Gen.G Signs VALORANT Prodigy Xiesta to A Four-Year Deal

Gen.G Esports has a new VALORANT player: Jung “Xiesta” Si-hwan.

The Gen.G Global Academy graduate signed a four-year deal with the team. In addition to their academy, Gen.G has partnered with universities in the past, including Manchester University back in 2024.

Who Xiesta Is, and More on the Signing

In addition to being part of the Gen.G Global Academy, Xiesta was born in 2010. 

The announcement of the signing came on X, where the Gen.G Gold account wrote this, via the Korean to English translation feature on X : 

“Xiesta signs a 4-year contract with Gen.G Valorant!

“GGA graduate Xiesta has officially signed a 4-year professional contract with Gen.G esports - the longest contract in Gen.G history.  Through GGA’s development program, Xiesta has consistently built his skills through structured training and real competitive experience.

“Cheer for Xiesta as he begins his pro journey in 2026.”

Xiesta signs a 4-year contract with Gen.G Valorant!🔥

GGA graduate Xiesta has officially signed a 4-year professional contract with Gen.G esports - the longest contract in Gen.G history. Through GGA’s development program, Xiesta has consistently built his skills through… pic.twitter.com/UzeJEJfZlS

— Gen.G Gold (@geng_gold) February 20, 2026

In a quoted response on X, Xiesta wrote, “I will work hard to repay you as much as you have believed in me!”

Right now, Xiesta, a Radiant player, ranks 31st in APAC during V26 Act 1 with a 729 RR. 

Since Xiesta is only 15, though, he’ll be unable to compete in VCT. The minimum age requirement for VCT Tier 1 is 18. 

Thus, he’s been sent over to ONSIDE GAMING, a South Korean Challengers team, on a loan. 

“A new talent who appeared like a comet, player Xiesta has signed a loan transfer contract with GGA through Onside,” ONSIDE said on X. “Onside will be with him so that the player’s potential can shine to its fullest.”

When Will the Debut Happen?

Right now, it’s not exactly clear what Xiesta’s role with Gen.G will be. The only thing we do know is that he’ll be 18 in 2028, so he can compete in VCT then. This comes shortly after the contracts of Kim “t3xture” Na-ra and Kim “ZynX” Dong-ha expire in 2027. 

So, we’ll see how Gen.G uses this time to get the young star ready to be an on-stage performer. 

Fan Reaction

The fan reaction on X to the signing was mostly positive, with one fan writing, “Bro is a prodigy?”

“Gen.G's future fighting!” someone else said, via translation from Korean to English. 

However, someone also asked, "Who is he going to replace?" which is a valid question given the contract expirations mentioned above and when Xiesta is old enough to compete in VCT.