“I’m not gonna be intimidated”: BBL Lar0k on his global debut at VALORANT Masters Santiago

Yusuf ‘Lar0k’ Kanber is one in all numerous rookies set to compete at VALORANT Masters Santiago, the primary international VCT occasion of the yr.

Lar0k and the remainder of the BBL Esports rookie roster delivered a flawless run at VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026 qualify for its first-ever worldwide competitors because the area’s first seed.

“My self-confidence comes from my very own gameplay,” the Turkish participant instructed Esports Insider through the pre-event press convention.

“I believe I’m taking part in rather well, and this isn’t coming from a spot of ego. I can say that I’m a great participant and I actually belief myself. So the regional efficiency that you simply noticed is gonna proceed on this stage, as properly.”

Lar0k started his VALORANT esports journey in 2022, competing in numerous Turkish tier-two tournaments. 

Two years later, the 18-year-old joined PCIFIC Esports to play within the Turkish Challenger circuit. He finally lifted the VCT EMEA 2025 Ascension trophy as a part of BBL PCIFIC, the Affiliate Partnership group of PCIFIC Esports and VCT companion organisation BBL Esports.

The whole roster was later signed by BBL to compete underneath its banner.

For its very first yr in VCT EMEA, the total PCIFIC roster stayed collectively regardless of offers from different companion groups within the league. 

This loyalty clearly paid off, because the freshly ascended roster went on a tear at VCT Kickoff. Bringing plain confidence and excessive power to the VCT EMEA stage, BBL Esports took down regional giants Fnatic and Group Vitality, in addition to rival darkish horse Light Mates, on its path to VALORANT Masters Santiago.

When requested whether or not heading into his first-ever international occasion may have an effect on his confidence, Lar0k replied:

“I’m not gonna be intimidated. I’m gonna present the identical efficiency that I confirmed in regionals right here on this worldwide match.”

Lar0k additionally defined why he believes in his group so strongly: ”I do know that we seem to be 5 rookies, however we’re not likely like 5 rookies. As a result of we proved ourselves on our journey right here. We beat everybody, which is why we’re right here.”

The duelist participant continued: “And now that we’re right here, we’re nonetheless tremendous good, we’re nonetheless assured, and we’re gonna beat everybody. So our confidence is tremendous excessive.” 

BBL Esports’ in-game chief (IGL), Eren ‘Rosé’ Erzan, agreed along with his teammate’s sentiment.

“It doesn’t matter for us, like being a rookie for the match, to be trustworthy. As a result of we all know our potential, our firepower within the recreation,” emphasised Rosé through the press convention.

“And we’re simply believing in one another. We all know tips on how to be a household […] like within the recreation and out of doors of VALORANT additionally. It’s not gonna change something about our recreation model and confidence within the recreation, like what the neighborhood persons are enthusiastic about us. I simply consider in my teammates, like my brothers, like all people on the group.”

BBL Esports is by far not the one rookie group at VALORANT Masters Santiago. The primary international VCT occasion of 2026 stands out as a group of darkish horses, underdogs and inexperienced rosters clashing with a few of the largest names within the scene.

This consists of one other sudden first seed, FURIA, which received VCT Americas Kickoff regardless of shedding 12 out of its 13 matches final yr. For its participant GianFranco ‘koalanoob’ Potestio, Masters Santiago will probably be his first shot at an international trophy.

“It means rather a lot. Like, I like this group,” koalanoob shared. “We’re simply gonna hold this underdog mentality that we’ve had. However I’ve full belief in my complete group, particularly artzin as my IGL. I really feel like if I belief no matter he says, we’ll simply be high quality.”

koalanoob added: ”We’re simply gonna hold working exhausting, and it’s superior that folks felt one thing from seeing my feelings. I wanna encourage folks to make them consider that they will attain no matter they dream of.”

VCT China’s first seed, All Players, shares a similar story, having by no means certified for a VCT international competitors earlier than Masters Santiago. Because the longest-standing member of the lively All Players line-up, Huang ‘K1ra’ Zhihao persevered via the group’s struggles final yr earlier than discovering redemption on the current VCT Kickoff occasion.  

“Once I look again to that sort of time, I believe it’s positively kinda horrible for me, however in that case, I’ll simply have the next customary for myself. And I simply ask myself to attempt my finest, to attempt tougher and to do higher on the stage,” revealed the IGL.

“For Santiago, I believe the primary objective is don’t be afraid and showcase our potential, showcase what we are able to do within the international occasions and completely study from different groups, study from different areas,” concluded K1ra.

Masters Santiago will happen from February twenty eighth till March fifteenth. Followers can observe the motion through the VCT’s official Twitch and YouTube broadcasts.