MIBR Reportedly Set to Sign nqz from paiN Ahead of XSE Pro League

MIBR are reportedly on the verge of completing one of the biggest Brazilian Counter-Strike roster moves of the summer, with Lucas "nqz" Soares expected to become the organization's new primary AWPer.
According to reports first published by Dust2 Brasil and later confirmed by HLTV, negotiations between MIBR and paiN are in an advanced stage. If completed, the move would solve MIBR's search for a permanent sniper following the end of Klimentii "kl1m" Krivosheev's loan spell.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Reported — not officially confirmed |
| Player | Lucas "nqz" Soares |
| From | paiN Gaming |
| Joining | MIBR |
| Role | AWPer |
| Reason | Replacing kl1m after loan ended |
| Expected debut | XSE Pro League (July 1) |
| Original report | Dust2 Brasil |
| Additional reporting | HLTV |
MIBR Reportedly Close to Signing nqz
According to HLTV, citing Dust2 Brasil, MIBR are in advanced negotiations with paiN over the permanent transfer of Brazilian sniper Lucas "nqz" Soares.
The reported move comes shortly after MIBR's temporary AWPer, Klimentii "kl1m" Krivosheev, returned to G2 once his loan agreement expired.
MIBR had been evaluating several options to fill the vacancy. Earlier reports identified both nqz and Argentine AWPer Santino "try" Rigal as the organization's primary targets before negotiations reportedly advanced with nqz.
The transfer has not yet been officially announced by either organization.
Why MIBR Targeted nqz
MIBR entered the transfer window needing stability in the AWP position.
Although kl1m impressed during his loan spell, his future ultimately remained tied to G2, forcing MIBR back into the market.
According to HLTV's reporting, star rifler Felipe "insani" Yuji specifically requested the signing of nqz after deciding to remain with MIBR rather than pursue a reported move elsewhere.
If completed, the transfer would reunite one of Brazil's most promising young AWPers with a roster aiming to establish itself among the world's elite teams.
Background: nqz's Situation at paiN
The reported transfer follows several months of uncertainty surrounding nqz.
The 21-year-old stepped away from paiN's active lineup in April due to personal reasons.
During his absence, veteran AWPer Rafael "saffee" Costa filled the role for paiN across multiple international tournaments, including:
- IEM Atlanta
- CS Asia Championships
- Cologne Major
Despite his inactivity, nqz remained one of Brazil's highest-rated young AWPers before leaving the active roster, making him one of the most attractive options available during the summer transfer window.
Expected MIBR Roster
If the transfer is finalized, MIBR are expected to field:
| Player | Role |
| brnz4n | Rifler |
| insani | Rifler |
| venomzera | Rifler |
| LNZ | Support / Rifler |
| nqz | AWPer |
Roster based on current reporting. Official confirmation is still pending.
Tactical Impact
Should the deal become official, MIBR would gain a natural full-time AWPer rather than relying on temporary solutions.
Potential benefits include:
- Long-term stability in the sniper role
- Better role definition throughout the roster
- Continuity ahead of a packed international schedule
- Opportunity to build chemistry before major events later in the season
While tactical adjustments will ultimately depend on coaching decisions, the reported move appears designed to establish a permanent foundation rather than another short-term replacement.
Why This Matters
This reported transfer carries significance beyond a single roster move.
For MIBR:
- It concludes weeks of uncertainty at AWPer.
- It allows preparation for upcoming international competition with a stable lineup.
- It signals continued investment in Brazilian talent.
For paiN:
- Another roster decision follows nqz's departure from active competition.
- The organization would permanently lose one of its most recognizable young AWPers if the transfer is completed.
For the Brazilian scene:
The move keeps one of the country's most promising snipers within a top domestic organization, maintaining Brazil's depth of elite talent.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
| April 2026 | nqz steps down from paiN's active roster for personal reasons |
| June 2026 | MIBR begin searching for a replacement after kl1m's loan nears its end |
| June 17 | Reports identify nqz and try as primary transfer targets |
| June 23 | Reports indicate insani will remain with MIBR |
| June 25 | HLTV reports advanced negotiations between MIBR and paiN |
| July 1 (expected) | Potential debut at XSE Pro League if deal is completed |
Key Details
| Category | Information |
| Player | Lucas "nqz" Soares |
| Age | 21 |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Previous Team | paiN |
| New Team | MIBR (reported) |
| Transfer Type | Permanent (reported) |
| Official Status | Not confirmed |
| Next Scheduled Event | XSE Pro League |
Impact Analysis
The reported signing addresses MIBR's biggest roster question entering the second half of the season.
Instead of continuing with temporary solutions following kl1m's return to G2, the organization appears ready to commit to a younger long-term option.
For nqz, the move could represent an opportunity to immediately return to Tier 1 international competition after several months away from active play.
Whether the transfer significantly raises MIBR's competitive ceiling will depend on how quickly the new lineup develops chemistry under tournament conditions.
What Changes Now
If officially announced:
- nqz becomes MIBR's primary AWPer.
- kl1m's chapter with MIBR officially closes.
- MIBR enters XSE Pro League with a stable five-player lineup.
- The Brazilian transfer market loses one of its highest-profile available players.
What to Watch Next
Several developments remain worth monitoring:
- Official announcement from MIBR or paiN.
- Registration of nqz for XSE Pro League.
- Confirmation of MIBR's finalized lineup.
- nqz's first official matches with the team.
- Any additional roster activity involving paiN.
Related Teams, Players & Events
Teams
- MIBR
- paiN
- G2
Players
- nqz
- insani
- kl1m
- try
- saffee
Events
- XSE Pro League
- Cologne Major
- CS Asia Championships
FAQ
Is nqz officially a MIBR player?
No. As of publication, the transfer has been reported by Dust2 Brasil and HLTV but has not been officially announced.
Why is MIBR signing nqz?
The reported move fills the vacancy created after kl1m returned to G2 following the conclusion of his loan.
Why wasn't nqz playing for paiN?
He stepped away from paiN's active lineup in April due to personal reasons.
When could nqz debut for MIBR?
If the transfer is completed in time, his first appearance is expected at XSE Pro League beginning July 1.





