Team Heretics have parted ways with Martynas “koshmaras” Namikas, ending the Lithuanian Duelist’s short spell with the organization after less than five months.
The move was announced on September 5 and remains subject to Riot Games approval. koshmaras joined Heretics earlier in 2026 as the team attempted to rebuild around a younger core, but the partnership has now ended before the close of the competitive year.
Heretics make another roster move
koshmaras arrived with significant expectations after establishing himself as one of the more promising Duelist prospects in Europe.
His time with Heretics never fully developed into a stable long-term role, however. The team struggled to establish consistent results across the VCT season, and roster changes became increasingly likely once international qualification hopes faded.
- koshmaras joined Team Heretics earlier in 2026
- His stint lasted less than five months
- The release still requires Riot approval
- Heretics have not yet confirmed his replacement
The organization has not announced whether the decision was performance-related, strategic or part of a wider roster restructuring.
What is clear is that Team Heretics are already moving toward a different lineup for the next phase of competition.
koshmaras leaves before the season fully closes
The timing is notable because several VCT leagues are still finishing their Stage 2 playoffs and Champions qualification process.
Heretics, however, are already looking ahead.
That suggests the organization does not intend to wait for the full offseason before beginning roster work. In VALORANT, early moves can be especially important because high-profile free agents and transfer targets often become available immediately after regional seasons end.
| Roster detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Player | koshmaras |
| Role | Duelist |
| Organization | Team Heretics |
| Status | Released |
| Riot approval | Pending |
| Replacement | Not announced |
The absence of a confirmed successor means Heretics’ final roster direction remains unclear.
Short tenure never produced long-term stability
koshmaras was expected to add mechanical firepower and flexibility to the Duelist role.
His arrival came during a broader attempt by Heretics to refresh the roster and regain the level that had previously made the organization one of EMEA’s strongest international representatives.
That process never fully stabilized.
Heretics showed moments of potential but did not establish the kind of consistency required to challenge regularly for Masters or Champions qualification.
- The team struggled to build consistent momentum
- koshmaras never became a fully established long-term centerpiece
- Heretics missed their biggest competitive objectives
- Further roster changes now appear possible
One departure does not necessarily indicate a complete rebuild, but it increases the likelihood that Heretics will reconsider multiple roles before the next VCT season.
EMEA roster market begins to move
The announcement also arrives during an increasingly active period for the EMEA transfer market.
As teams are eliminated from Stage 2 and Champions qualification ends, organizations begin evaluating which players they want to retain for the following year.
That process typically creates a chain reaction.
One organization releasing a Duelist can open opportunities elsewhere, while another team may suddenly have access to a player who was unavailable only weeks earlier.
koshmaras now becomes part of that market.
His mechanical ceiling and previous VCT experience should make him an interesting option for organizations looking for a young Duelist with tier-one exposure.
Heretics face important offseason decisions
For Team Heretics, the larger question is how aggressive the organization wants to be.
A minor adjustment could involve simply replacing koshmaras and retaining most of the current core.
A broader rebuild would be more significant, especially if Heretics believe the existing structure has reached its limit.
No additional changes have been officially confirmed, so any speculation about specific replacements or further departures should remain cautious.
The organization still needs to decide how it wants to position itself for the next VCT cycle.
Assessment
Releasing koshmaras after less than five months shows how little patience exists at the highest level of professional VALORANT when results do not develop quickly.
Heretics brought him in as part of a roster refresh, but the move never became a clear long-term solution.
The decision also suggests the organization wants to begin rebuilding early rather than waiting until the offseason becomes crowded.
For koshmaras, the situation is not necessarily damaging in the long term. He remains young, has VCT experience and should attract interest from teams looking for Duelist talent.
For Heretics, however, the pressure now shifts to the next move. Replacing one player is simple; rebuilding a roster capable of returning to international competition is much harder.
