DRX, the runners-up of the VCT Pacific League 2023, has decided to bench two key players ahead of the anticipated 2024 VCT season. Goo "Rb" Sang-min and Kim "Zest" Gi-seok, both seasoned veterans, are making way for a new face on the starting roster – Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk.

 https://twitter.com/DRX_VS/status/1734498658765418918 

DRX Moves Rb and Zest to Inactive Roster Ahead of VCT 2024 Season

The surprising decision comes as teams across all four franchised VCT leagues gear up for the upcoming season, with roster adjustments being a common theme. DRX's choice to transition Rb and Zest to the bench while promoting Flashback from the DRX Prospects program adds an element of unpredictability to their gameplay.

The 2023 season witnessed DRX grappling with roster decisions, experimenting with different combinations that included another emerging talent, Jung "Foxy9" Jae-sung. Zest and Foxy9 frequently rotated spots on the starting roster, with Zest playing a crucial role in steering the team through challenging games.

Rb, a stalwart of the DRX team since its Vision Strikers days in 2021, showcased unparalleled flexibility in the 2023 VCT season. Playing a staggering 10 different agents, Rb notably reintroduced Neon to the meta on Fracture, contributing to DRX's relentless and effective playstyle.

With Rb and Zest taking a backseat, the spotlight now shifts to Flashback, an 18-year-old prospect who has been part of DRX's development program since August. Recognized for his prowess as a flex-Sentinel player, Flashback is poised to fill the void left by Rb, a player renowned for his versatility, primarily on Killjoy.

While the departure of Rb and Zest raises concerns about DRX's future flexibility in team compositions, there's speculation that a more structured approach may be the key to their success. The introduction of a young player to a roster anchored by in-game leader Kim "stax" Gu-taek might provide the stability DRX needs, especially after facing criticism for roster shuffling in the previous season.

Also read: Riot Games Reveals All Partnered Teams For VCT 2024 China

Following their move to the reserve player roster, Rb and Zest are now restricted free agents, opening the door for potential collaborations with other teams. The upcoming VCT season holds the promise of a revamped DRX, with new talent at the forefront, ready to make their mark in the competitive VALORANT scene.