Banner image: Ubisoft / @capturedbycyga
MNM Gaming today announced the signing of former w7m esports IGL and FURIA Esports coach Julio "JULIO" Giacomelli.
The Brazilian crosses the pond to join the marshmallows as their new coach in what will be his second stint in the role.
With the signing, MNM have also moved Loïc "Eden" Sennepin to an analyst position.
JULIO isn't the first Brazilian to coach a top-flight European roster, however. His former coach, Marlon "Twister" Mello, became the first afrer joined Team Secret in Sep. 2022.
MNM were promoted to Europe's top-flight after winning the European Challenger League 2021. Two months later, they qualified for the Six Invitational 2021 through the European Closed Qualifier.
The marshmallows faced JULIO at the Six Invitational 2021, where his Ninjas in Pyjamas team won the series.
Despite MNM's lack of experience, the Europeans' performance in Stockholm was the herald of a strong 2022 season. After missing out on the Charlotte Major, MNM qualified for the Berlin Major and the Jönköping Major.
Additionally, their performances domestically got them the grand-final of the EUL Finals, where they lost to Team BDS.
In response, MNM decided to part ways with Callum "Neonical" Humphreys in favour of Nathan "Nath" Sharp.
The Six Invitational 2023 was the first test for this new roster, which theh passed spectacularly: eight map wins out of a possible eight meant they topped the standings of Group B.
However, the tide turned in the playoffs and losses against Oxygen Esports and Team BDS knocked them out.
Now, MNM Gaming will begin the new Rainbow Six Siege season with JULIO's addition to the team. The Brazilian previously won the Six Invitational in 2021 with Ninjas in Pyjamas, and reached the grand-final in 2020 and 2023 with NiP and w7m, respectively. He also reached the Six Sweden Major grand-final with the former in Nov. 2021.
MNM Gaming CEO Kalvin Chung gave SiegeGG a brief insight behind the cross-regional signing.
"JULIO is one of the greatest in Siege, he's an SI champion as well as an SI two-time finalist. His experience and knowledge are invaluable and we believe he will be the final piece on our road to success. I want to thank him for joining MNM and believing in us," said Chung.
Chung also reflected on JULIO's brief coaching experience with FURIA. The Brazilian worked with the black panthers during Stage 2 when the team reached the Six Berlin Major quarter-finals.
"He has had previous experience as a coach — and some may argue it is not enough. But, we're here to learn, grow and become champions together. I believe in his ability to go from a champion player to a champion coach. Thanks for all the support and I look forward to the 2023 season," finished Chung.