zakk Leaves Imperial After Three and a Half Years as Brazilian Organization Begins New Coaching Search

Imperial have officially parted ways with head coach Rafael "zakk" Fernandes, ending one of the longest coaching tenures in Brazilian Counter-Strike.

The departure closes a three-and-a-half-year chapter during which zakk guided Imperial through multiple Major appearances, helped oversee major roster transitions, and led the organization to some of its most notable international results in the CS:GO and CS2 eras. According to HLTV, the split was announced on June 15, 2026.

 

Quick Summary

 

What Happened?

Imperial announced the departure of coach zakk, bringing an end to his tenure with the Brazilian organization after more than three years. The move comes during a difficult period for the team, which has struggled to maintain its previous international standing.

In a statement shared on social media and reported by HLTV, zakk described the period as an important stage of his career, while acknowledging that constant roster changes made the journey exhausting.

The departure leaves Imperial without a confirmed head coach as the organization prepares for the second half of the 2026 season.

 

Background: zakk's Time at Imperial

 

One of the highlights of zakk's tenure came during Imperial's deep run at BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023, where the team reached the semifinals.

 

zakk arrived at Imperial after previously coaching teams such as 9z, Luminosity, and Immortals. His coaching career includes a Major grand final appearance with Immortals at PGL Krakow 2017 and extensive experience developing South American rosters.

During his Imperial tenure, the team:

Qualified for four Counter-Strike Majors.

Reached the semifinals of BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023.

Competed through the transition from CS:GO to CS2.

Navigated several major roster rebuilds.

Reached a peak ranking position of No. 11 in April 2024 according to HLTV reporting.

However, results declined significantly throughout 2025 and 2026. Imperial missed the Cologne Major and dropped deep into the Valve Regional Standings race, prompting questions about the team's long-term direction.

 

Timeline of Events

 

 

Imperial Current Roster

Following zakk's departure, Imperial's active lineup is:

 

 

Key Details

 

Why This Matters

The departure is significant because zakk was one of the most stable figures inside Imperial's Counter-Strike division.

While players frequently changed, zakk remained a constant presence through multiple roster eras. His exit suggests Imperial may be preparing for broader structural changes beyond simply adjusting the lineup.

For a team attempting to regain relevance in the South American scene, the coaching hire that follows could be one of the organization's most important decisions of 2026.

 

Tactical Impact Analysis

Coaching changes can influence map preparation, practice structure, and long-term tactical development in professional Counter-Strike.

 

Although Imperial have not publicly outlined how responsibilities will be distributed, losing a long-term coach can affect several areas:

Strategic Identity

A coach with more than three years inside a system often influences:

Map pool development

Practice structure

Opponent preparation

Mid-round protocols

Team culture

A replacement could bring a different philosophy, potentially leading to changes in how Imperial approach the current CS2 meta.

Roster Evaluation

New coaches frequently reassess player roles and team composition. That could result in:

Role adjustments

Bench decisions

Additional roster moves

Academy promotions

No such changes have been announced yet.

 

Tournament Impact

There is no immediate event directly affected by the coaching departure, as Imperial currently have no confirmed upcoming matches listed by HLTV.

However, any future qualifiers or regional competitions will likely be played under either an interim coach or a newly appointed permanent replacement.

 

Historical Comparison

 

Imperial has experienced several major transitions in recent years, including roster rebuilds and the departure of veteran leaders.

 

Imperial have undergone several major transitions in recent years, including:

The departure of legendary in-game leader FalleN.

Multiple roster rebuilds across 2024 and 2025.

The additions of players such as decenty and levi during 2026.

Unlike player departures, the loss of a long-serving coach can have a broader impact because it affects preparation, structure, and long-term planning.

 

What Changes Now?

The immediate questions facing Imperial include:

1. Who becomes head coach?
2. Will an interim coach be appointed?
3. Will the current roster remain intact?
4. Can the team recover its ranking position?
5. Will further organizational changes follow?

At the time of writing, Imperial have not announced a replacement.

 

What to Watch Next

Coaching Appointment

The biggest storyline is the search for zakk's successor.

Roster Stability

The team recently added decenty and levi, making it likely management will first evaluate those moves before considering additional roster changes.

Ranking Recovery

Imperial's ranking decline has become one of the major concerns surrounding the organization. Future results will determine whether a coaching change can reverse that trend.

 

FAQ

Why did zakk leave Imperial?

Imperial and zakk confirmed the end of their partnership, but no detailed reason beyond the conclusion of his tenure has been officially provided. zakk referenced the challenges created by constant roster changes.

How long was zakk with Imperial?

He spent approximately three and a half years coaching the organization.

Who will replace zakk at Imperial?

No replacement has been announced as of publication.

What was zakk's biggest achievement with Imperial?

The team's semifinal appearance at BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023 is widely considered one of the highlights of his tenure.

Has Imperial announced more roster changes?

No additional roster moves were announced alongside the coaching departure.