Former Bleed Esports Coach Set to Return to VCT

After a long absence from the Tier 1 Valorant competitive circuit, former Bleed Esports coach Nikola “LEGIJA” Ninić is reportedly preparing to return to competition in the VCT China circuit soon.

Via E4equip, a source shared that the German-Serbian coach recently received an offer from FunPlus Phoenix, who have been operating without a head coach following the departure of Deng “NaThanD” Senqiao to a rival team. For the time being, they play with assistant coach Yao “YorkMonster” Kun at the helm while searching for a suitable replacement.

The source further disclosed that this is FPX’s second attempt to secure a new coach. Previously, they contacted Alexander “alexRr” Frisch, former coach of Singapore-based team Disguised, but failed to reach an agreement.

If finalized, this deal would mark LEGIJA’s return to Tier 1 competition after roughly eight months. His last experience in the top-tier VCT circuit was as Bleed’s head coach in Singapore from early 2022 to September 2024, where he coached notable players like Ngô “crazyguy” Công and Jaccob “yay” Whiteaker.

Unfortunately, personal and financial issues within Bleed’s management led to the team’s decline, and LEGIJA was removed from active coaching duties in October 2024. He, along with several players from Bleed’s other esports divisions, later pursued legal action to resolve outstanding contractual entitlements.