BBL Esports Valorant signs Magnum to replace Chiwa, who is still facing document issues

Turkish organization BBL Esports has taken drastic measures ahead of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, signing Martin " Magnum " Peňkov to replace Egor "chiwa" Stepanyuk in their Valorant roster. Chiwa has now been moved to the bench.

On October 25, 2024, BBL Esports announced the signing of Egor "chiwa" Stepanyuk, filling the final spot on the team. However, he has been unable to play any official VCT matches due to ongoing visa issues preventing him from traveling to Germany . As a result, the organization decided to sign Magnum , ensuring they can compete with a full lineup rather than relying on substitutes, as they did at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff.

Current BBL Esports Valorant roster for VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1:

Burak "LêwN" Alkan
Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen
Dawid "PROFEK" Święć
Volkan "sociablEE" Yönal
Martin " Magnum " Peňkov

The player himself supported the organization’s decision, stating that he will assist the team as soon as possible. Full comment from Chiwa on the situation:

No words. This is a nightmare. Thank you to the organization and our fans for the support. The visa process is ongoing, but the team needs to move forward. As always, I will provide them with all the support they need to win. And we will win. Love you all.
Egor "chiwa" Stepanyuk

BBL Esports ' next match is scheduled for March 26 against Karmine Corp in the group stage of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1. The tournament will run from March 26 to May 18, with 12 teams competing for three slots at VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and 11 EMEA ranking points.