ZmjjKK reportedly heading to XLG: Is the EDG era coming to an end?

Ahsan Kabir Published October 13, 2026

A big change could be happening behind the scenes in VCT China, which could bring huge consequences for one of the teams in the region. After years of working on his career in the Chinese VALORANT scene, EDward Gaming’s ZmjjKK seems to be at the crossroads of his career.

Recent reports suggest that there is a 90% chance ZmjjKK will sign with Xi Lai Gaming to play in the 2027 season. There have been no official announcements yet, but the report is already sparking conversations among the fans as to what ZmjjKK’s next step will be.

Why is ZmjjKK reportedly considering XLG?

Image credits: X (@20shwn)

Another factor, as stated by the source, is the strong bond between ZmjjKK and happywei from XLG. According to the source, the two players have an even stronger friendship than what fans might expect.

Moreover, the report also notes that his choice is not fully driven by the desire to play with his buddies. ZmjjKK is reportedly focused on getting better results and winning titles, which could be another reason behind his possible move to XLG.

The competitive side appears to be equally important.

ZmjjKK has been one of EDG’s essential players since he entered the organization in 2021. Throughout his career in the team, he has starred as one of the biggest names in China’s VALORANT history and has been a key contributor to EDG’s road to the VALORANT Champions 2024 trophy, during which he was named the tournament’s MVP.

This history makes the possible move highly relevant. This is not just a transfer of a player to a new roster but it could mean one of China’s most established stars choosing to start a completely new chapter.

XLG reportedly planning a Chinese superteam

The potential ZmjjKK transfer also supports the reported direction of XLG’s 2027 roster.

According to the report, XLG could completely reshape its roster based on happywei and ZmjjKK, and there are some players who have been rumored to move away from the team, such as Lysoar and WsLeo. The leak also reveals that XLG can spend money on developing a fully Chinese roster for the 2027 season.

In case of the move of ZmjjKK, XLG can shape its new roster around one of the most experienced and recognizable players in the region.

This news can also bring some additional elements into the rivalry between XLG and EDG. Instead of losing one of its players, EDG may have to lose one of its key players to the other major VCT China team.

The playoffs phase of Valorant Champions Shanghai 2026 is already live. Players will be able to keep up with the VALORANT live score from our website.

Why would ZmjjKK leave EDG?

Image credits: Riot Games

The main issue here is why someone like ZmjjKK would want to leave an organization like EDG after many years with the club. There are no confirmed statements from ZmjjKK or EDG that he wants to leave, so it is too early to say that he is unhappy with the team.

There is always the possibility that competitive motives may be behind the transfer. EDG were knocked out before the playoffs stage in Champions Shanghai, ending their home tournament earlier than expected and raising questions about possible offseason changes.

Indeed, ZmjjKK himself stated that he was not sure about their future after being eliminated and was wishing for further improvement of the team. Although it does not necessarily mean that the player is going to make a move, it adds to the rumors anyway.

Before Champions Shanghai, EDG made a significant roster change by bringing in Park “stew” Young-chan from Korea, effectively taking over the position of Jieni7 in the squad. If ZmjjKK moves on, joining XLG would allow him the opportunity to take charge of a new Chinese roster and pursue another competitive path.

The end of an EDG era?

ZmjjKK joined EDG back in 2021, thus making him one of the veterans of the organization. Due to the years of playing with EDG, he is now one of the most recognizable figures in VALORANT.

Taking into consideration his competitive style of play and exceptional mechanics, it is hard to underestimate his significance for EDG and VALORANT in China.

His potential move would be far from being just another transfer during the summer offseason, since his signing would give plenty of advantages to his new organization, especially taking into account the fact that EDG will have to find another star player. It will also have an affect on the team’s Valorant betting odds.

Is ZmjjKK really joining XLG?

Image credits: Riot Games

For now, ZmjjKK’s move to XLG has not been officially confirmed and remains a rumor. The 90% figure is being circulated by the source who claims that negotiations are underway. The same leaker has reportedly leaked news of stew’s transfer to EDG, but previous accurate leaks do not make this announcement official. Until ZmjjKK, EDG, or XLG confirm the move, fans should treat this news as plain speculation.

However, if the deal goes through, it would be a significant move for the Chinese VALORANT scene. Having played for EDG for so long, ZmjjKK moving to XLG will bring an end to one of the most prominent stories in his career, while it gives XLG a chance of a completely new 2027 project.

Stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news throughout the VCT season and beyond.

Featured image credit: Riot Games

Related to:

EDward Gaming

XLG Gaming