MAD Lions has returned to VALORANT with the acquisition of Dark Ratio, who will represent them in Challengers NA.
MAD Lions was home to a powerful VALORANT roster that placed second in VRL 2022 France. Like many teams, however, they took a step back from the esport after failing to secure a partnered slot. That elusive partnership may be on the horizon if their newly signed roster, the former Dark Ratio, makes it through Challengers NA.
OverActive Media signs Dark Ratio to MAD Lions prior to VALORANT Challengers NA Group Stage
Dark Ratio secured a spot in Challengers NA by being one of four rosters to survive a massive 256-team open qualifier. Now, they will represent MAD Lions in VALORANT and drop the Dark Ratio name. It marks the organization's return to the FPS in a move from EMEA to NA.
The partner company of MAD Lions, OverActive Media, issued a press release. The release states that the org signed the team in Q4 2022. In the release, the company's Chief Strategy Officer expressed his excitement over the acquisition:
“We’re thrilled to join this exclusive group of talented players and notable organizations for the NA League’s inaugural season. VALORANT is today’s fastest-growing esport and we’re proud to have made it through the competition.”
MAD Lions will join the likes of G2 Esports, The Guard, M80, and more once the VALORANT Challengers NA Group Stage begins. The hope is to make it through Challengers and onto the Ascension league. A promotion to the Champions Tour awaits them there.
Who is the former Dark Ratio?
Dark Ratio gets their name from many of the players' former team. The majority of the new MAD Lions roster previously played for DarkZero before the organization exited VALORANT. The squad filled in the missing pieces to create a team consisting of:
- Adam "Ange" Milian
- Anthony "ZexRow" Colandro
- Taylor "drone" Johnson
- Justin "Trick" Sears
- William "Will" Cheng
- Jornen "MoonChopper" Nishiyama (Coach)
The additions to the roster are Will and MoonChopper. Will is known for his time on 100 Thieves, where he helped them earn a spot at Champions 2022. MoonChopper is the former Strategic Coach of Cloud9 White, the most dominating team in NA Game Changers history.
This group has clearly impressed OverActive Media for them to bring the MAD Lions brand back to VALORANT. It will be a tough road ahead with all of the hungry teams ready to fight in Challengers NA. The talent found in that league is absolutely nothing to overlook.
