Sayf Steps Away from Competition: Former Vitality IGL Announces Break

Saif "Sayf" Jibraeel, the former in-game leader of Team Vitality, has officially announced that he’s stepping away from competitive play to focus on his personal well-being.

🏆 A Career Marked by Consistent Success

Sayf has been a standout talent in the Valorant scene, achieving success with multiple top-tier teams. His international debut came in 2022 with Guild Esports, where he made headlines by defeating heavyweights like OpTic Gaming.

In 2023, he joined Team Liquid and helped secure a historic run in the VCT EMEA, becoming one of only two teams that year to hand FNATIC a loss. That victory earned him and Liquid the inaugural VCT EMEA title.

💥 Leading the Charge with Team Vitality

Sayf’s most recent chapter was with Team Vitality, where he continued to impress. In 2024, the team reached second place in Stage 2, qualifying for Champions—Vitality’s first-ever international tournament appearance.

In 2025, the organization doubled down by signing stars Less and Derke. Sayf took on the role of in-game leader, and the revamped lineup quickly became a powerhouse. They won the Kickoff tournament, clinched a spot at Masters Bangkok, and finished in a respectable 4th place on the global stage.

📉 A Sudden Turn in 2025

Despite their momentum, Vitality stumbled in Stage 1 of the EMEA season. The team managed only two wins in the group stage and were promptly eliminated in the playoffs—a shocking outcome for the regional favorites.

Following the disappointing result, Sayf made the difficult decision to step back from the roster, prioritizing his mental and physical health. Team Vitality has since confirmed his official release.

🎤 Sayf's Message to Fans

In a heartfelt farewell video, Sayf left the door open for a return:

“For those who stuck around, keep sticking around, ‘cause it’s not the last time you’re gonna see me.”

Though he's taking time off, his message makes it clear—Sayf isn’t done with Valorant just yet. Fans may not have seen the last of one of EMEA’s most iconic competitors.