Elevate to play Brazilian Roster in APAC, Sparks Controversy

In a move that has sparked debate across the competitive Rainbow Six Siege scene, Elevate have officially announced their participation in the Asia Pacific League 2025 with an entirely Brazilian roster. The decision marks a significant shift in the team’s identity, as they move away from regional talent to field one of the most experienced lineups in the APAC circuit.

Elevate’s new project draws from Brazil’s rich talent pool, headlined by Six Invitational 2021 champion Gustavo "Psycho" Rigal and seasoned veteran Ronaldo "ion" Osawa, formerly of FaZe Clan and Black Dragons.

The roster is further bolstered by Rafael "Semper" Paravizo—brother of legendary player Gabriel "pino" Fernandes—and the promising young duo Romero "Mrzll" and Pedro "naka" Nakasone, who were promoted from Elevate’s own Brazilian academy.

Behind the scenes, the team will be led by former Team Liquid head coach Vitor "hugzord" Hugo and analyst Igor "freezao" Silva, previously with Black Dragons and w7m esports Academy. Together, the staff brings a depth of strategic knowledge and experience unmatched by most APAC teams.

Controversy and Questions of Competitive Integrity

Despite the strength of the lineup, Elevate’s decision to field a Brazilian team in an Asian league has drawn criticism. This can be seen as an exploitative move, one that capitalizes on the relative weakness of the APAC region in comparison to Brazil’s fiercely competitive scene. While technically within the rules, it raises ethical concerns about fair play and regional representation.

This isn't the first time teams have sought to compete outside their home region for competitive or logistical advantages. However, few moves have felt as starkly mismatched as Elevate’s 2025 project—an elite-tier Brazilian squad entering a region still developing its global presence.

Franchising: Innovation or Inequity?

Elevate’s move also underscores broader issues with the franchising model in Rainbow Six. While intended to stabilize regional leagues and foster local talent, the system can be manipulated by organizations with deeper pockets or international connections. The lack of strict regional residency requirements enables teams to sidestep the model’s original goals, undermining regional growth and competitive parity.

As Rainbow Six Siege continues to evolve, Elevate's bold move may be a sign of things to come—or a wake-up call for Ubisoft to revisit the structure of its regional leagues.

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Featured Image Source: Elevate