LEBANON, Tenn.-- Two Cumberland Esports Valorant Players, João Pedro Muller Pereira and Gabriel Cressoni, signed with professional Tier 1 Organizations 2G and Furia to compete in the Esports World Cup.

Throughout Cumberland's 2024-2025 competition year, João (Jayp) and Gabriel (Woddy) saw immediate success for the Phoenix. Coming in at the start of the year at No. 9 in the National Rankings, they helped lead the team to a top-four Collegiate Valorant placement, a 10-0 undefeated championship run in Playfly, where they were crowned Playfly Spring Varsity Champions. They secured their bid for the National Championship in Arlington, Texas. While also claiming a top-four finish in NACE Nationals in Orlando, Florida.

Throughout their run during the Playfly National Championship, the Phoenix played on one of the largest stages in collegiate Esports against the University of Texas-Dallas. After a 2-0 victory, Cumberland would face the No. 1 seed, Saint Clair College, to advance to the semi-finals. With the help of Gabriel's in-game calls and João's strategic planning, the Phoenix rallied back from a 4-10 deficit, winning the series 2-1 with a 13-11 scoreline. Cumberland ultimately bowed out of the National Bracket, making the top four.

"After all the hard work, dedication, and effort that these two have put in this year, they deserve this opportunity to showcase their talents; I couldn't be more proud of them," said Esports Director Spencer Claypool. 

Both 2G and Furia are Brazilian Esports organizations competing in the Esports World Cup. They will look to debut their newest rosters with the addition of João and Gabriel today against Cloud 9 and 100 Thieves.