MIBR Valorant Roster: The Evolution of Brazil’s Iconic Esports Organization in Riot’s Tactical Shooter

By Jackober, Diamond 2 Valorant Player with 1,000+ hours of gameplay

As a Diamond 2 player who’s invested over 1,000 hours into Valorant, I’ve followed the professional scene almost as closely as I’ve worked on mastering agents like Clove or improving my aim with techniques from my Aimbot Valorant guide. Among the many organizations that have shaped the competitive landscape, MIBR (Made in Brazil) stands out as a fascinating case study in resilience, regional pride, and the pursuit of excellence.

MIBR’s journey in Valorant represents more than just another team’s story—it embodies the passionate Brazilian esports community’s ambitions on the global stage. With roots stretching back to 2003 and a legendary status in Counter-Strike, MIBR’s transition into Valorant was watched with great anticipation by fans worldwide. The organization has experienced remarkable highs and challenging lows, roster revolutions and evolutionary changes, all while carrying the hopes of one of the world’s most passionate esports regions.

In this comprehensive analysis, I’ll take you through the complete history of MIBR’s Valorant division, from its initial formation to its current roster featuring stars like aspas and cortezia, as well as their impressive Game Changers female roster. We’ll examine the key players who have represented the organization, the strategic approaches that defined each iteration of the team, their tournament performances, and what the future might hold as they look toward VCT 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a dedicated MIBR fan, a Brazilian Valorant enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the strategic evolution of professional teams, this deep dive will provide valuable insights into one of South America’s most storied esports organizations.

The Legacy of MIBR: From Counter-Strike to Valorant

Before diving into MIBR’s Valorant roster specifically, it’s important to understand the historical significance of the organization and the weight of expectations they carried into Riot’s tactical shooter.

The MIBR Legacy in Counter-Strike

MIBR was originally founded in 2003 as a Counter-Strike team, quickly establishing itself as the premier Brazilian esports organization. During their golden era in CS 1.6, MIBR became synonymous with Brazilian esports excellence, winning numerous international tournaments and developing a passionate global fanbase.

After a period of dormancy, the brand was revived in 2018 when Immortals Gaming Club acquired and relaunched MIBR with the legendary Brazilian CS:GO core that had previously competed under SK Gaming. Names like FalleN, fer, and coldzera became household names in the esports world, cementing MIBR’s status as a cultural institution in Brazilian gaming.

The Transition to Valorant

When Valorant launched in 2020, many established esports organizations quickly entered the scene. MIBR took a more measured approach, observing the developing competitive landscape before making their move. This patience reflected the organization’s understanding of the expectations attached to the MIBR name—they weren’t entering Valorant merely to participate but to eventually compete at the highest levels.

The initial entry into Valorant came in September 2020, when MIBR signed their first roster. This marked a significant moment not just for the organization but for the Brazilian Valorant scene as a whole, signaling that the region’s established esports powerhouses were committed to developing talent in Riot’s new tactical shooter.

MIBR’s First Valorant Roster: The Pioneers

MIBR‘s initial venture into Valorant came with the signing of a promising Brazilian roster in September 2020.

The Original Lineup

The first MIBR Valorant roster consisted of:

1. Matheus “Muyzi” Muyama – Duelist
2. Leonardo “tutehen” Nascimento – Controller
3. Matheus “mazin” Araújo – Sentinel
4. Daniel “danNN” Mourão – Initiator
5. João “jzz” Pedro – Flex

This inaugural roster featured a mix of players with backgrounds in CS:GO and other tactical shooters. While not composed of the most recognizable names in Brazilian esports at the time, these players represented MIBR’s investment in developing talent specifically for Valorant rather than simply transitioning established stars from other games.

Early Competitive Results

The original MIBR roster competed primarily in regional Brazilian tournaments and qualifiers. Their results during this period were respectable but not dominant:

• Gamers Club Ultimate 2020: Semifinal finish
• First Strike Brazil Qualifier: Quarterfinal exit
• VCT 2021: Brazil Stage 1 Challengers 1: Group stage exit

While these results didn’t immediately establish MIBR as Brazil’s top Valorant team, they provided a foundation upon which the organization could build. This early period was characterized by experimentation with agent compositions and strategic approaches as the team—like many others in the early Valorant scene—worked to establish their identity in the new esport.

Strategic Approach and Playstyle

The first MIBR roster typically employed fairly standard compositions for the early Valorant meta, with a focus on:

1. Structured Executes: Utilizing set plays and coordinated utility usage
2. Strong Post-Plant Setups: Especially on maps like Haven and Bind
3. Individual Mechanical Skill: Relying on players like Muyzi to create opening opportunities

This approach was fairly common among teams transitioning from CS:GO to Valorant, as many organizations were still discovering the unique strategic depth that agent abilities brought to the tactical shooter formula.

The First Major Rebuild: Seeking Regional Dominance

By early 2021, it became clear that MIBR needed to make changes to compete with emerging Brazilian powerhouses like Vikings (later Ninjas in Pyjamas) and Team Vikings. This led to the first major roster overhaul.

The Revamped Roster

In February 2021, MIBR announced a significantly rebuilt roster:

1. Matheus “Muyzi” Muyama – (Retained from original roster)
2. Leandro “frz” Gomes
3. William “Will” Pereira
4. João “jzz” Pedro – (Retained from original roster)
5. Olavo “heat” Marcelo

This iteration retained two players from the original lineup while bringing in three new talents. Most notably, the addition of heat was seen as a major acquisition, as he had already established himself as one of Brazil’s most promising Valorant players with his explosive duelist performances.

Tournament Performance

The revamped roster showed immediate improvement in regional competitions:

• VCT 2021: Brazil Stage 1 Masters: 3rd-4th place
• VCT 2021: Brazil Stage 2 Challengers 1: 2nd place
• VCT 2021: Brazil Stage 2 Challengers 2: Quarterfinals

While these results demonstrated progress, MIBR still struggled to overcome regional rivals like Team Vikings and Sharks Esports, who represented Brazil at international events during this period. The team showed flashes of excellence but lacked the consistency needed to secure international qualification.

Tactical Evolution

This iteration of MIBR began developing a more distinctive playstyle:

1. Dual Duelist Compositions: Leveraging both heat and Muyzi as aggressive playmakers
2. Aggressive Controller Play: Utilizing controllers not just for site executes but for active map control
3. Mid-Round Adaptations: Showing more flexibility to adjust strategies based on opponent positioning

These strategic developments reflected the team’s growing understanding of Valorant’s unique dynamics and move away from purely CS:GO-inspired tactics. However, the roster continued to struggle with consistency issues that prevented them from reaching the highest echelons of Brazilian Valorant.

MIBR Game Changers: Leading the Women’s Valorant Scene

In a pioneering move that showcased MIBR’s commitment to the broader Valorant ecosystem, the organization has been a consistent supporter of women’s Valorant through their Game Changers program.

Evolution of MIBR’s Female Roster

MIBR has fielded multiple iterations of their Game Changers roster since 2021, with the current MIBR GC roster consisting of:

1. Nicolas “srN” Niederauer
2. Camila “sayuri” Obam
3. Julia “Jelly” Iris
4. Melissa “Mel” Souza
5. Juliana “jubs” Oliveira

Coaching Staff:

• João Victor “Biscoit1n” Vieira – Head Coach
• Marlow Garcia – Assistant Coach

This roster represents MIBR’s continued investment in the Game Changers scene, fielding a team that competes at the highest level of women’s Valorant in Brazil and internationally.

Achievements and Impact

The MIBR Game Changers team has established itself as one of the strongest female rosters in South America:

• VCT Game Changers Brazil: Consistent top placements
• Gamers Club Women’s Championships: Multiple podium finishes
• International Game Changers competitions: Representing Brazil on the global stage

Beyond tournament results, the MIBR GC roster has played a crucial role in growing the women’s Valorant scene in Brazil, inspiring more female players to enter competitive play and helping establish Game Changers as a vital part of the Valorant ecosystem in the region.

Strategic Identity

The MIBR GC team has developed a distinctive playstyle:

1. Aggressive Site Executes: Utilizing coordinated utility to take map control
2. Strong Fundamentals: Emphasizing solid trading and positioning
3. Flexible Agent Pool: Adapting compositions to counter specific opponents
4. Individual Skill Expression: Allowing players like sayuri and Jelly to showcase their mechanical talents

Under the guidance of coach Biscoit1n, the team has developed a structured approach while still embracing the creative elements that characterize Brazilian Valorant.

Cultural Impact

MIBR’s investment in their Game Changers program has had significant impacts beyond competitive results:

1. Representation: Providing visible role models for aspiring female players
2. Community Building: Creating supportive spaces for women in the Brazilian Valorant community
3. Professional Development: Offering the same level of organizational support to their female roster as their main team
4. Content Creation: Highlighting the Game Changers team through organizational content

This comprehensive approach demonstrates MIBR’s vision for an inclusive competitive ecosystem and their recognition of the growth potential in women’s Valorant.

The International Experiment: MIBR’s North American Chapter

In one of the organization’s most surprising moves, MIBR took an unexpected approach in late 2021 by signing a North American roster while maintaining their Brazilian team.

The North American Roster

In October 2021, MIBR announced their North American roster:

1. Daniel “eeiu” Vucenovic
2. Joseph “ban” Seungmin Oh
3. **Jett “Jett” Lee
4. Morgan “Wedid” Kennedy
5. Francis “OXY” Hoang

This move represented a significant departure from MIBR’s traditional focus on Brazilian talent and signaled the organization’s ambitions to establish a global presence in Valorant.

Competitive Performance

The North American MIBR roster competed in:

• VCT 2022: North America Stage 1 Challengers: Failed to qualify
• Knights Monthly Gauntlet: Mixed results
• NSG Winter Championship: Group stage exit

Unfortunately, the North American experiment did not yield the results MIBR had hoped for. The team struggled to make a significant impact in a highly competitive NA region dominated by established organizations like Sentinels, 100 Thieves, and OpTic Gaming.

The End of the Experiment

By early 2022, MIBR decided to end their North American Valorant division and refocus on their Brazilian roster. This decision reflected both the challenges of managing teams across multiple regions and the organization’s desire to reconnect with their core Brazilian identity and fanbase.

While the North American chapter was brief and ultimately unsuccessful in competitive terms, it demonstrated MIBR’s willingness to experiment and take risks in their quest to establish a significant presence in Valorant’s global ecosystem.

The VCT Partnership Era: MIBR’s Rebirth

The announcement of Riot’s partnership program for VCT 2023 marked a pivotal moment for organizations in Valorant. With limited slots available for each region, many established teams found themselves outside the partnership structure. MIBR initially appeared to be among those organizations, but a surprising development changed their trajectory.

The Los Angeles Thieves Acquisition

In October 2022, MIBR’s parent company, Immortals Gaming Club, announced the acquisition of the Valorant roster previously signed to Los Angeles Thieves. This move effectively gave MIBR access to the Americas league as part of the VCT partnership program, representing a major victory for the organization.

The acquired roster included:

1. Quan “dicey” Tran
2. Daniel “Rossy” Abedrabbo
3. Noah “jcStani” Smith
4. Brenden “stellar” McGrath
5. William “Will” Cheng

Roster Transformation

However, MIBR quickly began reshaping this roster to better align with their organizational identity. By the start of VCT 2023, the team had transformed into a predominantly Brazilian lineup:

1. Matheus “Muyzi” Muyama – (Returning to MIBR)
2. Leandro “frz” Gomes – (Returning to MIBR)
3. João “jzz” Pedro – (Returning to MIBR)
4. Daniel “Rossy” Abedrabbo – (Retained from acquired roster)
5. José “bzka” Matheus Homem

This roster represented a fascinating blend of MIBR’s history and new talent, bringing back three players from previous iterations while retaining Rossy from the acquired L.A. Thieves roster and adding bzka as a new prospect.

VCT 2023 Performance

MIBR’s performance in the VCT 2023 Americas League was challenging:

• VCT 2023: Americas League Stage 1: 9th-10th place with a 1-6 record
• VCT 2023: Americas League Stage 2: 8th place with a 2-5 record

These results placed MIBR near the bottom of the standings in both stages, highlighting the significant challenges the team faced competing against established North American and Latin American powerhouses like Sentinels, NRG, and LOUD.

Despite these difficulties, MIBR showed moments of potential, particularly in their upset victory over Cloud9 during Stage 2. Their aggressive playstyle and willingness to employ unconventional agent compositions occasionally caught opponents off-guard, though they struggled with consistency throughout the season.

The Current MIBR Valorant Roster: Superstar Acquisition

Following a difficult 2024 season, MIBR entered a major rebuilding phase aimed at dramatically improving their competitive standing in the Americas league for 2025 and potentially VCT 2025.

The 2025 MIBR Roster

MIBR’s current main roster features:

1. Erick “aspas” Santos – Duelist
2. Gabriel “cortezia” Cortez – Flex
3. Arthur “artzin” Araujo – Initiator
4. Eduardo “xenom” Soeiro – Controller
5. Agustin “nzr” Ibarra – Sentinel

Coaching Staff:

• Daniel “fRoD” Montaner – Head Coach
• Iara Rodrigo – Analyst
• Felipe “chivitz” Chivitz – Manager

This roster represents a complete overhaul, with the marquee signing being aspas, widely regarded as one of the world’s best duelists and a former world champion with LOUD. The acquisition of aspas sent shockwaves through the Valorant community and immediately elevated expectations for MIBR.

Strategic Identity

The current MIBR roster has developed a distinct strategic identity:

1. aspas-Centric Playmaking: Building strategies that maximize aspas’ extraordinary mechanical skill and playmaking ability
2. Supportive Structure: Creating a framework where cortezia and artzin can provide the necessary support for aspas to thrive
3. Tactical Flexibility: Developing diverse strategic approaches under fRoD’s experienced leadership
4. Regional Blend: Incorporating both Brazilian and Argentinian (nzr) talent to create a unique playstyle

Coach fRoD, who brings extensive tactical FPS experience from Counter-Strike and previous Valorant coaching roles, has helped implement more sophisticated systems while still embracing the aggressive, mechanically-focused style that Brazilian Valorant is known for.

Recent Tournament Performance

The revamped roster has shown significant promise in recent competitions:

• VCT 2024 Americas Kickoff: Improved performance showing the potential of the new lineup
• VCT Americas League 2024: Competitive showings against top teams like Sentinels, LOUD, and Leviatán
• Third-party tournaments: Strong performances showcasing individual talent

While still developing as a unit, the addition of aspas in particular has given MIBR a legitimate superstar around whom they can build a championship-contending team. The organization’s willingness to invest in top-tier talent demonstrates their commitment to competing at the highest levels of Valorant.

The MIBR Dual Program: Main Roster and Game Changers

One of MIBR’s most notable achievements in Valorant has been their commitment to fielding competitive rosters in both the main VCT circuit and the Game Changers program. This dual approach represents a comprehensive vision for their place in the Valorant ecosystem.

Synergies Between Programs

MIBR has created valuable synergies between their main and Game Changers rosters:

1. Shared Resources: Both teams benefit from MIBR’s organizational infrastructure and support staff
2. Knowledge Exchange: Strategic concepts and approaches are shared between coaching staffs
3. Unified Brand Identity: Both teams represent the MIBR legacy and values
4. Combined Fan Engagement: The organization promotes both rosters equally in content and social media

This integrated approach has helped both teams develop while creating a more inclusive community around the MIBR brand.

Organizational Commitment

MIBR’s investment in both programs demonstrates several organizational priorities:

1. Long-Term Vision: Recognizing the growth potential of women’s Valorant
2. Community Leadership: Taking a proactive role in developing all aspects of the competitive scene
3. Talent Pipeline: Creating pathways for players of all backgrounds to reach professional play
4. Market Expansion: Engaging with diverse audience segments within the Valorant community

Few organizations have shown this level of comprehensive commitment to both the main VCT circuit and Game Changers program, positioning MIBR as a leader in the development of Valorant’s competitive ecosystem.

Player Spotlight: The Stars of MIBR Valorant

The current MIBR rosters feature several players who have been particularly significant in shaping the team’s identity and performance.

Erick “aspas” Santos: The Superstar Duelist

aspas joined MIBR as one of the most accomplished players in Valorant history, having won VCT Champions 2022 with LOUD and established himself as arguably Brazil’s greatest Valorant player.

Agent Pool: Primarily known for his extraordinary Jett and Raze, aspas has also demonstrated proficiency on Chamber and other duelists.

Playstyle: aspas combines explosive entry fragging with incredible mechanical precision, featuring some of the highest headshot percentages in professional Valorant. His unpredictable movement and aggressive angles make him exceptionally difficult to counter.

Achievements: Before joining MIBR, aspas won multiple international trophies with LOUD, including the VCT Championship in 2022, establishing himself as one of Valorant’s elite players.

Camila “sayuri” Obam: GC Team Star

As one of the standout players on MIBR’s Game Changers roster, sayuri has established herself as a force in women’s Valorant.

Agent Pool: Versatile agent pool allowing her to adapt to team needs across multiple roles.

Playstyle: Combines strong mechanical fundamentals with intelligent positioning and game sense.

Growth: Has shown consistent improvement throughout her time with MIBR, developing into one of the region’s top female players.

Gabriel “cortezia” Cortez: The Versatile Support

cortezia has emerged as a crucial component of MIBR’s success, providing the flexibility and supportive elements that enable aspas to thrive.

Agent Pool: Primarily plays flex roles, excelling on initiators like Sova and KAY/O while maintaining the ability to flex onto other roles when needed.

Playstyle: Known for intelligent utility usage and strong fundamentals, cortezia provides the structured support that balances MIBR’s aggressive tendencies.

Evolution: Throughout his career, cortezia has developed from a promising talent into a complete player capable of both supporting star players and stepping up with impactful fragging when needed.

MIBR’s Strategic Evolution Through Valorant’s Metas

MIBR’s approach to Valorant has evolved significantly as the game’s meta has developed through various patches and updates.

The Early Days: Duelist-Heavy Compositions

Like many teams in Valorant’s early meta, MIBR initially favored duelist-heavy compositions with a focus on individual mechanical skill:

1. Double or Triple Duelist Setups: Often running combinations of Jett, Raze, and Phoenix
2. Basic Utility Usage: More straightforward approaches to site executes
3. Post-Plant Fundamentals: Relying on CS:GO-inspired post-plant positioning

This approach was typical of the early Valorant scene when teams were still discovering the game’s strategic depth.

The Controller Evolution

As the meta developed, MIBR adapted with more sophisticated controller play:

1. Astra Integration: When Astra dominated the controller meta, MIBR integrated her global presence into their strategies
2. Viper Specialization: Developing lineups and setups for Viper on maps like Icebox and Breeze
3. Smoke Creativity: Finding unique smoke placements to enable unexpected plays

This period showed MIBR’s growing tactical sophistication as they moved beyond pure fragging power.

The Initiator Meta Adaptation

The rise of information-gathering initiators presented another evolution:

1. Fade Implementation: Quickly incorporating Fade into compositions after her release
2. Sova Lineups: Developing region-specific recon bolt and shock dart setups
3. KAY/O Integration: Using KAY/O’s suppression to counter utility-dependent opponents

This focus on information gathering helped MIBR develop more informed mid-round decision-making.

Current Approach: Star-Supported System

The current MIBR roster employs a tactical approach designed to maximize aspas’ impact:

1. aspas-Centric Compositions: Designing setups that create space and opportunities for their star duelist
2. Balanced Agent Selection: Employing more standardized compositions with defined roles
3. Map-Specific Strategies: Developing tailored approaches for each map in the pool

This evolution reflects both the broader Valorant meta and the team’s specific personnel. Players looking to understand agent synergies can check out our guides on agents like Clove or Tejo to improve their own team compositions.

MIBR’s Impact on Brazilian Valorant

Beyond their competitive results, MIBR has played a significant role in shaping the Brazilian Valorant scene.

Talent Development

MIBR has consistently invested in developing Brazilian talent:

1. Scouting: Identifying promising players from the Brazilian competitive scene
2. Platform for Growth: Providing players with opportunities to compete at international levels
3. Female Talent: Supporting women’s Valorant through their Game Changers roster
4. Coaching Development: Cultivating tactical minds like Biscoit1n in the Game Changers program

This commitment to talent development has helped strengthen the overall Brazilian Valorant ecosystem.

Regional Pride and Identity

As one of Brazil’s most historic esports brands, MIBR’s presence in Valorant has:

1. Maintained Legacy: Connected Brazil’s CS:GO history to its Valorant future
2. Represented Brazilian Style: Showcased the region’s aggressive and creative approach
3. Built Community: Created rallying points for Brazilian fans through both victories and struggles
4. Inclusion Leadership: Pioneered support for women’s Valorant in the region

This cultural impact extends beyond simple tournament results, helping establish Valorant as a key esport within Brazil.

Competitive Standard-Setting

Through their recent acquisition of aspas and other top talent, MIBR has:

1. Raised Expectations: Demonstrated a commitment to competing at the highest levels
2. Established Professionalism: Set standards for team infrastructure and support
3. Created Rivalries: Developed compelling narratives with other Brazilian organizations like LOUD
4. Elevated Game Changers: Treated women’s competition with the same professionalism as the main circuit

These contributions have helped elevate the overall competitive standard of Brazilian Valorant.

The Future of MIBR Valorant: Looking Toward VCT 2025

As MIBR continues to evolve their Valorant division, several factors will likely shape their future trajectory.

Roster Development Priorities

Moving forward, MIBR appears focused on:

1. Building Around aspas: Continuing to refine strategies that maximize their star player’s impact
2. Chemistry Development: Allowing time for the current roster to build synergy and understanding
3. Strategic Depth: Expanding their tactical repertoire under fRoD’s guidance
4. Game Changers Growth: Continuing to develop their GC roster with Biscoit1n and Marlow

This approach aligns with successful models from other regions and leverages the extraordinary talent they’ve assembled across both programs.

Competitive Goals for VCT 2025

Looking ahead to VCT 2025, MIBR’s realistic objectives include:

1. Americas League Playoff Qualification: Securing a playoffs berth in the regular season
2. International Qualification: Reaching at least one international event
3. Championship Contention: With aspas leading the roster, competing for major titles
4. Game Changers Success: Establishing their GC roster as a top contender in international women’s competition

With their current talent level across both rosters, these goals represent reasonable expectations for the organization.

Conclusion: MIBR’s Ongoing Valorant Journey

MIBR’s Valorant division represents one of esports’ most interesting case studies in organizational adaptation and resilience. From their measured entry into the game to their current position as Americas league competitors with a world-class star in aspas and a dedicated Game Changers program, MIBR has navigated the challenges of building competitive rosters while honoring their storied Brazilian legacy.

The current iteration of MIBR shows tremendous promise, with aspas providing the superstar potential that could elevate the main team to championship contention, while their GC roster continues to develop in the women’s competitive scene. While they haven’t yet reached the dominant position they once held in Counter-Strike, their investment in top-tier talent and experienced coaching demonstrates a serious commitment to success at the highest levels of Valorant.

For Brazilian fans, MIBR remains an important standard-bearer in international competition, carrying the region’s distinctive playstyle and passionate spirit to global audiences. For the broader Valorant community, they represent an organization with the history, infrastructure, and ambition to potentially become a major force in the game’s competitive future.

As Valorant continues to evolve with new agents, maps, and competitive structures, MIBR’s willingness to invest in championship-caliber talent positions them well for potential success. With aspas leading the main roster and a dedicated Game Changers team developing in parallel, MIBR’s comprehensive approach to Valorant competition makes them one of the most fascinating organizations to follow in the ecosystem.

For those inspired by MIBR’s journey and looking to start their own Valorant adventure, check out our guide on how to create a Valorant account. If you’re interested in connecting with other MIBR fans, our article on Valorant Discord communities can help you find like-minded players.

The story of MIBR in Valorant continues to unfold, with each tournament adding new chapters to this iconic organization’s legacy in Riot’s tactical shooter. With aspas leading a talented main roster, a dedicated Game Changers program, and experienced coaching staffs providing strategic guidance, MIBR’s potential for success in the upcoming VCT 2025 season and beyond makes them one of the most exciting organizations to watch in competitive Valorant.

– Jackober, Diamond 2 Valorant Player