NoMan joins XLG Esports’ VALORANT roster

VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) China champions, XLG Esports, have announced the signing of James “NoMan” Man.

The 20-year-old takes over for Zhang “Midi” Jiajun, who was let go from the Chinese VALORANT roster after a short stint as a replacement for Yip “YoU” Man Ho during VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025.

The Winner of #VCTCN Stage 1 @XLG_Valorant will continue to challenge the peak in Stage 2!! pic.twitter.com/hZ2zWYbK3b

— VALORANT Champions Tour CN (@valesports_cn) June 27, 2025

The last-minute replacement failed to help XLG Esports compete for a podium finish in Toronto, where Midi averaged the tournament’s lowest rating (0.59).

While XLG have not commented on the reason behind Midi’s departure, his poor performance in Canada likely played a factor.

Billed as the player to help XLG Esports maintain their momentum, huge expectations have been put on the shoulders of NoMan.

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NoMan started his esports career in 2022 when he competed in VALORANT Challengers with All Born to Clutch and Oblivion Force. He later jumped between lesser teams in Europe, and in 2024 returned home to play for Rare Atom.

While a relatively inexperienced player in the highest tier of competitive VALORANT, NoMan nearly qualified for VCT 2025 China via Ascension but had to admit defeat to XLG Esports in the grand final while on Rare Atom.

Since XLG Esports shut NoMan’s doors to the VCT, he spent time competing outside of China, with ESC Gaming and the University of Exeter, whom he helped secure a runner-up finish in National Student Esports – Spring 2025 in March.

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NoMan steps in as a permanent replacement for YoU, who averaged a positive (1.05) rating in XLG Esports’ campaign to the VCT 2025 China Stage 1 title.

The Hong Kongese duelist will debut for his new team on July 5, when XLG Esports face off against All Gamers in the first week of VCT 2025 China Stage 2.