Reapered joins 100 Thieves as the new head coach, Zikz leaves

100 Thieves has secured a major coaching acquisition with Bok “Reapered” Han-gyu, previously renowned for his successful tenure with Cloud9, now taking the helm as the organization’s new strategic leader.

Beginning with the upcoming 2021 LCS Summer Split, Reapered assumes control following the team’s disappointing performance in the Mid-Season Showdown. This appointment represents a calculated move to revitalize the squad’s competitive trajectory after their elimination from championship contention. The coaching transition sees Reapered replacing Anthony “Zikz” Gray, who had been directing the team’s strategy since late 2019. Following his departure from Cloud9 in September 2020, Reapered utilized the break period to refresh his strategic approach before returning to active coaching duties.

Welcome
@Reapered
as our LCS Head Coach!

A previous LCK Champion, Reapered started his coaching career in 2015 and has coached across China & NA. He holds an LCS Championship with 5x Worlds appearances. Excited to build our team with him as we approach Worlds this year.
#100T
pic.twitter.com/xaoP7TnghF

— 100 Thieves Esports (@100T_Esports)
April 17, 2021

Reapered’s primary objective involves elevating 100 Thieves to championship-caliber performance, leveraging his proven track record of cultivating emerging talent. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strategic innovation and player development, having previously guided teams to both domestic titles and international competition appearances. The organization anticipates his systematic approach will address previous inconsistencies that hindered the team’s playoff performances.

The coaching change leaves former head coach Zikz seeking new opportunities after completing three competitive splits with the organization. Under his guidance, 100 Thieves demonstrated measurable improvement throughout the previous season, though falling short of the championship aspirations the franchise actively pursues. The roster reconstruction initiated for the 2020 season generated expectations of top-three contention, yet the team ultimately settled for fourth position after their elimination by TSM during the lower bracket stage.

Thankful for the opportunity with
@100Thieves. I will miss everyone I worked with during my time there dearly and am sad things ended this way. As for the future, I’m not sure what it holds yet and if it’s time for me to take a break or not, but I will be fielding offers. LFT

— Tony Gray (@Zikzlol)
April 17, 2021

Zikz’s departure timing coincides with typical post-season evaluation periods where organizations assess coaching staff effectiveness. His availability now presents other LCS teams with an experienced coaching option possessing extensive knowledge of the North American competitive landscape. The transition period between splits often sees multiple coaching changes as teams recalibrate their strategic direction.

100 Thieves rumored to buy out Fnatic mid laner Nisqy

Beyond the coaching staff transformation, 100 Thieves appears poised for additional roster adjustments, with circulating rumors indicating potential mid lane reinforcement. According to reports from Turkish outlet Esporing, the organization has initiated discussions with Fnatic regarding Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer, who recently completed just a single competitive split in the European league. Nisqy’s previous two-year collaboration with Reapered during their Cloud9 tenure establishes valuable pre-existing synergy that could accelerate team integration.

Should Nisqy transition to 100 Thieves, Fnatic reportedly considers Schalke 04’s Felix “Abbedagge” Braun as his potential replacement. The pre-split break period typically witnesses extensive roster movement activity as organizations position themselves for upcoming championship pursuits, though current discussions remain unconfirmed speculation.

The potential Nisqy acquisition represents a strategic calculation beyond mere roster improvement. Reuniting a player with his former coach can dramatically reduce adaptation periods, potentially providing 100 Thieves with immediate competitive advantages. Teams often underestimate the value of established player-coach relationships when constructing rosters, particularly during compressed off-season periods.

For organizations navigating the complex Class Guide principles of team composition, such moves demonstrate sophisticated roster construction methodology. The timing of these potential changes positions 100 Thieves favorably for the Summer Split, which carries significant Worlds qualification implications.

Common strategic errors in roster construction include overvaluing individual skill without considering coaching compatibility, or making changes too late in the off-season to allow proper team integration. Successful organizations typically complete major roster moves early, allowing maximum preparation time before competitive resumes.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Reapered joins 100 Thieves as the new head coach, Zikz leaves Strategic coaching change and roster moves shaping 100 Thieves' competitive future in LCS