Look Sports Media – The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) world is buzzing after Team Falcons’ unexpected decision to bench Rhys "Zer0" Perry. The move has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, from bewildered confusion to gleeful "I told you so’s," highlighting the complex dynamics within the once-unbreakable Falcon’s core.
While Team Falcons has a history of roster shuffles in other titles like Counter-Strike, their Apex roster had remained remarkably consistent since its formation in May 2024. So, what triggered this seismic shift?
Unraveling the Tension
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Until September 10th, Team Falcons boasted two of Apex Legends’ most decorated IGLs: Phillip "ImperialHal" Dosen and Zer0. However, simmering tensions had become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. Examining the team’s history reveals a clearer picture of the underlying issues.
The official announcement, a terse tweet from Falcons Esports, simply stated, "We have decided to move Zer0 to the bench. We thank him for his efforts and wish him the best in the future." This followed a cryptic tweet from Zer0 himself, a meme depicting someone breaking free from chains, adding to the intrigue.
A "Superteam" Implodes
On paper, Team Falcons’ initial roster looked like a "superteam." Zer0, a two-time Playoffs champion and winner of the 2022 ALGS Championship, brought a wealth of experience and regional titles from both APAC-South and North America. ImperialHal, equally successful with a 2023 ALGS Championship under his belt and the moniker "CEO of Apex," added to the star power. They were joined by Zer0’s long-time teammate, Noyan "Genburten" Ozkose, and later, Ben "Wzltzy" Walton.
However, this dream team quickly encountered reality. Following a disappointing 20th place finish in the 2024 ALGS Split 2 Playoffs, Genburten was abruptly released, only learning of his dismissal from a future teammate, six days before roster lock for the ALGS 2024 Championship. This unprofessional handling of the situation, coupled with ImperialHal’s later explanation regarding Genburten’s visa, cast a shadow over the team’s internal dynamics.
Three IGLs – A Recipe for Disaster?
The subsequent addition of Wzltzy created an unusual situation: three IGLs on one team. While Wzltzy primarily functioned as a fragger, his past experience in the IGL role contributed to a leadership overload. The resulting clash of styles and strategies ultimately proved unsustainable.
Zer0’s Aggressive Style and the Breaking Point
Zer0’s aggressive IGL style, previously highlighted in infamous clips showcasing heated exchanges with teammates, came to a head. A leaked clip from ImperialHal’s pre-Midseason Playoffs livestream revealed a heated argument between Zer0 and Wzltzy, culminating in a loud crash and further verbal sparring. This incident, coupled with their poor performance at the Midseason Playoffs, fueled rumors of roster changes.
The Aftermath and the Future
With Zer0 benched after the first two weeks of the ALGS Pro League, ImperialHal will reportedly reclaim the IGL role. The team now seeks a support or anchor player to balance the roster. The post-roster lock situation makes finding a suitable replacement challenging. While speculation runs rampant, ImperialHal promises an announcement after the weekend of September 13th and 14th.
As for Zer0, his future remains uncertain, though his cryptic social media post suggests a desire for a fresh start. The fallout from Team Falcons’ decision is far from over, and the ALGS community waits with bated breath to see how this dramatic shakeup will impact the competitive landscape.
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