Almost two years after lifting the VALORANT Champions 2023 trophy and being named MVP in his rookie yr, Maximilian “Demon1” Mazanov is again in the marketplace.
Leviatán introduced on Aug. 12, 2025, that they’ve launched the 22-year-old after a difficult 10-month run marked by underwhelming outcomes.
At a raucous Kia Discussion board in Los Angeles, followers roared as a then 19-year-old Demon1 helped Evil Geniuses (EG) turn into the primary VCT Americas crew to raise a world trophy.
Demon1 immediately turned a legend, boasting a 1.26 ranking, a Ok:D ratio of 1.39, and an ADR of 166.4. His unbelievable efficiency, culminating in a 3-1 win over Paper Rex within the Grand Remaining, earned Mazanov the MVP award.
Demon1 holding the Champions 2023 trophy. Picture Credit score: Colin Younger-Wolff / Riot Video games
The 2023 Grand Remaining was practically two years in the past (Aug. 26, 2023), and the as soon as prodigal teenager is now on the lookout for his subsequent crew after failing so as to add any trophies to his legacy.
Demon1 Declares Free Company Forward of 2026 VCT Season
After three months on the bench at Leviatán, the group introduced that they’re saying goodbye to Demon1 in a brief publish on X, saying: “better of luck in your future endeavors.”
right this moment we’re saying goodbye to @Demon1___ ❤️
better of luck in your future endeavors 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mIpiCF0yLN
— LEVIATAN (@LeviatanENG) August 8, 2025
The announcement marks the tip of Demon1’s 10-month stint with Leviatán, throughout which the squad noticed poor outcomes, with the one notable finishes being fifth/sixth place at VCT 2025 Americas Kickoff and ninth/tenth at VCT 2025 Americas Stage 1.
Taking to X, Demon1 declared: “LFT for the upcoming 2026 season as Duelist/Controller/Sentinel.”
LFT for the upcoming 2026 season as duelist/controller/sentinel
— Demon1 (@Demon1___) August 10, 2025
His temporary assertion was met with overwhelming help, as followers wished Demon1 good luck and a speedy return to competitors.
A Confirmed Champion Trying to Write His Subsequent Chapter
On the time of writing, it’s not possible to foretell which crew will add the legend to their energetic roster.
The hope for followers is that he will get a spot on one of many 12 VCT Americas rosters.
With Duelist, Controller, and Sentinel roles on the desk, he ought to discover a crew throughout the offseason.
Demon1 has already etched his title into VALORANT historical past. Any crew that takes the danger will achieve a participant with the expertise and ability to dominate on the world stage.
One query stays: who’s prepared to face their interior Demon1s?
