Team Secret signs ex-NAOS Esports player 'NDG'

MANILA, Philippines – The country's top Valorant team, Team Secret, has acquired former NAOS Esports player Noel “NDG” De Guia to complete their roster ahead of the Valorant Challengers Tour (VCT) 2024 season.

De Guia last played for NAOS Esports, which ruled the Philippine challengers scene, winning both 2023 splits against Oasis Gaming. The team had advanced to Valorant Ascensions, but De Guia was listed as the team's substitute instead of the main roster.

With the announcement, Team Secret will retain their status of an all-Filipino roster in VCT Pacific, with De Guia taking the place of fellow Filipino Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan, who departed the team last month.

Team Secret saw a promising start during this year's VCT Tour, winning against Team Liquid during LOCK//IN at the start of the year and being the only team in VCT Pacific to win a match against DRX during the league's regular season. 

But the momentum would be stopped during the playoffs as the Adobo Gang would bow to Gen.G Esports to miss Valorant Masters Tokyo.

The all-Filipino main roster had a chance to once again reach the world stage with the VCT Pacific Last Chance Qualifiers. But they suffered heartbreak as they were defeated in the grand finals by Japan's ZETA Division, missing out on Valorant Champions for a second year in a row.