FlyQuest has bitten the bullet in 2025, already replacing their AWPer and IGL after a rough end to 2024 and start to 2025—both of which Declan “Vexite” Portelli reckons makes them a brand new team.
“We’re pretty much a completely different team” he says to DFRAG when probed about the changes. “We still have our individual stuff that we obviously like doing and are comfortable doing.”
Looking at the move externally, it doesn’t necessarily immediately jump out as an obvious upgrade. FlyQuest is taking a big risk by moving Joshua “INS” Potter to the IGL role—and it’s one that has failed in previous iterations of the roster. What makes it different this time?
“I think the difference between the last time he was IGLing and this time is that he actually really wants to do it this time,” Vexite says. “He doesn’t feel forced into the position. He feels like it’s what he wants to do and what he’s ready for.”
Vexite cites the change as “really motivating” and alongside the acquisition of Corey “nettik” Browne and the slightly older AWPer change, it makes FlyQuest feel like they are beginning from scratch.
Another factor of motivation for Vexite is the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd. Vexite is a born-and-raised Melburnian, and he is excited by the opportunity.
“I mean it would feel incredible. It’s definitely a big goal for us. But at the same time, we can’t set these unrealistic expectations. Like it’s going to be difficult… we’re a new team, so we’ve just gotta play hard and give it our best shot. But 100% it would mean a lot to us.”
That extra motivation didn’t help Vexite in yesterday’s match versus juggernauts Vitality. While The Boys showed some promising signs on Nuke, the opener on Anubis was brutal, losing their pick 13-2. Vexite isn’t too phased however, and takes it all within context.
“It was a really tough game, we are versing the best team in the world and they’re on a win streak… [we] can’t have too high expectations, just gotta do our best, and our lower bracket run starts now, that’s it.”
You can catch Vexite’s start to his lower bracket run on DFRAG.gg when FlyQuest take on Virtus.pro later today.
