JACKZ to stand in for mezii at BLAST World Final

The Brit is set to miss the event in Singapore in anticipation of the birth of his first child.

Vitality will field Audric "⁠JACKZ⁠" Jug as stand-in for William "⁠mezii⁠" Merriman at the BLAST Premier World Final, French insider Sebastien "⁠KRL⁠" Perez first revealed and the team has confirmed to HLTV.

The Brit is set to miss the $1 million event as he is expecting to become a father around the time it takes place, on October 30-November 3 in Singapore.

While competing at IEM Rio, Vitality's coach, Rémy "⁠XTQZZZ⁠" Quoniam, revealed to HLTV in a comment that the decision already came two months ago and stressed that this will not hamper the team's preparations for the Perfect World Shanghai Major cycle. That will begin with the European RMR 14 to 18 days following the BLAST Premier World Final, depending on which of the two groups Vitality end up landing in.

"William will become a dad around the World Final, so we decided about two months ago to take JACKZ as a stand-in," XTQZZZ said. "Of course we'll play with mezii before Singapore to prep for the Major."

It's not the first time that Vitality have called upon JACKZ to stand in for them at a time of need. The 32-year-old took Peter "⁠dupreeh⁠" Rasmussen's place for the duration of ESL Pro League Season 17's group stage in early 2023 while the Dane was on parental leave.

JACKZ has been without an organization ever since he was benched from TSM in January and subsequently released three months later. He has plied his trade with various teams since, most recently Project G, an organization-less squad that fell apart after just two months in September.

France Sebastien 'KRL' Perez
Sebastien 'KRL' Perez
Age:
35
Team:
No team
Rating 1.0:
0.64
Maps played:
21
KPR:
0.47
DPR:
0.79
Denmark Peter 'dupreeh' Rasmussen
Peter 'dupreeh' Rasmussen
Age:
31
Team:
Rating 1.0:
1.07
Maps played:
2290
KPR:
0.72
DPR:
0.65
France Audric 'JACKZ' Jug
Audric 'JACKZ' Jug
Age:
32
Team:
Rating 1.0:
0.98
Maps played:
1310
KPR:
0.66
DPR:
0.67
United Kingdom William 'mezii' Merriman
William 'mezii' Merriman
Age:
25
Team:
Rating 1.0:
1.06
Maps played:
851
KPR:
0.70
DPR:
0.63
#1
Faceit level 10 Old school: User been here for more than 10 years  | 
Aleksib | 
Latvia unj_patruck
WOW
2024-10-07 19:55
6
13 replies
Not wow. Jackz again as an anchor, no thanks.
2024-10-07 20:01
79
12 replies
Still better than mezii as anchor sadly
2024-10-07 21:05
3
6 replies
Jackz might be a better player overall but not as an anchor.
2024-10-07 21:06
11
5 replies
#106
 | 
Slovakia GloryMole
In what world is JackZ a better player overall?
2024-10-07 23:54
27
4 replies
"Might", arguebly, debatable, maybe
2024-10-07 23:57
5
3 replies
#108
 | 
Slovakia GloryMole
mezii >>>>>> JACKZ - IGL mezii >>>>> JACKZ - Support mezii >>>>>> JACKZ - Star rifler mezii <<<< JACKZ - entry Don't know about awping tho
2024-10-08 00:09
11
2 replies
mezii<<<<<<<<<JACKZ - handsome
2024-10-08 08:17
23
1 reply
Jackz has that million dollar stare.
2024-10-08 09:42
2
good news for monesy fans
2024-10-07 21:16
0
meds? apex used him really well during pro league
2024-10-08 01:13
1
3 replies
Silver bot detected. JackZ was stand in for Dupreeh, which was playing the same roles as him. Now JackZ has to play anchor roles. Nice self like too.
2024-10-08 01:19
3
2 replies
Someone don’t remember that jackz play group stage vs top50 xd
2024-10-08 07:09
0
Dupreeh was playing anchor on most maps... B site mirage A site nuke B site vertigo... Same role as mezii right now
2024-10-08 10:12
1
guess whos back!
2024-10-07 19:55
30
of all people to ask for a standin why jackz rpk would've just been infinitely the better choice
2024-10-07 19:55
53
17 replies
#41
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
or... neityu? he's already bffs with apex, crazy they picked jackz.
2024-10-07 20:03
26
12 replies
#50
 | 
Belgium Ringling
jackz and apex are basically bffs so not unexpected.
2024-10-07 20:07
14
4 replies
#61
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
"basically bffs"? They're married
2024-10-07 20:21
12
3 replies
#64
 | 
France Khmzbg
Not married but they both live in Andorra to evade french fisc and they're very very close
2024-10-07 20:34
12
2 replies
#65
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
So close one might say they kiss and cuddle before officials
2024-10-07 20:35
32
1 reply
Duo Jame time
2024-10-07 20:45
3
Having someone with a lot of experience is really important for a stand in
2024-10-07 20:11
5
6 replies
#59
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
That's why I'm not in esports management. I'd rather gamble on a young hard-hitter than a washed player that barely put up in T3/T2.5 There is a part of me that loves to see jackz on a stage again though
2024-10-07 20:20
1
3 replies
It’s not the first time Jackz stand in for vita, and did relatively well, so it’s a better than gambling in a kid with no experience or chemistry with vita
2024-10-07 20:35
1
1 reply
#67
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
That's vitality prerogative. They know more about who works well than me. I'm sure apex isn't just forgetting neityu exists
2024-10-07 20:36
0
Well the gamble with young talent is that they keep improving and increasing their value. Vita just need stand in to chill with before getting ready for major with mezii.
2024-10-07 20:41
2
#98
Old school: User been here for more than 10 years  | 
RpK | 
Denmark redrumble
better get shox or rpk then :D
2024-10-07 22:10
0
1 reply
Shox would get 0.5 rating, rpk maybe 0.7-0.8. Jackz is built like the perfect cs2 stand in tbh with his vibes and brainless shoot head gameplay
2024-10-08 04:00
0
#60
Faceit level 5  | 
Finland JHdash77
wonder how much cs rpk has played in the past year lol at least jackz is still active
2024-10-07 20:20
2
rpk owns a garage and probably doesnt have much time ngl
2024-10-07 20:55
1
rpk is so fucking retired he would go triple negative in the server and I don't even mean that in a rude or disrespectful way. At least Jackz still plays the game rpk hasnt played a faceit game since almost January lmao
2024-10-08 23:19
0
LE TONK
2024-10-30 14:52
0
#4
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
Europe d1v_
my GOAT. always loved jackz
2024-10-07 19:55
30
1 reply
Most lovable CS pro
2024-10-07 21:06
5
#5
Faceit level 10  | 
ropz | 
Germany NoMoney3Kids
They really dont like Mezii
2024-10-07 19:55
2
3 replies
Read the article again mens.
2024-10-07 19:59
67
#31
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
Bro 😭
2024-10-07 20:01
7
#55
Faceit level 8  | 
 | 
United States sziasztok
Dude, read literally the first sentence of the article before commenting please
2024-10-07 20:14
14
Young talent
2024-10-07 19:55
10
WHY VITA WHY
2024-10-07 19:56
0
1 reply
...name checks out?
2024-10-07 19:59
13
#9
 | 
Netherlands geek3D
Bad for everyone involved
2024-10-07 19:56
4
3 replies
#35
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
Mezzi’s son winning with having father that doesnt leave
2024-10-07 20:02
47
2 replies
I laughed
2024-10-30 14:53
1
1 reply
#144
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
I spilled a piece of tomato into my glass of coca cola because of you 😔😔😔
2024-10-30 15:43
0
gl to jackz, grats to mezii!
2024-10-07 19:56
32
1 reply
Zywoo sacrificing his top 1 for mezii, what a goat! Jokes aside, all the best to mezii an his family to be :D
2024-10-07 20:42
5
#11
Faceit level 4  | 
 | 
Sweden Annoyed_Swede123
gratz mr Merriman
2024-10-07 19:56
11
#12
Faceit level 7  | 
iM | 
Romania matiops
he is expecting to become a father around the time it takes place congrats
2024-10-07 19:57
1
jackz-chan UwU
2024-10-07 19:58
6
It was much better to take Neityu, he is currently at a much better level than Jackz, and that would have allowed him to be tested at the highest level for the future. I really like Jackz but really we're talking about a guy who plays T4 here
2024-10-07 19:58
9
7 replies
#28
 | 
Paraguay LifeHater
Friendship does this
2024-10-07 20:00
1
1 reply
Probably yes
2024-10-07 20:01
1
flair
2024-10-07 20:02
1
1 reply
No relation, just logic. If you follow Jackz's career in recent weeks you know that his level is no longer at all the same as before, and if he has been playing lately with a very weak GenOne team (not even playoffs in Advanced) that’s no coincidence.
2024-10-07 20:03
2
He was already playing in t4 when he stood in at EPL last year and he did fine + vibes he brings is a big factor (one of the few players for which the vibe argument works)
2024-10-07 20:08
0
1 reply
Not really, just a few weeks before his standin at vitality he was playing with Heet, it was a level very, very much higher than the current Genone. I hope it goes well for him, or even that it could revive his career, but Neityu seems much more interesting in addition to being in the same roles as Mezii
2024-10-07 20:13
1
True but experience, confidence and vibes are important for standins
2024-10-07 21:07
0
let's go, we love returning characters
2024-10-07 19:59
10
3 replies
#39
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
Flag checks out
2024-10-07 20:03
0
we get french flag Vitality on HLTV for probably the last time ever
2024-10-07 20:45
1
1 reply
Until they sign neityu
2024-10-07 21:08
4
congrats
2024-10-07 19:59
2
#22
Faceit level 9  | 
Singapore floofy1
the worst Mirage A anchor that twistzz has ever seen
2024-10-07 19:59
6
#24
 | 
Paraguay LifeHater
Vitality just won Blast World Finals
2024-10-07 20:00
2
#25
 | 
Norway biggamer69
congrats mezii!!!!
2024-10-07 20:00
3
Doesn't matter. Micky mouse tourney, everyone will save strats for Major in this tourney.
2024-10-07 20:02
5
1 reply
#42
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
8/8, almost got me
2024-10-07 20:03
3
#27
Faceit level 9  | 
autimatic | 
United States lizardgecko
mac-10 carry from jackz inc
2024-10-07 20:00
6
Goat is back also congrats mezii!
2024-10-07 20:01
3
#33
Faceit level 10  | 
 | 
United States |Scy|
Great for Mezzi. Man prioritizing once in a lifetime family events instead of this shit scene. Hope it goes well.
2024-10-07 20:02
10
#34
s1n | 
Germany JudioN
they should have gone with Neityu ngl
2024-10-07 20:02
1
#37
Old school: User been here for more than 10 years  | 
 | 
Taiwan iloviz
gratz mezzzzzzzzzzzzi
2024-10-07 20:02
2
#38
Faceit level 8  | 
DZ | 
Algeria SilverQuick
mezii no :/
2024-10-07 20:03
1
2 replies
#43
Faceit level 7  | 
MaiL09 | 
Sweden Bobbin
Bro what his girl gon give birth to their child 😭
2024-10-07 20:04
0
1 reply
#49
Faceit level 8  | 
DZ | 
Algeria SilverQuick
Family 1st bro, will be missed :/
2024-10-07 20:07
0
Vitality just became 99% cuter with JACKZ
2024-10-07 20:05
3
#46
 | 
Singapore krabstyx
noooooooooooo cant see the full Vitality team!!!!!!!!!!!!
2024-10-07 20:06
0
my vibes GOAT
2024-10-07 20:07
2
#48
 | 
Germany TJ!
Well last time they used him as a standin he was doing alright. He might not fragg like NiKo but is super important for team chemestry tbh. Good choice and super happy for him
2024-10-07 20:07
3
Vitality won already
2024-10-07 20:09
2
#56
Faceit level 8  | 
NiKo | 
India ga7axy
Good
2024-10-07 20:15
1
daddy jackz
2024-10-07 20:15
1
GOAT JACKZ IS BACK, I WILL BE THERE
2024-10-07 20:18
3
#62
Faceit level 4  | 
 | 
Israel mcnamaras_EEEdiots
-1% power to vitality
2024-10-07 20:25
1
2 replies
-1% firepower, +200% vibes
2024-10-07 20:37
6
1 reply
#77
Faceit level 4  | 
 | 
Israel mcnamaras_EEEdiots
will not drop a map in playoffs, confirmed
2024-10-07 20:43
2
#63
 | 
Sweden KhaZix
Flusha is better
2024-10-07 20:31
2
free win for Vitality now
2024-10-07 20:36
1
My goat is back
2024-10-07 20:38
1
#72
 | 
France Strayke
The future is bright so fucking bright
2024-10-07 20:39
1
yes !
2024-10-07 20:40
1
#76
 | 
France Strayke
Jackz will own his kid m0nesy in the semi finals, mark my words
2024-10-07 20:43
1
vitality 2:1 g2 grand final revenge for dallas
2024-10-07 20:47
1
#81
RpK | 
France HippzZ
Apex knows how to use Jackz so it's all good And French flag suits Vita well
2024-10-07 20:50
3
2 replies
#97
Old school: User been here for more than 10 years  | 
World Kobs
jackz is not a good anchor , its a downgrade for sure its like playing with 2 flamez as T and a weaker anchor than mezzi as CT
2024-10-07 22:12
0
1 reply
#105
RpK | 
France HippzZ
Of course it's a downgrade, my point is that Apex will use him well and mitigate the malus, like he already did in 2023
2024-10-07 23:40
2
jackz is so garbage
2024-10-07 20:54
0
handsome goat. congrats mezii
2024-10-07 20:57
1
Congrats mezii but a huge upgrade for Vitality. God Jackz will win this event!
2024-10-07 21:04
0
#91
 | 
Ukraine delsix
vita back to being french ahaha
2024-10-07 21:09
1
now we need RpK only
2024-10-07 21:09
0
French flag is back, niec! Massive congrats to mezii
2024-10-07 21:11
1
I'm sorry but you can always have a second kid, however Blast World Final is a once in a lifetime experience.
2024-10-07 21:30
5
#96
 | 
Sweden Vrede
alright, he getting carried for sure
2024-10-07 22:02
1
french cs is back for 1 tournament
2024-10-07 22:17
0
congrats william
2024-10-07 22:20
0
Stand-in buff incoming
2024-10-07 22:36
1
I remember the last time JACKZ was standin for vitality and he was absolutely goated trying to be the entry on side of apEX
2024-10-07 22:50
2
People take witnessing first child thing a little too serious, its just a baby bro nothing special
2024-10-07 23:38
1
1 reply
Either you don’t have kids or must be the father of the year
2024-10-08 09:31
1
UPGRADE!
2024-10-08 00:14
2
Cool, as long as he doesn't play anchor.
2024-10-08 00:26
0
#114
 | 
Israel RoyBenji
CONGRATS WILLIAM!!!!!!!!
2024-10-08 01:59
0
Twice jackz had done this for vita for the exact same reason
2024-10-08 04:01
0
#117
 | 
Asia alesib
Hope that his baby have a good health
2024-10-08 04:06
2
Why don’t ask falcons for magisk? Falcons literally playing nothing until rmr. Ur going to use retired player for 1m tournament
2024-10-08 07:11
0
#122
Faceit level 10 Old school: User been here for more than 10 years  | 
France Sinj_Gracieux
Unfortunate for Vita
2024-10-08 09:40
1
#123
 | 
Romania nontoxic
The vibes will be immaculate
2024-10-08 09:40
0
So Vitality is winning BLAST World Final
2024-10-08 09:52
2
allu played when his gf was pregnant and came 2nd in the major mezii is weak
2024-10-08 09:58
0
all my homies love jackz <3
2024-10-08 10:00
3
1 reply
They should have kicked hunter and kept Jackz tbh.
2024-10-08 15:47
0
Sheeeeeesh. Gl Jacky. 10 times better than mezii
2024-10-08 13:36
0
#134
 | 
Turkey _RA
"32 Yo star rifler" wow, strange move.
2024-10-08 16:32
0
BBRUH
2024-10-08 17:07
0
#140
Faceit level 4  | 
magixx | 
Poland kssnoa7
Jack will be the only player with zywoo to get big balls in the team, the three other are not even involve in winning and grinding Cs to improve the team / since CS2, vitality win because of skill not because of tactic so jackz addition will bring some more headshot
2024-10-17 09:19
0
#141
 | 
Sweden multib
At least Jackz, XTQZZZ and apex will have INCREDIBLE vibes off server
2024-10-17 13:46
0
Login or register to add your comment to the discussion.

Back to comment

Now playing
Thumbnail for stream
Brazil
MADHOUSE TV
17891 viewers
Top streams
All(64)
Casters(45)
Streamers(12)
Organizers(7)
Brazil
MADHOUSE TV
(17891)
Brazil
gaules
(9964)
Other
PGL
(8165)
Brazil
gaules
(4778)
Other
Thunderpick
(3340)
Russia
Paragon
(2910)
Other
PGL 2
(2565)
Russia
watchfulTV
(2019)
Brazil
gaules
(1801)
Russia
watchfulTV B
(1445)
Argentina
forg1
(1212)
Brazil
boltz
(1099)
Russia
Paragon 3
(925)
Brazil
fer
(880)
Argentina
forg1
(877)
Russia
HappyChucky
(850)
Brazil
nak
(721)
Russia
poka
(697)
Ukraine
Maincast
(640)
Belgium
ScreaM
(588)
Poland
IzakOOO
(583)
United States
Trottah
(491)
United States
freakazoid
(479)
Russia
m4ga
(440)
Brazil
mch
(439)
United States
Stewie2k
(436)
Russia
Paragon 2
(421)
Romania
Werty
(421)
Russia
SBolt
(398)
Argentina
elmorocho7
(314)
Ukraine
Maincast 2
(273)
France
KRL
(235)
United Kingdom
ESL TV
(230)
United States
Trucklover86
(188)
Brazil
mch
(168)
Finland
pelaajat
(167)
Brazil
VitinhO
(156)
France
Croissant Strike
(146)
Mongolia
maaRaa
(139)
Brazil
kabrafps
(132)
Russia
jmqa
(128)
Brazil
XISTERA
(123)
Other
PGL
(118)
Mongolia
Zilkenberg
(107)
Brazil
coldzera
(89)
Brazil
Tris_Mara
(87)
Other
PGL 2
(69)
Russia
Paragon
(58)
Kazakhstan
Paragon
(58)
Brazil
gaules TV 2
(46)
Brazil
BTSBrasilTV
(38)
United States
Regent
(37)
Brazil
VilacaTTV
(35)
Brazil
Napa
(30)
France
KRL 2
(25)
Brazil
gaules TV
(25)
United States
Trottah
(25)
Finland
Elisa Esports
(13)
United States
iamfusiion
(12)
Ukraine
WOLF
(6)
Brazil
kabrafps
(5)
Ukraine
Maincast
(2)
Brazil
BTSBrasilFPS
(1)
Brazil
JokerBR (YouTube)
(1)