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ZETA DIVISION Reshuffles Coaching Staff: XQQ Returns as Head Coach
- XQQ is back as head coach, replacing Johnta after his contract expired, marking his second tenure leading ZETA DIVISION.
- ZETA’s poor Pacific Kickoff performance, where they failed to win a single map, prompted a leadership shakeup.
- Carlao returns to XQQ to assist in stabilization and team rebuilding for the 2025 season as assistant coach.
Following a catastrophic Kickoff, ZETA is trying to change their course for the rest of the season. We hope that this change can turn them into a more competitive squad. Stay up to date on VALORANT rumors thanks to our expert esports tips!
A Familiar Face Returns to Lead ZETA
Twelve days of Kickoff action has come to an end 🙌
Thank you for joining us here at #VCTPacific, we’re ready to #RisePacific in #VALORANTMasters Bangkok! pic.twitter.com/vYqRJAT9BR
— VCT Pacific (@vctpacific) February 9, 2025
ZETA DIVISION is making significant adjustments behind the scenes following a challenging start to the 2025 campaign. The team is appointing a well known individual, Motoyama “XQQ” Hibiki, to take over as head coach after firing Ivan “Johnta” Shevtsov. XQQ is on his second tenure as ZETA’s head coach, having previously served from July 2021 to September 2023 before returning to an assistant coaching post in late 2024. Now that he’s back in control, his task is to steer the gang in a fresh direction.
XQQ has been a key figure in ZETA’s history, dating back to the team’s days as Absolute JUPITER before its rebranding in 2021. Along with XQQ, Carlos “Carlao” Mohn will take on the job of assistant coach. Carlao is also no stranger to ZETA, having served as the team’s head coach in 2023, where he oversaw a mixed season that ended in ninth place at Pacific Stage 2. Carlao’s return to the coaching team adds another experienced voice to the group, having previously coached Virtue Gaming and FURIA in Brazil.
A New Beginning Following a Brutal Kickoff
Mark your calendars 🗓️#VALORANTMasters Bangkok starts Feb 20th! pic.twitter.com/YZ276Gfj2t
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) February 11, 2025
ZETA’s coaching change follows a terrible performance at Pacific Kickoff, when they were ousted without winning a single map. then lost to Nongshim RedForce, the 2024 Pacific Ascension champions, to start their troubles, and then lost quickly to Paper Rex, a regional powerhouse, in the lower bracket. The early exit left fans frustrated and raised serious concerns about the team’s trajectory for 2025.
Johnta, who left FENNEL to join ZETA during the offseason, never had much time to carry out his plan. Even though he had coaching experience with One Breath Gaming, Team Heretics, and FunPlus Phoenix, he just didn’t fit with ZETA. Even though he wasn’t there for the whole Pacific Kickoff, it was obvious that something needed to happen given the team’s lack of unity and strategic errors.
Now, with XQQ and Carlao taking over, the focus shifts to rebuilding confidence and refining their approach. ZETA still has a talented roster, featuring Dep, SugarZ3ro, CLZ, SyouTa, and Xdll, but they’ll need to quickly adapt under their new leadership if they hope to turn things around.
With two experienced coaches now in charge, ZETA is looking to put their rough start behind them. The 2025 season is far from over, and while there’s plenty of work to do, this coaching overhaul could be the spark the team needs to get back on track. Don’t forget to bet on your favorite teams at BetUS Sportsbook & Casino, as we have a plethora of VALORANT odds for you to enjoy!
