GIANTX Swaps musz3kk for Jesse Due to Visa Issues

GIANTX is benching a core roster member in the midst of VCT EMEA Stage 2, and calling up a substitute to become a long-term starter. musz3kk will depart, while Jesse joins the main string. Here’s everything to know about the situation and its VALORANT esports context.

musz3kk Leaves GIANTX VALORANT Due to Visa Issues

VCT EMEA Stage 2 is progressing fast, and teams are scrambling to perform at their best. A win at this Stage means qualification to VALORANT Champions 2026, the game’s most prestigious event. Rosters need to be in peak form, and the competition is ramping up.

On July 25, 2026, European team GIANTX announced it is parting ways with core roster member Cihan “musz3kk” Göçer due to visa issues. The pro, who flexes between Controller and Duelist, has represented the organization for under two weeks.

The move had arisen as a theory after teammate Jesse subbed in for musz3kk on July 16. However, it has now been fully confirmed.

In a post captioned “Update regarding musz3kk’s situation and the future of our VCT EMEA roster,” the team elaborated on its decision. GIANTX wrote that “despite all efforts, [musz3kk’s] visa situation remains unresolved.”

In addition, the org thanked the pro “for his commitment, professionalism, and efforts throughout this process” and “[wishes] him the best in his future endeavors.”

The decision unexpectedly puts a halt to what would have been musz3kk’s Tier 1 debut. Previously, he competed in VALORANT Challengers Spain.

musz3kk expressed his disappointment in a reply post:

“It’s really sad. I did everything I could, but it didn’t work out. Also, despite our explanation of the situation, I thank the ”Turkish” esports federation for not providing the slightest support to resolve the issue :))“

Jesse Joins GIANTX’s Main Roster

GIANTX is filling musz3kk’s roster spot with Adam “Jesse” Čtvrtníček. Jesse, who mains Omen, has an extremely similar Agent pool to musz3kk. He also joined recently, arriving on July 15, 2026. Jesse’s contract originally placed him as an emergency stand-in; now, he will be stepping into a main role. His substitution on July 16 placed him in VCT EMEA for the first time in his career.

Jesse attracted the team’s attention with strong performances in the Challengers circuit throughout 2025 and early 2026. Under the Twisted Minds and UCAM banners, he swept through Challengers Spain, Challengers MENA, and Challengers France.

In its original statement, GIANTX noted that the Czech player “has adapted outstandingly well to the team’s structure, allowing us to continue working with clarity and full confidence. We firmly believe that with Jesse, the team can consistently improve and compete to qualify for VALORANT Champions. Welcome officially to GIANTX, Jesse.”

The org also applauded his “outstanding results in scrims,” which made his promotion “an easy choice.”

Jesse reacted to the move with a post on his personal X.com account. He confirmed, “Officially joined [GIANTX VALORANT]
for the rest of the season. Really grateful for this opportunity; I will continue doing my best to adapt to their structure and improve myself.”

What Does This Mean for GIANTX and VALORANT Esports?

As VALORANT is an extremely international esport, visa issues can arise on occasion. Players may be unable to secure a visa, or the visa processing times may be delayed. This also isn’t the first time a VALORANT team has had to switch things around to accommodate during a major tournament. Star player naTs saw delays during Masters Toronto 2025, and Sentinels’ johnqt faced similar issues in 2024.

The move does draw attention because the stakes at VCT EMEA Stage 2 are extremely high, and it’s always risky to shift a roster deep in the competitive season. The team has likely built chemistry together during practices and may have to shift some of its strategies. This tournament is the final chance for teams to qualify for VALORANT Champions through their regions, so they need to be on top of their game.

For more information on how to watch VCT Stage 2, check out our tournament guide. In addition, stay tuned for more VALORANT esports and in-game news.