Team Secret’s in-game leader (IGL) and the oldest player in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), Jessie Cristy “JessieVash” Cuyco, has decided to take a hiatus from competitive VALORANT. After an impressive five-year run, the Filipino esports icon cited exhaustion and community criticism as key factors influencing his choice to step away temporarily.
JessieVash explained that this break is intended to preserve his team’s performance while allowing him time to regain his competitive spark. He expressed gratitude for the support he’s received and encouraged fans to continue cheering for Team Secret.
Staying Connected Through Streaming and Support
While stepping back from professional play, JessieVash has no plans to leave VALORANT entirely. He intends to keep engaging with the game through Twitch streams and will be actively supporting Team Secret by hosting watch parties for their matches. He emphasized that this is not a retirement, reassuring fans that he remains committed to the game and its community.
A Storied Career with Team Secret
JessieVash has been a cornerstone of Team Secret for over three years, leading the squad to notable victories, including the APAC Predator League 2024 and the VALO2ASIA Launch Invitational 2021. His leadership also propelled the team to compete on the global stage at prestigious events like VALORANT Masters Berlin and Champions 2021. His contributions have cemented his status as a respected figure in the VALORANT esports ecosystem.
Jake Sin, Head of APAC VALORANT Esports, praised JessieVash’s enduring impact, noting that his absence will shift the dynamic of VCT Pacific. Sin humorously remarked that the average player age in the league would drop significantly without JessieVash, but underscored the player’s remarkable career longevity and ongoing high-level performance. Sin also highlighted JessieVash’s commitment, pointing out that calling this a break rather than a retirement reflects his deep passion for VALORANT.
Team Secret’s Roster Shake-Up
JessieVash’s break coincides with other changes within Team Secret. The organization recently parted ways with controller player James “2GE” Goopio. To fill the gaps, Team Secret has brought in Kelly “kellyS” Sedillo from Global Esports and Sha “ZesBeeW” Mohtar from Rival Esports. These new additions signal a fresh chapter for the team as they aim to rebound from a challenging season.
Looking Ahead for Team Secret
Team Secret struggled in the Pacific Kickoff, failing to win a single series, and ended Stage 1 at the bottom of their group, missing the playoffs. With new talent joining the roster, the team is poised to regroup and make a stronger showing in upcoming competitions, including the Esports World Cup qualifiers and Pacific Stage 2. JessieVash’s break, paired with these roster updates, could provide the reset Team Secret needs to reclaim their competitive edge.