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Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) has officially signed Maximilian “Demon1” Mazanov ahead of VALORANT Champions 2025 in Paris, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about roster moves of the season.

The 2023 VALORANT Champions MVP, best known for his breakout run with Evil Geniuses, has been searching for a fresh start after stints with NRG and Leviatán. While his time since lifting the trophy hasn’t been as decorated, DRG is giving him another shot on the international stage.

Demon1 Joins the Dragons

Demon1’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After exploding onto the scene in 2023, he quickly became one of VALORANT’s most feared duelists. His performances at Masters Tokyo and Champions Paris that year cemented his reputation as a rising star. But his form dipped in the following seasons, leading to benches and roster shuffles.

Now, DRG is banking on his experience to push them further than ever before. The Chinese organisation recently secured its Champions slot after a fiery Stage 2 playoffs run, finishing second in VCT China. This will mark only their second international appearance, following their debut at Masters Shanghai last year.

The signing also adds an interesting layer to DRG’s identity. With a multinational roster that includes Russian sentinel Ilya “vo0kashu” Ushakov, the team primarily communicates in English, a factor that could help Demon1 slot in more smoothly.

What’s at Stake for DRG

There’s more on the line than just a shot at the trophy. Both DRG and Xi Lai Gaming qualified for Champions through Ascension, and only the higher-placing team will automatically secure their VCT China spot for next year. The other will be forced to fight through Ascension again.

For DRG, bringing in a player like Demon1 could be the difference between solidifying their place in the league or facing a reset. Whether he serves as a substitute or takes over a starting role, his presence alone adds firepower and international experience to the lineup.

First Test in Paris

Fans won’t have to wait long to see how this plays out. DRG will kick off their Champions 2025 run on 14 September against VCT Pacific’s third seed, T1. The big question is whether Demon1 will step onto the stage or remain a tactical option from the bench.

Either way, his addition has already sparked excitement, and debate, across the VALORANT community. Can the once-celebrated duelist find redemption with DRG, or will Paris mark another uphill climb?