Following his departure from Paper Rex’s starting lineup for VALORANT Champions 2023, one of the most adored figures in the competitive scene is embarking on a fresh journey.
Benedict “Benkai” Tan is set to join Global Esports for the 2024 season, serving as the cornerstone for the organization’s comprehensive roster transformation, aimed at reversing their fortunes after a disappointing year.
The team faced a series of lackluster performances in the previous season, including an early exit at the 2023 LOCK//IN, a subpar eighth-place finish in the Pacific regular season, and elimination from the Last Chance Qualifier. Consequently, the team bid farewell to their entire starting lineup in September, initiating a complete roster overhaul.
In the meantime, Benkai is poised to return to the competitive stage after being benched just before Masters Tokyo. His last match took place on April 15, after which he was substituted, and Paper Rex ultimately settled on its final roster, featuring something, f0rsakeN, mindfreak, Jinggg, and d4v4i.
The 26-year-old will assume a leadership role at Global Esports, drawing upon his veteran experience and in-game leadership. His cheerful disposition, which has earned him fans worldwide, will also be a valuable asset. Fans have long missed Benkai’s memorable on-stage antics, which ranged from donning a dinosaur costume to providing insightful commentary as a broadcast analyst.
Global Esports, however, faces the challenge of constructing a winning team around this fan favorite in the months ahead as they gear up for the new year. To compete with the likes of Paper Rex, DRX, and T1 and make their mark on the international stage, they must assemble a formidable squad.