neT departs GIANTX after one split with the European roster

GIANTX has announced the departure of American import Michael “neT” Bernet and Jesse. neT joined the European lineup during its rebuild after a 9th–10th-place finish in Stage 1, arriving before EMEA Stage 2. The move marked his third team of a turbulent 2026 season.

He began the year unattached before joining NRG Academy, where he replaced longtime in-game leader chloric and stayed through Stage 2. He then moved to FlyQuest as the team’s IGL, but played only three matches as the lineup went 1–2. FlyQuest later benched him in favor of Leo.

GIANTX also faced visa problems during its rebuild, including plans involving Turkish Duelist musz3kk. Jesse was brought in from affiliate UCAM Esports Club, but the reshaped roster went 1–4 in the group stage, won once in the Play-Ins and finished 13th–16th overall.

The departure adds another chapter to neT’s career, which began during Valorant’s First Strike era in 2020. He later represented The Guard, G2, M80 and Cloud9, helping The Guard reach Masters Reykjavik and secure a VCT slot through Americas Ascension. His final GIANTX season lasted one split. The remaining lineup is Flickless, westside and ara, supported by manager Hehnal and coaches pipsoN, wayLander and Mew.

ColdMath take

GIANTX now has three players under contract and must rebuild around Flickless, westside and ara. The team’s next matches will show whether the organization keeps this core or makes further changes after a difficult Stage 2 campaign.