Report: DarkZero Esports to sign Kooky Koalas

DarkZero Esports are set to sign the roster of Kooky Koalas. The move was first reported by Arran “Halo” Spake on April 15 and has been confirmed by George Geddes of Upcomer today.

Fielding ex-Mamba Mode Gaming, Rise, and The Slimy Boogermen members, the roster burst onto the scene in the last open qualifier of VCT Stage 1, the VCT 2021 - Stage 1 - North America - Challengers 3 - Open Qualifier. There, they would take down 3 signed rosters - Spacestation Gaming, Built By Gamers, and beastcoast - en route to qualifying for VCT 2021 - Stage 1 - North America - Challengers 3. Once in the closed qualifier, they would fall out without winning a map, losing to Luminosity Gaming and Gen.G Esports, both of whom would go on to qualify for VCT 2021 - Stage 1 - North America Masters. Despite the ending, it was an impressive run, and drew the eyes of many. Recent events haven’t been amazing for the team, however, as they’ve failed to replicate their success in any further VCT events. In smaller tournaments, Kooky Koalas have also struggled, failing to progress past the quarterfinals in any of Nerd Street Gamers' Summer Championships qualifying events or the Pittsburgh Knights Monthly Gauntlet 2021 - April: Easter Cup run by Pittsburgh Knights.

DarkZero, meanwhile, come primarily from the Rainbow Six: Siege scene, where they've found success and built a brand as a competent organization not unwilling to spend some cash. They're currently slated to participate in the Six Invitational 2021, the biggest R6:S event of the year and the game's first international event since the COVID-19 pandemic began, in early May, as the second seed from North America.

Kooky Koalas are clearly a team with big potential, but have been struggling somewhat lately. The report notes that it isn’t known when the announcement will happen, so perhaps knowing that it’s imminent will help the team find their form back. And hopefully the backing of a reputable org like DarkZero helps bring good things to the North American scene.

The reported roster of DarkZero Esports is:

Andy “Andersin” Collins Erik “d1msumboi” Almhjell Nick “Harmon” Harmon Kyle “ScrewFace” Jensen Adam “Ange” Milan

Zack “huuaw” Solomon (Coach)