MIBR close to signing AWPer Lucas ‘nqz’ Soares

MIBR are in advanced talks with paiN to sign 21-year-old AWPer Lucas “nqz” Soares on a permanent transfer. The move would fill the vacancy left by Klimentii “kl1m” Krivosheev, who is set to return to G2 at the end of his loan.

Sources say the club views nqz as the leading candidate for the primary AWP role. Kl1m averaged a 1.23 rating while playing on loan with MIBR, and the organization had identified nqz and Santino “try” Rigal as its main options to replace him.

The signing request reportedly came from Felipe “insani” Yuji, who has remained with MIBR after declining a transfer to Legacy and has been offered a contract extension. Insani joined MIBR in 2021 as an academy player and was promoted to the main roster in 2023.

Nqz stepped away from paiN in April for personal reasons and has been inactive since then. During his absence MIBR used Rafael “saffee” Costa as a stand-in AWP at IEM Atlanta, the CS Asia Championships and the Cologne Major while seeking a long-term option for the role.

If the deal is completed, MIBR plan to field nqz on July 1 at the XSE Pro League in Guangzhou, a $1 million event. MIBR are scheduled to face B8 in the first round of the Swiss stage.

With nqz added, the expected active lineup would be Breno “brnz4n” Poletto, Felipe “insani” Yuji, Carlos “venomzera” Eduardo, Linus “LNZ” Holtäng and Lucas “nqz” Soares, with Nestor “LETN1” Tanić listed as coach.

No official confirmation has been released by MIBR, paiN or the player as talks continue.