Gaimin Gladiators complete roster with fer after felps exit ahead of Cologne Major

Gaimin Gladiators complete roster with fer after felps exit ahead of Cologne Major

Gaimin Gladiators have officially finalized their Counter-Strike 2 roster by signing Fernando “fer” Alvarenga, confirming earlier reports that the Brazilian veteran would join the team ahead of the upcoming IEM Cologne Major 2026.

The move comes just days after the organization abruptly parted ways with João “felps” Vasconcellos, ending his six-month tenure with the squad. The club did not disclose the reasons behind felps’ removal, only stating that he no longer represents Gaimin Gladiators in any capacity.

Fer’s arrival solidifies what had previously been reported as a likely stand-in situation. Multiple sources indicated that the former SK Gaming and MIBR rifler was set to step into the lineup for the Major, marking his return to tier-one Counter-Strike after a prolonged absence of more than three years.

With the official announcement, fer is no longer just a temporary solution but a full member of the roster. He directly replaces felps in the starting five, completing a lineup that now features HEN1, NEKIZ, Luken, JOTA, and fer.

The timing of the change is significant. Gaimin Gladiators had recently secured qualification for the IEM Cologne Major through regional success, with felps playing a key role in those results, including deep runs in South American events and qualification campaigns. However, despite those achievements, the organization opted for a last-minute roster change ahead of one of the year’s most important tournaments.

Fer’s signing also represents a notable comeback story. The 32-year-old Brazilian, best known for his aggressive rifling during the SK Gaming era, returns to the professional scene after stepping away from top-level competition. His experience could prove crucial for a roster that has shown promise regionally but has yet to establish itself consistently on the international stage.

Reports prior to the official confirmation indicated that fer had already been registered for the Major and was expected to play in Stage 3, where Gaimin Gladiators will begin their campaign as one of the Americas-qualified teams.

The move also continues a broader trend within the organization, which has undergone several roster changes in recent months. Earlier in 2026, the team added HEN1 and Luken, while continuing to rebuild around a Brazilian core. The addition of fer further reinforces that direction, bringing veteran leadership into a relatively new lineup.

Heading into Cologne, Gaimin Gladiators remain an underdog on paper, currently sitting outside the top tier of the global rankings. However, with a refreshed roster and the addition of an experienced figure like fer, the team will look to convert their regional success into a deeper international run.

Whether this late roster change will pay off remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds intrigue to their Major campaign—both as a competitive gamble and as one of the most notable comeback stories of the 2026 season.