The professional VALORANT scene is rarely static, and the latest tremor comes from Team Heretics. Dominykas ‘MiniBoo’ Lukaševičius, the aggressive Lithuanian duelist, has officially been granted permission to explore opportunities for the upcoming 2026 VCT season. This announcement marks more than just a potential roster change; it signals a pivotal moment for an organization grappling with a season of both spectacular highs and frustrating lows, and perhaps, the quiet dissolution of one of VALORANT`s most unique sibling dynamics.
A Rollercoaster Year: The Heretics` Paradox
Team Heretics entered 2025 with the weight of expectation, having solidified its position as a top EMEA contender in 2024, even reaching the Grand Finals of VALORANT Champions. The early signs in 2025 were promising: a third-place finish at EMEA Kickoff, a strong second in Stage 1, and most notably, a substantial $500,000 victory at the Esports World Cup. Yet, for all their flashes of brilliance, consistency remained an elusive adversary.
The latter half of the year saw a concerning dip in performance. A modest 11th-12th at Masters Toronto was followed by a 5th-6th exit in Stage 2, culminating in a similar 5th-6th placement at VALORANT Champions Paris. It seems the substantial prize money from Riyadh couldn`t quite buy the coveted trophy from Paris, leaving fans and the organization pondering what went wrong after a year that promised so much.
MiniBoo`s Mark: Aggression, Impact, and Near Misses
Since joining Team Heretics ahead of VCT EMEA Stage 1 2024, MiniBoo established himself as a formidable force. His aggressive dueling style was instrumental in the team`s ascent. While trophies remained just out of reach, MiniBoo was a key architect in Heretics` consistent deep runs, including Grand Finals appearances at VALORANT Champions 2024, Masters Shanghai, and VCT EMEA Stage 1 2024. These near-triumphs showcased the team`s potential, a potential that unfortunately wasn`t fully realized in the critical moments.
The Brothers in Arms: A Professional Bond
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of MiniBoo`s potential departure is the separation from his older brother, Ričardas ‘Boo’ Lukaševičius. Competing alongside a sibling in professional esports is a rare luxury, creating a unique layer of camaraderie and understanding within a team. MiniBoo himself acknowledged Boo`s stabilizing presence, describing him as the calmer counterpart after losses, a guiding voice of experience.
“When we lose, he’s the more calmer one,” MiniBoo once stated, “he’s kind of speaking to me and calming me down because he’s more experienced and he’s more regulated than I am. I’m too emotional.”
Boo echoed the sentiment of their unique bond, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. Yet, both brothers were acutely aware of the professional boundaries required.
“Inside the game, you know, I don’t treat MiniBoo any different like the others,” Boo explained, emphasizing their equality within the tactical structure.
This blend of familial support and strict professional discipline allowed them to thrive, making their potential split all the more significant.
One might almost observe a touch of tragic irony here: a bond so strong it helped forge a top-tier team, yet not quite enough to prevent the strategic imperative of roster adjustments when results waver. Esports, after all, is a meritocracy, and even the closest of ties can be tested by the unforgiving pursuit of championships.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilds and New Horizons
MiniBoo exploring his options signals a clear intent for Team Heretics to re-evaluate and potentially rebuild for the 2026 season. The question now becomes: where will MiniBoo land, and what new dynamic will Heretics forge in his absence? The departure of a player of MiniBoo`s caliber, particularly one half of such a prominent sibling duo, will undoubtedly send ripples through the VALORANT community.
For MiniBoo, it`s an opportunity for a fresh start, to find a team that can leverage his aggressive playmaking to secure those elusive major trophies. For Team Heretics, it`s a chance to recalibrate, to find the missing pieces that will translate raw talent and intermittent success into consistent championship contention. The narrative of 2025 was one of tantalizing promise unfulfilled; 2026 now offers a blank slate, albeit one starting with a significant change. The VCT landscape is unforgiving, but for Heretics and MiniBoo, new chapters are waiting to be written.
Callum Darby