JDG Esports adds BerLIN, crownfisher to VALORANT roster for VCT China Stage 2
In brief
- JDG added BerLIN (FunPlus Phoenix) and crownfisher (academy) to active roster
- BerLIN is Taiwanese in-game leader; crownfisher promoted internally
- Coconut moved off active lineup in strategic shift
- VCT China Stage 2 runs July 9–23 with $250,000 prize pool
New Lineup Takes Shape
BerLIN, whose real name is Zhang Bolin, brings competitive experience to the in-game leader role. The 22-year-old previously played for FunPlus Phoenix, where he honed his tactical approach. Crownfisher (Li Ao) represents a different path to the main stage, having been promoted directly from JDG's academy team rather than acquired externally.
The departure of coconut signals a deliberate restructuring. Roster swaps in esports involve hard choices—someone always makes room. JDG's coaching staff evidently saw an opportunity to shift the team's dynamics and competitive ceiling.
Updated Roster and Upcoming Competition
The five-player roster now consists of jkuro, Yuicaw, zhe, BerLIN, and crownfisher, with bail as head coach. This lineup will debut in VCT China Stage 2, where the group stage runs from July 9 through July 23 in a single round-robin format. The prize pool sits at $250,000.
BerLIN's return to competitive play follows a brief retirement in 2025. His re-entry into the scene, combined with crownfisher's promotion, reflects JDG's intent to test a new competitive configuration against the region's strongest teams.
