DarkZero signs former Reignite roster

DarkZero has announced the signing of its first-ever Apex Legends roster, inking a deal with an Australian trio who most recently represented Reignite.

Rhys “Zer0“ Perry, Noyan “Genburten” Ozkose, and Rick “Sharky” Wirth had dominated under the Reignite brand, and were considered one of the favorites for the upcoming Apex Legends Global Series Championship. However, the team was released by Reignite in a shock move on July 4.

DarkZero enters Apex Legends

DarkZero currently operates two esports teams, one in Rainbow Six and one in VALORANT. The organization recently saw major success in Rainbow Six, winning the Six Charlotte Major in May.

On July 5, DarkZero announced the signing of Reignite’s former roster, marking the organization’s first foray into Apex Legends.

This puts DarkZero into an advantageous position to win their second major title in 2022, as the trio of Australian players is considered to be in contention for the ALGS Championship title. The ALGS Championship is set to begin on July 7.

DarkZero presents future opportunities

However, signing with a major organization such as DarkZero provides more than just professional organization resources for the upcoming championship. Both Zer0 and Genburten have previously spoken about a desire to relocate to the United States. Their reasoning for this is a more competitive professional scene, more lucrative competitive opportunities, and a more stable internet connection than their home nation of Australia.

North America and Asia-Pacific are considered the two strongest regions in Apex Legends esports, but the North American region is much more condensed, rather than spread out across a large area like APAC is.

Signing with the North American organization is likely to make relocation to the region much easier.

Investing in APAC

DarkZero are not the only Western organization that has recently invested into the APAC region. Quickly-expanding Canadian organization Gaimin Gladiators signed an APAC VALORANT team in early June. Meanwhile, Fnatic also signed an APAC Apex team ahead of the ALGS Championship, signing the former BAKAGAKI roster on June 29.

As mentioned, APAC is one of the top regions for Apex Legends. As well DarkZero, PULVEREX (formerly Team United) are considered one of the primary contenders for the ALGS Championship. A title in the first truly international Apex Legends Championship would also be a major boost to the region.

But for now, Reignite’s former roster has found a new home in DarkZero, and it’s a new home that could substantial dividends for the players going forward.

Header: Respawn, DarkZero