XLG Esports Signs NoMan Ahead of VCT China Stage 2 to Bolster International Roster
The rising Chinese VALORANT team XLG Esports has signed James “NoMan” Man for its VALORANT team. This signing comes just after the organisation released Zhang “Midi” Jiajun, who had difficulty adapting to XLG’s predominantly English-speaking roster.
Midi had communication issues in XLG’s mostly English-speaking lineup.
Therefore, XLG chose the replacement as NoMan. With this crucial roster change, team XLG looks to bounce back from the previous losses in the Masters Toronto and gear up for one final push toward VALORANT Champions 2025.
A Tactical Signing After Communication Issues
XLG made headlines in 2024 with their astonishing rise as they became the first non-EDward Gaming team to claim a VCT China trophy, winning Stage 1 and qualifying for Masters Toronto. However, Midi’s last-minute replacement of YoU with Midi as a star initiator created serious chemistry and language problems. The team was granted a direct playoff slot but got eliminated by Sentinels and G2 Esports without winning a single map.
As expected, the departure of Midi came along due to communication issues with teammates like Arthur “Rarga” Churyumov, affecting in-game synergy.
In order to fix the XLG’s communication issues and fillable gaps, NoMan was signed as the replacement, fluent in English and possessing international experience, bringing hope towards restoring competitive equilibrium before VCT China Stage 2.
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Who is NoMan, and what does he bring to XLG?
NoMan is a 20 year old young VALORANT professional who has played with several Tier 2 and Tier 3 teams in Europe, Hong Kong, and China. He started his journey with Oblivion Force, where he gained popularity after winning the Hong Kong & Taiwan Stage 1 Challengers with Oblivion Force during 2022. NoMan also had short stints with Rare Atom and ESC Gaming. He was primarily used as a Jett duelists, but later he played in other roles due to his versatile playstyle.
Signing NoMan represents a tactical progression for XLG as his firepower, alongside adaptability and communication, increases their synergy. NoMan makes his debut with XGL on July 5, playing All Gamers in the opening match of VCT China Stage 2, which runs till August 31. This tournament is crucial for XLG and their restructured squad as they compete for Champions qualification.
