FaZe Clan has signed former Overwatch League player Zachary “ZachaREEE” Lombardo to its professional VALORANT lineup, the Los Angeles-based organization announced today. As an Overwatch pro, ZachaREEE represented Fusion University and the OWL’s Dallas Fuel. The 19-year-old is FaZe Clan’s third VALORANT signing.
Zachary “ZachaREEE” Lombardo kickstarted his competitive Overwatch career while playing for Renegades, placing third at the Overwatch Carbon Series, his first event with the team. Renegades later finished eighth in Overwatch Contenders 2017 North America Season 1.
In 2018, ZachaREEE joined the Philadelphia Fusion’s academy team, Fusion University. Following Lombardo’s signing, Fusion University won Seasons 1 and 2 of Overwatch Contenders 2018 North America. Earlier that year, they took victories at BEAT Invitational Season 3 and Overwatch PIT Championship North America Season 2. At the end of 2018, ZachaREEE competed in the Overwatch World Cup, placing 5-8th with Team United States.
ZachaREEE signed with Overwatch League team Dallas Fuel ahead of the 2019 season. The team made play-offs in Stage 2, though were ultimately eliminated in 5-8th place by the Vancouver Titans. The Fuel finished 15th across the regular season.
After finishing 5-8th in the OWL’s 2020 May Melee, ZachaREEE announced his decision to retire from competitive Overwatch. In his retirement announcement, he revealed he would be pursuing a career in professional VALORANT. He now joins FaZe Clan’s growing VALORANT roster, to compete alongside fellow former Overwatch pro Corey “Corey” Nigra. The team will be led by former Counter-Strike competitor Jason “JasonR” Ruchelski.
FaZe Clan recently competed in the T1 x Nerd Street Gamers Showdown, a VALORANT Ignition Series tournament, with ZachaREEE playing as a stand-in. The team, playing with Corey and three other temporary members, topped their group with 2-0 victories over Prospects and Together We Are Terrific. FaZe took wins over 100 Thieves and Sentinels in the play-offs, though a lower bracket loss to Immortals sent them home in fourth place.
FaZe Clan is just one of many prominent esports organizations jumping into competitive VALORANT. The 5v5 tactical shooter has drawn the attention of many top-tier players from other competitive scenes, including the OWL’s Jay “Sinatraa” Won and rising CS:GO star Matthew “Wardell” Yu.
FaZe Clan is still in need of two players to complete its VALORANT roster. It is currently unknown when the team will compete next.
Source: FaZe Clan
