*Update 8pm BST: mezii has confirmed that he will miss the event. It has also announced that JACKZ will stand in for Vitality at the event.
As the Perfect World Shanghai Major looms, there is one final tier one tournament before teams head to China, BLAST Premier World Final. World #3 Vitality’s chances of scoring a morale-boosting win ahead of the Major have been dealt a blow however. According to streamer Sébastien “KRL” Perez, Vitality could utilise Audric “JACKZ” Jug at that event instead of William “mezii” Merriman, as mezii is expecting the birth of his first child.
JACKZ has previously stood in with Vitality at ESL Pro League Season 17 where he posted an impressive 1.26 HLTV rating in the group stage. Funnily enough this was also in place of an expecting father, Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen. Since then the French rifler has had difficult stints on TSM and Project G, most recently making appearances with domestic roster GenOne who are managed/coached by KRL. Last month they lost to UK side Chetz Esports (now Royals) in the Grand Final of Galaxy Battle Season 1.
The BLAST Premier World Final starts on the 30th of October with roster lock on the 9th of October – just two days away. As things stand the Brit could miss the last tournament before the Major cycle commences, and Vitality will have their backs against the wall as they look to defend their 2023 title.
Unusually, the Perfect World Shanghai RMRs will lead directly into the Major with no gaps – meaning BLAST World Finals has been brought forward to avoid a clash. However, this should mean that mezii will be able to return to the team for the season-ending event in China.
Vitality are expected to field the following roster in Singapore:
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Lotan “Spinx” Giladi
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
Audric “JACKZ” Jug
Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam (coach)
JACKZ is likely to step in for mezii at the BLAST World Finals, as mezii will be absent due to the birth of his child. Congrats King! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mXa1DZmrCQ
— KRL (@KRL_STREAM) October 7, 2024
