EDward Gaming Promote Academy Player Jieni7 to Main VCT CN Team

EDward Gaming have made a bold move by promoting Zhang “Jieni7” Juntai from their academy squad, EDward Gaming Youth, to the main roster midway through VCT 2025 - China Stage 1. The decision comes on the heels of EDG’s dominant performance against TYLOO in the first week of the Regular Season.

The timing of this promotion is unusual, as roster changes during an ongoing tournament phase can disrupt team synergy. However, EDG seem confident in Jieni7’s potential to contribute to their championship-winning squad.

Jieni7’s Role Still Unclear

While EDG have yet to clarify Jieni7’s exact role, speculation is rife regarding whether he will serve as a substitute, a sixth man, or a direct replacement for a starting player. Interestingly, the 19-year-old has been spotted scrimming in place of Hsieh "S1Mon" Meng-hsun, suggesting he might be trialed in an active role.

His playstyle could bring a fresh approach to EDG’s strategies. As a duelist, Jieni7 might be the key to unlocking a more aggressive double-duelist setup, something EDG have rarely experimented with.

Rising from the Shadows

Jieni7 is relatively unknown on the competitive stage, even within the Chinese VALORANT scene. However, he recently gained attention after competing in the VALORANT China Evolution Series - 2025 Act 1, where he played alongside EDG’s coaching staff while the main team prepared for VCT 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025.

With EDG finishing third in Bangkok and holding the title of reigning VALORANT Champions, integrating a new player into such a high-caliber roster is a massive challenge. However, if Jieni7 can rise to the occasion, this move could signal the beginning of a promising career.

EDward Gaming’s Updated Roster:

• Wan "CHICHOO" Shunzhi
• Wang "nobody" Senxu
• Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang
• Zhang "Smoggy" Zhao
• Hsieh "S1Mon" Meng-hsun
• Zhang “Jieni7” Juntai

Coaching Staff:

• Tang "Muggle" Shijun (Head Coach)
• Liu "Century" Shiji (Assistant Coach)
• Huang "Sunshine" Jinjie (Analyst)

EDG Set to Face Nova Esports Next

Jieni7 could make his official debut this Thursday at 7 pm CST | 12 pm CET, when EDG take on Roadster. Whether he starts or remains on the bench, all eyes will be on EDG’s lineup decisions in this crucial matchup.

EDward Gaming’s decision to promote Jieni7 is a high-risk, high-reward move. If he can prove himself in the coming matches, EDG’s dominance in VCT CN might reach even greater heights.

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Featured Image Source: VCT CN/Edited by THESPIKE