Sources: RaptorZ linked with Built by Gamers coaching role, Trill to start over Critical

North American organization Built by Gamers are looking to improve their coaching infrastructure with the potential acquisition of Moon Raccoons Black coach Gannon “RaptorZ” Nelson, multiple sources told Upcomer July 19. 

Also Built by Gamers will likely continue without Tristan “Critical” Trinacty for the upcoming VALORANT Championship Tour Stage 3 Challengers 2 Open Qualifier, which is set to begin July 22. While he’s already made a few appearances for the side, former Overwatch player Ashley “Trill” Powell will continue to replace him.  

Built by Gamers has practiced with Critical and the organization is seeking other methods of potentially including him in the team. However, the organization will allow him to seek opportunities elsewhere, one source told Upcomer. 

RaptorZ, on the other hand, has trialled with the Built by Gamers VALORANT roster and will likely join Charles Heino on the coaching staff. 

RaptorZ, previously known for his time as an Overwatch commentator, began to coach the Moon Raccoons roster in August following the acquisition of the roster. He was transferred to the Moon Racoons Black team on June 19. 

RaptorZ has emphasized a positive “team dynamic” during his coaching tenure at Moon Racoons. “Our focus is on all of us having the same goals; not caring about results but playing good VALORANT, playing to win and not afraid to lose; Having fun in every scrim and match.” he said in an interview with GGRecon. 

Built by Gamers recently finished in the top 32 of the VALORANT Champions Tour North America Stage 3 Challengers 1 Open Qualifier, which concluded July 4. Built by Gamers lost to Rise, who would later go on to qualify for the main event following a victory against Cloud9 Blue in the round of 16. 

Prior to their original disbandment in April, Moon Racoons Black  finished third in the VALORANT Champions Tour Game Changers North America Series 1, which concluded on March 28. RaptorZ was announced as the head coach of the revitalized Moon Racoons Black roster on June 19. 

Built by Gamers will likely field the following roster for the upcoming VCT: 

• Joseph “Bjor” Bjorklund
• William “Will” Cheng
• Raymond “Rarkar” Xu
• Jake “POACH” Brumleve
• Trill
• Critical
• Charles Heino (head coach)
• RaptorZ (coach)