Banner image: Ubisoft / Kiril B.
With the second stage of the Japan League 2023 starting in one week, we decided to have a glance at all of the roster moves that happened during the off-season.
The Japan League 2023 has three spots available to compete in the BLAST R6 Major Atlanta, which will be mainly played in November.
Here's how the Japanese teams have built their rosters heading to Stage 2!
CYCLOPS athlete gaming
Following a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Japan League 2023, CAG was pushed to the Last Chance Qualifiers for the chance to get the region's last BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen spot. Unfortunately, the Japanese unexpected loss against Varrel in the Last Chance Qualifiers grand final meant the team would miss out on the competition held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
With only two stages (instead of three) in Year 8, consistency will be crucial to qualify for the Six Invitational 2024. The team's second-place finish in the Last Chance Qualifiers temporarily puts them out of the Global Standings' Top 20, as they only got 100 SI Points.
It's worth mentioning that CAG has competed in every Six Invitational since their participation in Paris, France, at the Six Invitational 2022.
Therefore, the organization has decided to make changes to its Rainbow Six Siege. However, none of them affects their roster. Instead, the Japanese have decided to rebuild their staff team, as they moved Fumiya "Fuji3" Fujikasi to the analyst position and signed Toya "Papilia" Miyazawa as the team's new coach.
NORTHEPTION
Alongside Varrel, NORTHEPTION was one of the two Japanese sides that made their international debut at the BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen. The team was one round away from qualifying for Phase 2; however, their 7-8 loss on map three against REVEN ECLUB sent them home early.
Although qualifying for a Six Major is a success, the team clearly wants more. On July 21, the Japanese announced the departures of CherrySwind and Wakabayashi "amenbo" Ryota, which were followed by the signings of Sylvia, Akusu, and Goki.
VARREL
Following Varrel's 0-2 defeat against CAG in the Japan League 2023 Stage 1, the Japanese had to make their way through the Last Chance Qualifiers to get into the BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen.
Following the team's defeat against Wolves Esports, the Japanese survived to the first lower-bracket match against Team Bliss. However, another loss against the French squad saw Varrel being sent back home after the conclusion of Phase 1.
Heading to the Japan League 2023 Stage 2, the team has made some changes. On July 19, the Japanese decided to part ways with Taichi "DD" Shintani and the team's coach Karu. Three days later, the organization announced the signing of the former DWG KIA player Jang "RIN" Byeong-uk and the arrivals of Keisuke "CoPaHiPo" Kamura and CherrySwind.
Fnatic
At the time this article is being published, Fnatic's last international appearance took place 1,291 days ago. It was at the Six Invitational 2020 against Team BDS and the roster was still Australian.
Etienne "Mag" Rousseau is the only remaining player from the squad that impressed the fans in Brazil, at the PL Season 8 Finals, or at the Six Invitational 2019. However, the orange brand keeps trying.
Fnatic's only change heading to the second stage came in the form of Ryuki "Ramu" Matsuoka's departure. The Japanese player had been benched from the team in Mar. 2023.
Crest Gaming Lst
Crest Gaming Lst's players were very close to qualifying for the BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen as they finished in fourth place of the Japan League 2023 Stage 1. However, a surprising loss to FAV Gaming in the first round of the Last Chance Qualifier bracket saw the team's international hopes fading away quickly.
Heading to Stage 2, the Japanese roster decided to part ways with Souichirou "Acerola" Kumazawa. Instead, the team signed the former FAV Gaming and Sengoku Gaming player of Sironeko.
FAV Gaming
Last but not least, FAV Gaming picked up Crest Gaming Lst's former player Souichirou "Acerola" Kumazawa as a replacement for the previously mentioned Sironeko.
Moreover, Yuta "ReyCyil" Inoue announced his retirement from Rainbow Six Siege's competitive scene. The Japanese player represented his region internationally when competing for NORA-Rengo and reached the Top 4 at the Six Invitational 2019.