Rival Joins DarkZero Esports Ahead of the North America’s Regional Finals

Former QoR Gaming and Aelix player Rival has joined DarkZero Esports ahead of the North American Finals. Rival joins after Roberto “Panbazou” Feliciano left the organisation. Rival joins DarkZero has one of the most exciting talents in the American region.

Rival was recently part of the winning side at the ELEMENT FIVE Tier 2 tournament. Prior to that, victories at the 2025 Seasonal Series and the SGC Proving Grounds. Rival is a proven winner, which is something DarkZero will be desperately looking for.

The next generation of talent steps up.

Welcome to DZ R6, @GNRival. pic.twitter.com/uYqZs4Mrzx

— DarkZero (@DarkZeroGG) November 25, 2025

DarkZero Esports Recruits Rival

Rival joins a DarkZero Esports side that struggled at the recent BLAST R6 2025 Season, leaving at the second stage. Their fifth-place finish saw them miss out on the R6 Munich Major. Sitting in 18th place on points for the Six Invitational 2026 Global Standings with 200 SI Points. DarkZero Esports has a lot of work to do if it wants to secure its spot in Paris in 2026. To do so, DarkZero Esports will need to secure a top finish at the American Regional Finals if they want to ensure their spot at the Six Invitational 2026 on global standing points. The Last Chance Qualifier will be their only other way to qualify if they fail to make it via points.

“I can’t express how excited I am to be surrounded by such experienced players and represent this iconic org.” said Rival upon joining DarkZero Esports.

DarkZero Esports will have the hardest run possible as well, having to face Wildcard in the Lower Bracket Round 1, before having to win against the loser of both Upper Bracket Semifinals. DarkZero Esports would need to make it to the Lower Bracket Semifinals to secure 50 points, though they will likely need to get at least third (400 points) to make it worthwhile.

2025 has been a tough year for DarkZero, after a number of good finishes at tournaments in 2024. A high placement at the Six Invitational 2024, BLAST R6 Major Manchester, and the Esports World Cup 2024. The 2025 Six Invitational and the BLAST R6 Major in Montreal were disappointments. The organisations next chance to impress was RE:L0:AD 2025 – Group Stage, but losses to W7m and G2 saw them fail to make it out of that stage. The major events were capped off at the Esports World Cup 2025, where they beat Faze, but failed to beat Virtus.pro and Weibo Gaming. With no entry to the R6 Major Munich, the North America League Regional Finals are the organisations last chance to make the Six Invitational in 2026.