FunPlus Phoenix Optimistic about ANGE1’s Attendance at VCT Masters in Copenhagen
FunPlus Phoenix, the European VALORANT team, is hopeful that their Ukrainian in-game leader ANGE1 will be able to attend VCT Masters in Copenhagen, according to multiple sources.
Dexerto reported earlier today that FPX had targeted Mathias “SEIDER” Seider, Mikkel “Masked” Fuglsang, and Przemysław “KEREME” Bogdanowicz as substitutes for ANGE1, along with FPX’s Russian players Dmitry “SUYGETSU” Ilyushin and Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky.
Sources close to the team have informed that SUYGETSU and Shao have a “50/50” chance of attending the event. However, there is confidence within the FPX organization that ANGE1 will receive permission from the Ukrainian government to leave the country and participate in VCT Masters.
It’s important to note that Ukrainian adult males are currently under martial law due to the invasion by Russian forces on Feb. 24. However, there are some exceptions for citizens who want to travel abroad. As a result of travel bans imposed by European countries, Russian citizens are finding it difficult to leave their country. Denmark, for example, banned the arrival of Russian aircraft on March 1, as reported by The Local.
The final decision is still pending on whether all three substitutes will be required to play in the event. FPX acquired the trio weeks ago, prior to the roster lock, as a precaution in case replacements were needed.
FPX is getting ready to compete in VCT Masters, which will be the first international event with a live audience. The tournament is scheduled to start on July 10 and end on July 24. On June 24, Riot Games announced that spectators will be allowed for the final three days of the tournament.