In the relentlessly competitive world of esports, change is the only constant. Yet, some departures resonate more profoundly than others. The recent announcement that Lithuanian duelist Dominykas ‘MiniBoo’ Lukaševičius has been granted permission to explore opportunities outside Team Heretics for the upcoming 2026 VCT season is one such development, signaling a significant shift within one of VALORANT`s most recognizable teams.
This news, initially reported by Sheep Esports, arrives in the wake of a challenging 2025 campaign for Team Heretics, which culminated in a 5th-6th place finish at VALORANT Champions Paris. For a team that had reached the grand finals of major tournaments in 2024 and secured a substantial win at the Esports World Cup earlier in 2025, this outcome has evidently prompted a reevaluation of their strategic approach.
The End of a Unique Partnership
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of MiniBoo’s potential departure is the dissolution of VALORANT’s celebrated sibling duo. For his entire tenure with Heretics, MiniBoo has competed alongside his older brother, Ričardas ‘Boo’ Lukaševičius. Their partnership on the server offered a rare blend of familial bond and professional synergy, creating a dynamic that captivated fans and provided an intriguing narrative.
The brothers themselves often spoke of their unique relationship. MiniBoo, acknowledging his own emotional intensity, credited Boo as a stabilizing presence:
“When we lose, he’s the more calmer one. So I guess when we come back home and we have free time, he’s kind of speaking to me and calming me down because he’s more experienced and he’s more regulated than I am. I’m too emotional.”
Boo, reflecting on the uncommon nature of their situation, simply expressed gratitude:
“I don’t think there’s many people like that in general who have a chance to play with their brother. So yeah, I’m just happy about it.”
Despite the deep personal connection, both maintained a strict professional boundary during matches, emphasizing equality within the team. This balance of blood ties and competitive pragmatism made their duo particularly endearing. Now, the cold calculus of competitive performance seems poised to separate them, at least for the immediate future.
Team Heretics` Rollercoaster 2025
Team Heretics entered 2025 with considerable momentum, having established themselves as EMEA’s second-best team in 2024, hot on the heels of Fnatic. Their 2024 achievements included reaching the grand finals of VALORANT Champions, Masters Shanghai, and VCT EMEA Stage 1. Expectations were justifiably high.
The early part of 2025 looked promising: a third-place finish at EMEA Kickoff, second in Stage 1, and the highlight — a lucrative victory at the Esports World Cup in July. The team showcased flashes of brilliance, proving they could still contend at the highest level.
However, the latter half of the season told a different story. A disappointing 11th-12th finish at Masters Toronto marked the beginning of a downturn. This was followed by struggles in Stage 2, where they exited in 5th-6th place, and a similar outcome at Champions Paris, bowing out 1-2 in an elimination match. The inconsistency was stark, painting a picture of a team grappling with how to maintain peak performance through a grueling season.
The Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence
In esports, the concept of loyalty often finds itself in a precarious dance with the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Even the most cherished team dynamics and personal connections can be reevaluated when results fall short of aspirations. Team Heretics` decision to allow MiniBoo to explore options is a testament to this reality.
For MiniBoo, a talented duelist known for his aggressive playstyle, this opens a new chapter. He will undoubtedly be a sought-after talent in the upcoming transfer window, offering mechanical prowess and valuable experience to any roster. For Boo and the remaining members of Team Heretics, this marks a period of rebuilding and adaptation as they seek a new synergy to reclaim their top-tier status.
The VALORANT competitive scene continues to evolve at a blistering pace. Roster changes, while often bittersweet, are an inherent part of this evolution. They are the engines of potential, promising renewed vigor and fresh strategies, even as they sever bonds that fans and players alike have come to cherish. MiniBoo’s move is more than just a player transfer; it’s a tangible reminder of the constant flux and strategic recalculations that define the path to competitive glory in esports.
