HEROIC Coach TOBIZ Reflects on Cluj Exit, Eyes Future Return for Alkaren Amid Ongoing Visa Issues

HEROIC Struggles Without Alkaren, TOBIZ Addresses Future Prospects

HEROIC’s disappointing group-stage performance at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, resulting in a 1-3 record, has put the spotlight on roster instability this year as the Danish organisation battles ongoing uncertainty around the availability of their AWPer Alimzhan “Alkaren” Bitimbay.

The Kazakh sniper has been absent from the active roster since the start of the year because of ongoing visa complications, forcing HEROIC to rely on stand-in Simon “yxngstxr” Boije for three consecutive events.

Challenges on Stage at Cluj-Napoca

In Cluj, HEROIC recorded a lone victory against 3DMAX but suffered losses to FaZe, B8 and G2 — eliminating them before playoff contention.

After the elimination, coach Tobias “TOBIZ” Theo spoke candidly about the challenges the team has faced without Alkaren in their lineup:

“Playing without an AWPer, even though Simon [yxngstxr] is doing a good job, is really hard.”

TOBIZ emphasised that switching roles and introducing new player dynamics mid-season — including integrating players Chris “Chr1zN” Storgaard and Tim “susp” Ångström alongside yxngstxr — disrupted established routines and practice synergy.

Despite the setback, he stressed that HEROIC aimed to “get the best out of the situation” as they continue competing with their current roster configuration.

Visa Issues at the Core

The organisation’s issues with Alkaren’s visa are not new. In January, HEROIC confirmed that Alkaren would miss BLAST Bounty 2026 S1 due to “unforeseen visa issues,” and that yxngstxr would fill in as his temporary replacement.

TOBIZ reiterated that the team is working “behind the scenes” to resolve Alkaren’s situation, though no timeline has been confirmed for his return.

“Hopefully, someday, Alim [Alkaren] will come back… we just have to get the best out of the situation.”

Looking Ahead

TOBIZ suggested that HEROIC will continue with yxngstxr in the interim — including at their next event at DraculaN — and later in competitions like Pro League (online) and BC.Game Masters.

He acknowledged that expectations have shifted without their intended AWPer, but maintained that the team remains committed to progress and improvement despite being considered underdogs in many matchups.