KUROLIA Announces Retirement from Competitive VALORANT

On January 31, 2025, KUROLIA, a player known for his time with BC SWELL and REJECT Academy, officially announced his departure from the professional VALORANT scene.

At just 20 years old, KUROLIA began his competitive VALORANT journey in 2021, joining Atlas Gaming. Over the years, he played for several academy teams, including REJECT Academy and Crazy Raccoon Academy, honing his skills in Japan’s esports circuit. In November 2023, he signed with BC SWELL, but the team failed to qualify for the main stage of VCJ 2024 Split 1, suffering two losses to FENNEL in the open qualifiers.

In May 2024, KUROLIA joined AXELERATE, a team composed of former professionals and rising talents. During VCJ 2024 Split 2, they secured victories over BLUE BEES and Chichi no Senaka. Despite being considered an amateur team, AXELERATE made a surprising run in Split 3, earning a spot in the main stage.

Their momentum continued into VCJ 2025 Split 1, where the team advanced to the Next Stage, but their journey came to an end following key losses. After this campaign, KUROLIA decided to step away from professional competition, marking the end of his VALORANT career.

His departure leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, having competed at both the academy and main stage levels. While his future plans remain uncertain, KUROLIA’s impact on the VALORANT scene will not be forgotten.