FlyQuest announced the departure of top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau from its League of Legends roster. The organization posted a farewell video marking the end of the Belgian player’s two-year run with the North American team.
Bwipo joined FlyQuest as a marquee European import after leaving Fnatic. During his tenure he helped the organization qualify for six international events including multiple appearances at MSI and Worlds. The team became one of NA’s most consistent international representatives during his time on the roster.
His in-game performance remained strong throughout his stint. Many analysts considered him a top-three top laner in North America. He maintained his signature aggressive playstyle and creative champion picks that made him a standout during his Fnatic days.
The parting comes after a turbulent year marked by multiple public incidents. The most damaging occurred around the 2024 World Championship when Bwipo made comments about women in professional esports during an interview.
He claimed women couldn’t consistently compete at the highest level because of their menstrual cycles. He suggested female players should use separate accounts during their periods rather than playing competitively.
Riot Games responded by removing Bwipo from a major Worlds promotional video shortly before its release. FlyQuest benched him for one series during the tournament’s play-in stage. North America lost its player representation in that promotional content as a result.
Earlier controversies compounded the issue. Bwipo publicly criticized fellow NA top laner Dhokla in harsh terms. He also issued an apology after agreeing with statements characterizing Koreans as racist and homophobic.
The organization framed the split as a mutual parting at the end of the 2025 season. Neither side publicly connected the departure to any specific incident. Bwipo is now a free agent with no team lined up for the upcoming season.
What happens next
FlyQuest must now find a replacement top laner ahead of the 2026 season. The team’s strong international record makes the position attractive for potential signees.
Bwipo’s next move remains unclear. His skill level still warrants consideration from top-tier LCS or LEC teams. However, organizations weigh player talent against sponsor relationships and brand image. The recent controversies may give teams pause despite his competitive pedigree.
