Wo0t Leaves Team Heretics: “It’s Been a Wonderful Journey”

VALORANT Champions 2026 has just finished, but teams and players are already preparing for the 2027 season. Team Heretics has just announced key member Wo0t is leaving its lineup, and he may have teased a transfer to another org. Let’s recap the move, and what it means for the VCT.

Team Heretics Announces Wo0t is Leaving

On October 21, Team Heretics made an announcement on its official X.com account. The org stated Mert “Wo0t” Alkan will depart its VALORANT roster after three years.

Wo0t, who joined TH from Fire Flux Esports in October 2023, is a core member of its roster. He mainly plays Duelist, occasionally picking Chamber.

Team Heretics wrote that Wo0t “joined as a boy, [is] leaving as a man. Came to change our destiny. Thank you […] for the three years we’ve shared. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Joined as a boy, leaving as a man. Came to change our destiny 🤍

Thank you @WootVL for the three years we’ve shared. It’s been a wonderful journey.#ThankYouWo0t pic.twitter.com/rcqbvnRnZK

— Heretics Valorant (@HereticsVal) October 21, 2026

What Does This Mean for Team Heretics?

Wo0t’s departure occurs after Team Heretics‘ 2026 VCT season. In 2024 and 2025, the team qualified to Champions. In Champions 2024, Team Heretics placed second to Evil Geniuses. Their roster, also including Boo, benjyfishy, MiniBoo, and RieNs, was one of the scene’s most fearsome. This year, the org missed out on the qualification threshold. After a 1st-place finish in EMEA stage 1, TH’s performance dipped, and they ended the season in 11th-12th place. A Masters London appearance was in the cards, but this ended similarly in 7th-8th.

As TH’s results have dipped, multiple players have departed (koshmaras and Boo left in September). Only benjyfishy and RieNs remain from the Champions 2024 lineup. As VCT is transitioning into the 2027 season, it’s normal for key transfers like this to occur. However, it’s also likely Heretics is looking to restructure to increase its competitiveness, and former players might likewise be moving to find new opportunities to shine.

VCT 2027 will be more competitive than ever. Riot Games is shifting the circuit to an Open Qualifier system with cups, keeping partnered teams on their toes. For more information on the upcoming changes, check out our explainer article here.

Wo0t’s Response

Wo0t responded to Team Heretics’ announcement, saying:

“Thank you for every minute of my career that u supported me. What a run it was… it’s the time for a new challenge.”

He called the transfer “actually emotional,” giving extra thanks to the Team Heretics staff and the camera and production team.

Wo0t’s message seems to indicate he has a surprise in store. Will fans see him on another VCT roster soon?

Thank you for every minute of my career that u supported me. What a run it was… Its the time for a new challenge 👀❤️ https://t.co/yvfjBVywyM

— Heretics Wo0t (@WootVL) October 21, 2026

Stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news.