After a shaky time in ESEA last season, 7thCore were still able to make playoffs. Now, with the addition of Rhys “Rhys” Stumbles for Ethan “Carterlad10” Carter, the team will be looking to have a more dominant tenure in Main, vying for qualification into Advanced.
The move comes off the back of 7thCore being eliminated from the UKIC Spring Invitational Closed Qualifier in the final stage. Similar to this result, the core had mixed results before they got picked up by 7thCore. Once known as either K10 or RalphyChickenBalls, they narrowly missed relegation in ESEA season 43, but with the newest additions of Connel “Ralphy” Ralph and Adrian “Cha0s” Zeilinski coming into 2023, the roster was elevated. Now they are looking to continue on that same trajectory with the addition of Rhys.
Some of the older UK fans might have already connected the fact that Rhys joining 7thCore with Shea “pieface” Reilly and Connel “Ralphy” Ralph means that after two years, the old Socially core shall be competing under the same banner again. After making a big impact on the UK scene in 2021, they will be wanting to make an even bigger splash now.
The addition of Rhys now comes off the back of Vitalize Esports explosion after the most recent LAN. Normally known for his IGLing ability from his time in BLVKHVND, Rhys had actually changed role coming into Vitalize, fielding himself as a rifler and allowing Earl “Earl” Stephenson the reigns. UKCSGO understands that this will be the case in 7thCore as Shea “pieface” Reilly will still continue to lead the squad. This roster change, on the face of it, brings in a lot more experience and is a clear signal that 7thCore are looking to make deeper LAN finishes, while making more of an impact in ESEA after the core has now played 3 seasons together, only making playoffs once.
UKCSGO spoke to Banda, the team owner, about the future of the team:
Carter was a solid member of the team and I’m happy to have worked with him. It’s a shame to see them part ways, but with every ending is a new beginning and I’m confident in this addition of Rhys; having seen him perform as a player over the years I think it really could be what we need to take that extra step. High hopes
7thCore will be competing in ESEA 45 with the following five:
Shea “pieface” Reilly
Matthew “moz” Gelder
Connel “Ralphy” Ralph
Adrian “Cha0s” Zeilinski
Rhys “Rhys” Stumbles
[#CSGO] And with every ending, there is a new beginning…
PLEASE WELCOME @RhysStumbles TO 7TH CORE CS!
We're very excited to have him on board and can't wait to see the roster in action this season. 💪💪#HarnessTheCore pic.twitter.com/3dzKZNEHw7
— 7th Core (@7thCoreUK) March 30, 2023
