FUT's new look

Would it really be the offseason without a major roster change? This month's big news came from EMEA, with the shuffling of rosters of Oceanus Gaming and FUT Esports.

The domino effect began with the shock retirement of one of Brawl Esports' legends, Cube. This news left Oceanus Gaming with a hole in their roster which they needed to fill fast if they were to keep their spot in the top 6. However, following this news, OCG announced they would be parting ways with the team. This left the new Team Ogurchiki without an org, or a third. Following multiple tryouts including Gas, Rama, and OG, they eventually landed with Drage as the final piece of the jigsaw. The Brit needs no introduction: he has made 3 World Finals, twice with Tribe Gaming EU, and once with FUT Esports. However, things have not clicked this year, and this change was much needed.

But that brought another problem: what would happen to FUT Esports, who are obliged to have a roster as a partner org? OG and Rama did not have many choices for thirds. However, another complication was thrown in: Mebius' in-game ban meant that Eclipsar Esport was also looking for a 3rd player. OG and Rama were among the ones who tried out for the position, but eventually, it was confirmed that Mebius could play from a mini-account. This left OG, Rama, and FUT in a tough position.

Their options were sparse. Gas seemed the most obvious option: he had been performing well recently with them in the ECF Andorra Invitational. However, there was also the options of the new talent Enraged, as well as the veteran blaksxy. All 3 had their benefits, and eventually, they decided to go with Gas. The Frenchman has become a sort of boogeyman in the EMEA region, ensuring that he causes chaos no matter his teammates. He played with OneTrickPonies last year, and after reaching the semifinals, they looked like they could potentially cause a late LCQ charge, but it was not to be. Since then, he has never really got the opportunity to perform in a big team. That is, until now.

Could this be the solution to FUT's woes? Currently sitting in 8th place and well out of the LCQ spots, it's hard to say that this will be the roster change that finally kicks off their season and propels them to an international tournament. Nevertheless, there are third party tournaments such as the Brawl Ball League and the ECF Andorra Invitational to look forward to - the latter ending in a LAN. FUT's eyes will now be on making the playoffs of these tournaments, and perhaps winning them too - that is, unless they make a miracle run in BSC this month and next.

Will any of these changes work? At this point, nobody can say for certain. Another thing to bear in mind: Mebius. Although he has seemingly got the green light to play on his alt account, there is no guarantee he won't be banned on that too just as Decaii, Subeme and Bisama were last month after they got banned on an account they had not boosted on. Should this happen, Eclipsar is in a very sticky situation indeed. So, to conclude, EMEA is very much business as usual.