French esports organisation Team Vitality has brought back Swedish player Saif ‘Sayf‘ Jibraeel to its VALORANT roster ahead of the VCT EMEA 2025 playoffs.
According to Team Vitality, the player will be assuming the role of flex, rather than taking the in-game leader (IGL) position, which is currently filled by Bartosz ‘UNFAKE’ Bernacki.
The French organisation explained that Sayf was asked to join the team as a potential last-minute sub before the series against Gentle Mates (which Team Vitality won). Despite not playing in the series, his participation in game prep and review convinced the organisation to bring him back in, after the player had previously stated his willingness to take a break from competitive play.
Considered among the stronger teams in VCT EMEA, Team Vitality had struggled with results mid-way through the season. After winning VCT EMEA Kickoff and finishing fourth at VCT Masters Bangkok, the organisation only managed a top 8 finish in Stage 1.
The decision to go for the sixth-man roster was made to increase the chances of qualifying for the year-end VCT Champions, which will take place on Team Vitality’s home soil, in Paris.
Who is Sayf?
Born in 2001, Sayf is a Swedish player of Iraqi origin. Starting his professional career in 2020, Sayf played for bonk and Ninjas in Pyjamas before reaching the international stage with Guild Esports back in 2022. Prior to joining Team Vitality, the player played a season on Team Liquid in 2023, leading the team to Masters Tokyo and VCT Champions.
“With all of Sayf’s experience on and off the server, we believe that the whole team can greatly benefit from having him back on the roster,” the post stated.
“We are very excited and grateful to be working with a happy and healthy Sayf again and we look forward to showing you what our 6 man squad can do this week in playoffs.”
