Guild Esports have confirmed the arrival of Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel from Ninjas in Pyjamas, with the Swede completing the organization’s VALORANT roster in the process. Guild had been linked with the 20-year-old for a number of weeks, with the organization having now confirmed his arrival ahead of the 2021 Champions Tour.
Having switched from NiP to Guild, Sayf will once again team up with some of his former Bonk teammates, who he competed for during the Ignition Series and recent First Strike tournament. The Swede only joined Ninjas in Pyjamas in September last year, having developed a good reputation within the scene due to his performances. Sayf is expected to act as a replacement for Filip “goffe” Gauffin, who parted company with Guild at the end of 2020. With goffe having figures of 194 ACS and 1.07 KD during his time with Guild, it remains to be seen as to whether Sayf can fill his boots.
The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. Glad to announce that I’ll be playing for @guildesports coming into 2021. A sweet reunion with my family. ? https://t.co/8rtWY37qXb
— Guild Sayf (@DSajoof) January 20, 2021
Why Guild Moved Quickly to Acquire Sayf
Guild would have undoubtedly been attracted by Sayf’s versatility, having shown that he has the ability to play anywhere from Raze to Sage. Meanwhile, his experience playing at major championships was perhaps another selling point, with the former Bonk man having recorded two 2nd place finishes during the Ignition Series last year. Sayf averaged a 1.21 KD during his time with NiP, however with their lineup having failed to fire, the Swede was facing time on the bench.
With the VALORANT Champions Tour being just a matter of weeks away, Guild will be pleased to have completed its lineup, especially given their disappointing and controversial disqualification from the First Strike event. The Guild Esports VALORANT roster is made up by Breach/cypher/sova Malkolm “bonkar” Rench, Raze Yacine “Yacine” Laghmari, Brach/omen/sage Leo “Leo” Jannesson, Omen William “draken” Sundin and sayf himself.
What Other New Faces are at Guild?
Elsewhere, coach André “BARBARR” Möller has been hired by Guild in order to oversee its VALORANT roster. BARBARR has excellent experience in the first person shooter scene, having gained a reputation for taking smaller teams to the highest tiers in CS:GO. BARBARR is also a former professional himself, with Guild having seemingly made another astute signing here.