PCIFIC have announced the departure of Mehmet Yagiz ‘cNed’ Ipek and the arrival of Wadir ‘waddle’ Taraki. The new signing is still subject to Riot Games approval. If the move is cleared, Taraki will join qpert, al0rante, NINJA and Johann ‘seven’ Hernandez for VCT EMEA Stage 2.
The change removes the most famous name from the roster after a winless first part of the league season. It also changes the balance of the team. cNed is known for direct Duelist play. Taraki has used agents that reveal opponent positions, and he can also play Viper. PCIFIC must now divide the attacking and information roles in a new way.
The results made a change understandable
PCIFIC have lost all eight of their EMEA league matches in 2026. Their map record is 4-16, and they also failed to win during the EMEA qualifier for the Esports World Cup. Those numbers do not place every problem on one player, but they explain why the club chose a new direction before Stage 2.
A roster move only helps when it solves a clear issue. PCIFIC need better information, clearer calls after a round starts and more support for the first attack. Taraki’s recent roles point toward those tasks. The coaches must now show how his skills fit the four players who remain.
cNed leaves with major experience
cNed won the VALORANT Champions title in 2021 and has played many matches at the highest EMEA level. His name brought experience to a roster that was formed shortly before the season. PCIFIC still struggled to turn that experience into wins, and his time with the team ended before the next stage.
cNed’s exit should be described without blaming every defeat on the Duelist. PCIFIC often lost control in several parts of a map. The timing of the first attack, support after duels, defensive rotations and late-round decisions all affected the results. Removing one player does not repair each area by itself.
waddle arrives after playing for DNSTY
Taraki most recently represented DNSTY in the Spanish Challengers league. He used agents that reveal opponent positions and could also move onto Viper. Those skills give PCIFIC another source of information and control. They may also allow NINJA or qpert to spend more time on roles that suit their strengths.
This is a move from the second level into VCT EMEA, so the pace will change. Taraki will face teams that hide their plans and punish an agent ability used too late. He does not need a large kill total on every map. Accurate information and good timing can create easier fights for the rest of the team.
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Incoming player | Wadir ‘waddle’ Taraki |
| Outgoing player | Mehmet Yagiz ‘cNed’ Ipek |
| Approval | Signing is subject to Riot Games approval |
| PCIFIC record | 0-8 in EMEA league matches; 4-16 in maps |
| Next opponent | Gentle Mates on July 16 |
The broader tournament rules are covered in the explainer for EMEA qualification and scheduling. The current report remains focused on PCIFIC’s roster change.
Hernandez can take more of the Duelist work
With cNed gone, Hernandez is the clearest option for a larger attacking role. He has experience across several jobs and can provide early pressure. The change should still be tested map by map. Some agent lineups may need Hernandez to remain flexible instead of using the same Duelist on every map.
Taraki can support those attacks with agent abilities that reveal, blind or delay opponents. The order must be exact. Information should arrive before Hernandez enters a fight, not after he is already alone at a bomb site. This connection can become one of the first useful measures for the new roster.
Gentle Mates provide the first examination
PCIFIC are due to open Stage 2 against Gentle Mates on July 16. The short preparation period limits the number of new ideas that can be reliable. PCIFIC should select a narrow map plan and make sure every player knows the same response to pressure.
The first rounds may show whether communication has become simpler. A new player often brings different words and timing for the same action. The team can avoid confusion by naming positions clearly and deciding who gives the final call. A short message is more useful than three players explaining one danger at once.
Riot approval remains an important condition
PCIFIC included the approval condition in the announcement. That means the club have presented their intended five, but the competition process must still be completed. The staff should keep an emergency plan until waddle is officially allowed to play.
Once approval is confirmed, the public focus will move to results. The team should still give the player time to learn, but Stage 2 does not offer many matches for a slow start. PCIFIC need visible progress in the first series, even if a first victory requires more work.
Progress begins with fewer avoidable rounds
The new lineup can improve before it becomes a winning team. PCIFIC can first reduce rounds lost after gaining the opening kill. Teammates should also stay close enough to answer the next duel and save some agent abilities for the period after the spike is planted. These actions do not require a complete tactical rebuild.
A first win would change the mood, but the deeper target is a team that understands why each player is present. Taraki supplies information and flexible control. Hernandez can offer more attack, while qpert, NINJA and al0rante keep the remaining structure stable. PCIFIC now have to turn that outline into clear rounds.
