DRX is being removed from Stax’s VALORANT lineup, returning Flashback to the core
Prestigious South Korean esports organization DRX has announced the removal of their veteran in-game leader Kim “stax” Gu-taek from their VALORANT roster. This move signals a shift in the team’s strategy as they look to double down on developing young and promising talent. Stepping in to fill the void left by stax’s departure is 18-year-old Cho “Flashback” Min-hyeok, who previously played for DRX’s academy team, DRX Prospects. Flashback was given the opportunity to showcase his skills on the main DRX VALORANT team in October 2023, competing in two major tournaments. At the TEN VALORANT Global Invitational, Flashback and the DRX squad made a strong showing, finishing in 2nd place. They followed that up with a 3rd-4th place finish at the Red Bull Home Ground #4 event. These impressive results have clearly earned Flashback a permanent spot on the main roster as DRX looks to the future. The decision to remove stax, who had been a pillar of the DRX VALORANT team since its inception, was likely a difficult one for the organization. As one of the most experienced and respected in-game leaders in the region, stax’s knowledge and leadership were invaluable assets. However, DRX’s management team has determined that the time is right to transition to a younger, more dynamic lineup.
This move is a bold statement of intent from DRX. They are firmly committed to nurturing the next generation of VALORANT superstars, even if it means parting ways with a veteran like stax. The organization sees immense potential in Flashback and believes that he, along with the other rising stars on the roster, can lead DRX to new heights in the ever-evolving VALORANT esports landscape. It will be fascinating to see how Flashback and the revamped DRX VALORANT team perform in the months and years ahead. Fans of the organization and the game itself will be eagerly anticipating the team’s next chapter, as they seek to cement their status as one of the top contenders in the global VALORANT scene.
Table of Contents
Rise of a Prodigy: Flashback’s Journey with DRX in VALORANT
Young talent Flashback was given his first “true” opportunity to play for the prestigious South Korean esports organization DRX at the VCT Pacific Kickoff event. After impressing with his performances on the academy team, DRX saw the potential in the 18-year-old and decided to promote him to the main roster. At the VCT Pacific Kickoff, Flashback and the DRX squad made a strong showing, narrowly missing out on a spot at the Masters Madrid tournament after a heartbreaking 0-2 defeat against Gen.G in the semifinals. Despite the disappointment of falling just short of the international event, the organization remained optimistic about Flashback’s future and believed he could be a key component of their VALORANT roster moving forward. To bolster the team’s chances of success, DRX made the decision to bench Flashback and bring in the experienced Kang “BeYN” Ha-bin to fill the void left by the departure of veteran in-game leader Kim “stax” Gu-taek. This move was met with some skepticism from the community, as many felt that Flashback deserved to remain in the starting lineup after his promising debut. However, BeYN’s impact on the team was immediate, as he helped guide DRX to a flawless 5-0 record in the group stage of the next VCT event. The team’s momentum seemed to be building, and fans were eagerly anticipating their performance in the playoffs, where they would have the opportunity to secure a spot at another prestigious international tournament. Sadly, DRX’s playoff run ended in disappointment, as they were unable to overcome the challenge posed by two of the region’s top teams, Paper Rex and Gen.G. Once again, the organization found themselves on the outside looking in, missing out on another chance to represent the Pacific region on the global stage. Frustrated by these continued setbacks, DRX’s management made the bold decision to once again turn to Flashback, removing BeYN from the starting roster and reinstating the young prodigy. This move was met with a mixed reaction from the community, with some questioning the team’s decision-making process and wondering whether Flashback was truly ready to shoulder the responsibilities of being a key player on a top-tier VALORANT team. As Flashback stepped back into the spotlight, the pressure was on him to prove that he could live up to the organization’s faith in his abilities. The young player knew that this was his opportunity to cement his place as a rising star in the VALORANT scene, and he was determined to make the most of it.
In the ensuing matches, Flashback showcased his incredible mechanical skill and game sense, quickly silencing any doubters who had questioned DRX’s decision. His clutch plays, impactful fragging, and strategic decision-making quickly made him a fan favorite, and the community began to rally behind the team’s decision to place their trust in the young talent. However, the true test for Flashback and DRX would come at the next major VCT event, where they would have the chance to compete against the best teams in the region and secure a coveted spot at an international tournament. With the weight of the organization’s expectations and the scrutiny of the entire VALORANT community resting squarely on his shoulders, Flashback knew that this was his moment to shine. As the event unfolded, Flashback continued to deliver standout performances, leading the DRX squad with his unwavering skill and dedication. The team’s cohesion and strategic prowess improved with each passing match, and they began to emerge as a true force to be reckoned with in the Pacific region. In a thrilling run through the playoffs, DRX managed to secure their spot at the upcoming Masters tournament, finally fulfilling their long-standing goal of representing the region on the global stage. Flashback’s pivotal role in this achievement was undeniable, as his clutch plays and game-changing moments had been instrumental in propelling the team to victory. The community erupted in celebration, hailing Flashback as the new face of DRX and a rising star in the VALORANT esports scene. The young player had proven that he was more than ready to take on the mantle of responsibility, and his performance had silenced any lingering doubts about his ability to succeed at the highest level. As DRX prepares to compete at the Masters tournament, all eyes will be on Flashback and the rest of the team, as they seek to make their mark on the international stage. The journey has not been an easy one, but with Flashback leading the charge, DRX are poised to cement their status as one of the top VALORANT teams in the world. The VALORANT community will be eagerly following Flashback’s continued rise, captivated by his exceptional talent and the determination that has carried him to this point. No longer just a promising prospect, Flashback has now fully established himself as a force to be reckoned with, and his future in the esports world looks brighter than ever.
DRX Valorant Roster Shake-Up Ahead of VCT Pacific Stage 2
It’s still unclear who will be the new addition to the DRX Valorant roster. The team has several options they could explore, each with their own unique strengths and potential benefits. One possibility is bringing in Kim “MaKo” Myeong-gwan, who is one of the more experienced and seasoned players on the roster. MaKo has been with DRX for a while now and has proven his ability to perform at the highest level. His calm demeanor and veteran leadership could be valuable assets as the team looks to solidify their lineup heading into a crucial stretch of tournaments. Another intriguing option is Kang “BeYN” Ha-bin, who previously served as the captain of the DRX Prospects squad. BeYN has shown flashes of brilliance and has strong synergy with some of the younger players on the team, such as Flashback and Foxy9, who were his former Prospects teammates. Bringing in BeYN could help strengthen the team’s in-game coordination and potentially unlock new strategic wrinkles that could catch opponents off guard. Whichever direction DRX decides to go, it will be interesting to see how the new roster gels and performs under the intense spotlight of the VCT Pacific Stage 2 tournament. The organization will be looking to build momentum and secure critical circuit points that will be vital for their chances of qualifying for the year-end VCT Champions event. Speaking of VCT Pacific Stage 2, DRX’s first match will be against the newly-revamped Team Secret lineup. Both teams will be eager to make a strong opening statement and set the tone for the rest of the stage. Team Secret have also undergone some roster changes, so there will be an element of the unknown as these two squads clash for the first time.
As it stands, the current DRX roster is:
- Yoo “BuZz” Byeon-chol
- Kim “MaKo” Myeong-gwan
- Cheon “Foxy9” Jae-son
- Kang “BeYN” Ha-bin
- Cho “Flashback” Min-hyeok
This is an intriguing mix of veteran experience and youthful potential. BuZz and MaKo provide a solid foundation, while the likes of Foxy9, BeYN, and Flashback bring a dynamic flair to the team’s playstyle. It will be crucial for DRX to find the right balance and synergy between these players as they look to climb up the Pacific Points leaderboard. Speaking of Pacific Points, DRX currently sits at 6 points, which puts them in a slightly precarious position compared to some of the region’s other top teams. Paper Rex and Gen.G currently lead the way with 10 and 9 points respectively. DRX will need to have a strong showing in Stage 2 in order to solidify their spot and ensure a direct invite to the VCT Champions event later this year. One interesting storyline to monitor will be the potential integration of Flashback into the DRX starting lineup. Flashback was previously a member of the Prospects squad, but now finds himself on the main roster. This could help shore up some of DRX’s weaknesses, as Flashback is known for his intelligent approach to the game and ability to make impactful plays. However, the organization may face some backlash from fans if they decide to bench the beloved Stax in order to accommodate Flashback. Overall, there is a lot of intrigue surrounding DRX’s roster moves and their upcoming performance at VCT Pacific Stage 2. The team has the talent and experience to make a serious push for a Champions spot, but they’ll need to navigate some tricky waters in order to achieve their goals. It should be an exciting time for DRX and their fans as the team embarks on this next chapter.
