In the world of competitive gaming, not every battle ends in victory, but the journey can be just as rewarding. For Enzo ‘Enzo’ Mestari, the in-game leader of the French team Mandatory, this year’s VCT Ascension EMEA was a testament to resilience and growth. Although they fell short of securing the title, Enzo and his team have much to celebrate and reflect on.
Mandatory’s Journey Through Challengers 2025
Enzo joined Mandatory in the lead-up to this year’s VALORANT Challengers season, bringing along teammates Wassim ‘keloqz’ Cista and Michael ‘mikee’ Lim. Together, they formed a robust lineup with existing members Clément ‘CyvOph’ Millard and Damien ‘HyP’ Souville. Despite early challenges, such as CyvOph’s move to Team Vitality, Mandatory showed resilience. They claimed second place in the French Challengers circuit and third in the EMEA Stage 1 event. However, they faced setbacks in EMEA Stage 2 but rebounded by securing a spot in Ascension EMEA 2025 through their consistent performance.
Defying Expectations Yet Falling Short of the Crown
In the intense competition of Ascension 2025, Mandatory faced tough opponents, including ULF Esports, Twisted Minds, and FOKUS. Despite an early loss, they made a strong comeback, only to meet their match against ULF Esports once more. Reflecting on the competition, Enzo noted, “There are a very aggressive team… the better team won.” Enzo’s team ultimately ended their journey without the crown but demonstrated significant growth and skill enhancement throughout the year.
Enzo’s Words to the Fans & His Teammates
After the tournament, Enzo expressed his gratitude for the support of fans and the camaraderie within Mandatory. The experience of playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd was invaluable to him: “It means everything.” He praised his teammates for their hard work and adaptability, highlighting the strong bonds formed during the season. Enzo remains proud of the progress they made together, declaring, “Honestly, I’m proud of everyone, like this team is amazing.”