Metizport pivots to international roster after benching L00m1; Plopski steps back, coach abdi to depart

Metizport have benched AWPer Lucas “L00m1” Haukland ahead of his contract expiry, calling the move “in our mutual best interest.” The club added that Nicolas “Plopski” Gonzalez Zamora is taking an indefinite break for personal reasons but remains “an important part of Metizport’s long-term vision.” The changes come as the organization confirms it will no longer restrict itself to Swedish-only lineups and is now “moving towards an international approach.” 

The decision follows a difficult 2025 that included a historic Major qualification but inconsistent results thereafter. Metizport said the team “did not have a honeymoon period” after summer tweaks and that a broader reset is intended to “lead us into 2026 with a fresh, strong and all-rounded project.” The club is actively searching for a new AWPer, a new head coach, and a temporary fifth for upcoming LANs. 

On October 13, Metizport also announced that head coach Ahmed “abdi” Abdi will leave the team on December 1 by mutual agreement. “We’ve mutually agreed that it’s time for both of us to move forward on separate paths,” said Sports Director Morten Vollan Christensen, while abdi thanked the organization and fans and said he is “ready to take on a new challenge.” 

Key quotes (verified)

“We are no longer aiming to operate only with players from Sweden, but are moving towards an international approach.” — Metizport club statement. 

“Our AWPer Lucas ‘L00m1’ Haukland will be moved to the bench, leaving space for a new sniper… [and] Nicolas ‘Plopski’ Gonzalez Zamora has decided to take a step back for an indefinite period of time due to personal reasons.” — Metizport club statement.

“We’ve mutually agreed that it’s time for both of us to move forward on separate paths.” — Morten Vollan Christensen on abdi’s exit; abdi: “I’m deeply grateful… and ready to take on a new challenge.” 

Recent related moves & context

Hampus benched (June 19, 2025): Metizport removed IGL Hampus “hampus” Poser, saying it was time to “rethink our strategy and explore new directions.” 

Strategic shift explained (Oct 26, 2025): In a longer club article, Metizport detailed why the Swedish talent ecosystem pushes prospects toward tier-1 international teams and why opening the roster internationally broadens their options.

Abdi to leave (announced Oct 13, 2025; effective Dec 1): Longest-tenured staffer abdi parts ways after helping the team qualify for the 2025 Major and win Sweden’s national title in 2024. 

Earlier leadership changes: In 2024, Metizport benched Erik “ztr” Gustafsson while revamping the Swedish core; in August 2024, the club signed L00m1 and later made Plopski IGL before moving away from that plan this year. 

Current picture

Following L00m1’s benching and Plopski’s pause, Metizport’s immediate priorities are to sign an AWPer, appoint a new coach to replace abdi, and secure a stand-in rifler for imminent LAN commitments. The organization says more roster news is “coming very soon.”