Portuguese Counter-Strike player Rafael “arrozdoce” Vig has officially entered free agency following the expiration of his contract with SAW. The organization made the decision to release the player just two months after he was moved to the bench in October, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
arrozdoce played a pivotal role in SAW’s remarkable performance at IEM Cologne 2024, where the team defied expectations and reached the semifinals. However, his absence from the roster before the RMR raised questions, later revealed to be due to his decision to explore opportunities outside SAW. Without him, the team struggled to maintain its momentum and ultimately failed to secure a spot at the Shanghai Major 2024. This disappointing outcome prompted SAW’s management to implement further roster changes.
As part of this restructuring, SAW also placed Michel “ewjerkz” Pinta on the transfer list, signaling a broader shake-up within the team. The current lineup now features Christopher “MUTiRiS” Fernandes, Ricardo “roman” Oliveira, João “story” Vieira, Andre “Ag1l” Gil, and José “Shr” Gil, led by coach Michael “Golden” Selim.
Despite his release, arrozdoce’s experience and skills as a lurker make him a highly attractive prospect for teams seeking seasoned talent. Notably, he has already showcased his abilities on the global stage, having competed in the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. With his sights set on a new challenge, the player has called upon teams and agents to reach out via social media or his agency.
This move signifies a pivotal moment in arrozdoce’s career. After contributing to a top-four finish at IEM Cologne and refining his gameplay, he has established himself as a formidable player with the potential to excel both within the Portuguese scene and on an international level. As he seeks a fresh start, arrozdoce’s combination of experience and ambition ensures that his next chapter in Counter-Strike will be one to watch closely.
