The retool continues for the North American VALORANT organization 100 Thieves, signing British based in-game leader Adam “ec1s” Eccles. After bouncing around different European teams in 2020 and 2021, ec1s finds a spot at 100 Thieves adding much needed in-game experience.
The retool continues for the North American VALORANT organization 100 Thieves, signing British based in-game leader Adam “ec1s” Eccles. After bouncing around different European teams in 2020 and 2021, ec1s finds a spot at 100 Thieves adding much needed in-game experience.
According to the Upcomer report, ec1s will likely make the move to the 100 Thieves facilities in North America. He will be joining his teammates and replacing Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella as the team's in-game leader. In a region lacking experienced IGL’s, 100 Thieves goes outside the US to bring in the former Team Liquid and Ninjas in Pyjamas leader.
100 Thieves Exploring The European Talent Pool
100 Thieves has found success scouting the North America talent pool, but ec1s marks a shift in their approach. Bringing in an out of region player, reportedly being interested in Acend’s Mehmet “cNed” Yağız İpek, shows an organization looking to improve drastically. 100 Thieves has been in the market for North American talent, but the buyout situation has prevented potential deals from coming together.
Finding the best NA talent hasn’t been an issue for 100 Thieves, but ever since the departure of Joshua “Steel” Nissan, the team has had trouble finding a cohesive roster. Nitr0 attempted to fill in on that role, but the team found little success. Ec1s, who comes from a Counter-Strike background, doesn’t have Steel’s pedigree but fills a similar role.
The 2022 Outlook
Failing to qualify for Champions was the final nail in the coffin of a team that started with so much promise. The trial of Aaron “b01” Thao ended with mixed results and the two sides parted ways. The team moved on from Hector “FrosT” Rosario as head coach, who had been with the team since January of 2021.
Moreover, additional moves will be happening shortly for 100 Thieves with VALORANT Champions Tour European Open qualifiers starting in January 2022 and one last roster spot to fill. The ec1s move coincided with a restructure, as they promoted former analyst Jovanni “Jovi” Vera from within the organization to head coach. The team retains players Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk, Ethan “Ethan” Arnold, and Spencer “Hiko” Martin