DRX Flashback retires from professional Valorant 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 08/01/2026

DRX Flashback has retired from professional Valorant esports less than a month before the 2026 season begins. 

Cho ‘Flashback’ Min-hyuk first joined DRX through their academy program, “Prospects,” in June 2023, and spent over two years playing on both the Prospects and Tier 1 rosters. 

Career, retirement, and redirection: DRX Flashback bids farewell to pro Valorant

DRX Flashback began their competitive Valorant career in July 2023, signing to DRX Prospects. Before signing, he competed in the Split 1 and 2 Open Qualifiers for the Korean VALORANT Challengers 2023 circuit.

He was quickly upgraded to the organisation’s Tier 1 roster after just under six months on the Academy team.

Across his time with the organisation, DRX Flashback represented the team at Valorant Champions 2024, Valorant Masters Bangkok 2025, and Valorant Champions Paris 2025.

In a heartfelt farewell, DRX explained:

“Following the conclusion of the 2025 VCT OFF//SEASON, Flashback approached our management to discuss his future and formally requested his contract to be terminated in order to retire and re-center his life away from competitive VALORANT.”

DRX Flashback has taken various personal leaves from the team, either to the bench or returning to the Academy roster. 

Although his return assisted in the team’s return to form in the latter part of the 2025 competitive calendar, DRX’s statement suggests that a different direction is best for Flashback’s well-being.

They reassured fans:

“While his departure is sudden, we respect Flashback on his transparency regarding the key reasons surrounding his difficult decision. At this time, all involved believe it is in Flashback’s best interest – as an individual, not just a player – for us to support him through this transition.”

DRX signs Hermes for 2026 season

To fill the roster gap left by DRX Flashback, the organisation have signed Ahn ‘Hermes’ Byeong-wook for the 2026 competitive season. 

Hermes last played on FEARX in the Valorant Challengers Korea circuit. 

Despite being a new face in Tier 1 competition, Hermes has achieved several strong seasons in the Tier 2 circuit. DRX are likely hoping that, like Flashback, he can make the step up to the VCT. 

He will debut with DRX on January 24th in the organisation’s first VCT 2026 Pacific Kickoff match.

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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