and beyond any other team in the region.
ALSO READ: Patiphan leaves VALORANT; returns to Overwatch
Following the departure of their star player, Patiphan “Patiphan” Chaiwong, to Overwatch League’s Los Angeles Gladiators, X10 CRIT had no announcement about a successor, depleting the roster to four players and a coach ever since VALORANT Champions concluded in early December.
(Photo courtesy of Michal Konkol/Riot Games)
The players have not yet revealed whether they will remain together or go their separate ways. However, rumors have circulated around the potential of XERXIA Esports picking up the lineup. XERXIA Esports is a Thai-based organization formed in October 2021, primarily focusing on fielding a PUBG PC squad. The organization already hinted at an entry into the VALORANT scene in the last week of December, which will most likely come to fruition relatively soon.
Additionally, the two-month-old organization has been invited to the FPSThailand VALORANT Tournament by Inno3d, set to take place on January 19-20.
Should the former X10 CRIT roster have an intention to take part in the VCT Thailand Stage 1 Challengers, the roster will be revealed before the end of the month.
It remains unknown whether X10 CRIT will look for another VALORANT team to represent the org or if it will stop investing in Riot Games’ FPS for now.
X10 CRIT were:
- 🇹🇭 Itthirit “foxz” Ngamsaard
- 🇹🇭 Panyawat “sushiboys” Subsiriroj
- 🇹🇭 Nutchapon “sScary” Matarat
- 🇹🇭 Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyut
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: Lance Skundrich/Riot Games
