Excel Esports has confirmed that starting LEC mid laner Vincent “Vetheo” Berrié will be stepping back to focus on his mental well-being.
Vetheo has been one of the fastest-rising stars in the region since his debut with Misfits Gaming in 2021, but the 20-year-old recently posted a statement on social media about his current mental stage, explaining that he’s been “depressed since Winter Split and [he doesn’t] know how to get better if not winning.”
#LEC team update: pic.twitter.com/BVL8g0d6Sl
— EXCEL (@EXCEL) March 21, 2023
As a result, the team will be promoting substitute mid laner Felix “Abbedagge” Braun to their starting roster for the final week of the regular season. The 23-year-old last played on the big stage with 100 Thieves in North America, before Excel signed him as a sub at the start of 2023.
I’ve been really far from social medias in the past 2 months, so I want to express a bit how I feel. I’ve been depressed since winter split and I don’t know how to get better if not winning. I think it is time to take a bit care of myself
— Vetheo (@Vetheo_lol) March 21, 2023
Between 2021 and 2022, Abbedagge elevated 100 Thieves to new heights, contributing to the organization’s first LCS championship. After getting replaced by LCS superstar Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, however, he was unable to find a starting spot on a roster. The talented star will be joining Excel for the final week of the regular season, where they are already battling against elimination with a 2-4 record.
With three other teams tied for last place, there is still a chance that they can break into the group stage, but only if they can finish as a top-eight squad. Last season, Excel were eliminated from contention after they finished in last place.
