LEV Mazino Announces Restricted Free Agency

Earlier today, Roberto "Mazino" Bugueño, a key player for Leviatán, announced his status as a restricted free agent via a post on X. The announcement signals a potential shift in the VALORANT Americas landscape, as Mazino opens himself up to new opportunities while still considering an extension with Leviatán.

"My contract with Leviatán is coming to an end soon, and even if we are exploring an extension, I've also been allowed to explore all my options as a Restricted Free Agent. I'm open to any region and I will try my best to win."

This declaration highlights his desire to continue competing at the highest level, and leaves the door open for offers from teams worldwide.

Mazino’s Journey with Leviatán

Mazino joined Leviatán from KRU Esports after the 2022 season as part of a significant roster reshuffle. Although his initial arrival didn’t bring immediate success to the team, Mazino's influence would grow over time, especially during the 2024 season.

Following a disappointing 2023 season, Leviatán underwent another roster overhaul, adding superstar Erick "aspas" Santos, Champions 2023 winner Corbin "C0M" Lee, and VCT Americas Ascension winner Ian "tex" Botsch. This revamped lineup saw considerable improvement in 2024, with Mazino playing a pivotal role in their success.

The 2024 season marked a turning point for Leviatán. The team secured a 3rd place finish at VCT Americas Stage 1 and went on to win VCT Americas Stage 2. Mazino's contributions were vital, earning him the Grand Finals MVP award for his standout performances.

Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Although Leviatán’s international results were inconsistent, the team managed to secure a 3rd place finish at VALORANT Champions 2024, ultimately falling to Team Heretics. Despite the ups and downs, Mazino’s impact on the team was undeniable, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the scene.

What’s Next for Leviatán and Mazino?

Mazino’s announcement comes at a critical time for Leviatán, with reports circulating about Sentinels’ Sacy possibly not renewing his contract for the 2025 season. Along with a plethora of free agents recently hitting the market, Leviatán has several options to consider. However, whether they choose to retain Mazino or explore other avenues remains uncertain.

As for Mazino, his future is wide open, with potential offers from various regions likely to emerge in the coming weeks.

The next few months will be crucial for both Mazino and Leviatán, as the decisions made now could shape the competitive VALORANT scene in 2025.

There's still plenty of VALORANT action ahead in the OFF//SEASON. So, check in with Strafe to catch all of the latest VALORANT news.

Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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