JDGaming adds berlin0419 and crownfisher to roster ahead of Stage 2

JDG Esports is reshuffling its VALORANT lineup with two new additions: BerLIN, a Taiwanese in-game leader poached from FunPlus Phoenix, and crownfisher, a homegrown talent promoted from JDG’s own academy roster. The moves land roughly two weeks before VCT China Stage 2 kicks off on July 9.

The updated five-player roster now reads jkuro, Yuicaw, zhe, BerLIN, and crownfisher, with bail serving as head coach. Coconut has departed the active lineup, signaling a clear strategic pivot for the organization.

Who are the new faces

BerLIN, whose real name is Zhang Bolin, is a 22-year-old in-game leader born on April 19, 2004. He spent a significant stretch with FPX before making the jump to JDG, and his career includes a brief retirement in 2025 before returning to competitive play.

Crownfisher, real name Li Ao, takes a very different path to the main stage. Rather than being acquired externally, he earned the promotion through standout performances on JDG’s academy team.

VCT China Stage 2 context

The VCT China Stage 2 group stage runs from July 9 through July 23 in a single round-robin format. The prize pool sits at $250,000.

Coconut’s departure is the quiet subplot here. Roster swaps in esports are rarely just additions. Someone has to make room, and the decision to move coconut off the active lineup tells you JDG’s coaching staff saw a ceiling with the previous configuration.

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