VARREL Lose YHC-Mochi and TS as Contracts Expire

Japanese esports team VARREL have parted ways with two of its top stars from the Street Fighter division, YHC-Mochi and TS.

According to the team, the departures are due to the expiration of their contracts, with neither side choosing to renew. Both players joined VARREL last year and competed in Street Fighter League alongside stalwart captain Mago and Mizuha.

VARREL's statement on social media read as follows:

"We hereby report that, due to the expiration of their contracts, TS and YHC-Mochi from the STREET FIGHTER division will be leaving the team.

"They engaged in numerous fierce battles in events such as the Street Fighter League, as well as CPT and EWC, and greatly contributed to energizing the team.

"We express our gratitude for their contributions thus far and wish them continued success in their future endeavors."

Both TS and YHC-Mochi were complimentary in their responses, thanking the team and urging fans to continue supporting them.

A Gaping Hole For Street Fighter League

YHC-Mochi is one of the best Dhalsim players in the world, while TS, something of a late bloomer in the game, has exhibited stunning skill with Akuma. With their departures, VARREL are now left with Tokido, who joined the team from REJECT recently, alongside Mago and Mizuha.

With ZETA DIVISION having announced MenaRD as a loan player for the upcoming SFL season, it will be interesting to see how VARREL respond. It is worth noting that Tokido was the first to really execute the idea of bringing in foreign talent when he helped facilitate LeShar's move to REJECT, and they have an SFL Japan championship and SFL World Championship to show for it. Whether he would be minded to pursue a similar strategy at VARREL is an open question, but if so, it could set up quite the season ahead.

There is also uncertainty around stalwarts Mago and Mizuha, who have been with the team since before the rebrand from Gyogun in 2024. Since then, Moke has departed to join FAV Gaming, and while Mago and Mizuha remain for now, even that could change as the roster picture develops.

VARREL are yet to make an announcement regarding their SFL team, but with these departures confirmed, an announcement is expected imminently.