FlyQuest sweep ZHI-TECH Elite Masters trophy; story stuns in debut

FlyQuest has started their 2026 campaign with a statement win in Beijing, China, taking down the likes of JiJieHao, Lynn Vision, and Morningstar as look to assert their position as a top two squad in the region.

Declan "vexite" Portelli was nigh unstoppable as FlyQuest went flawless through the closed qualifier, then the final bracket to take out the trophy in front of a packed Chinese crowd in the capital.

But the name on everyone's lips and under pressure on debut with the Aussie squad was João "story" Vieira, who set about affirming his acquisition in style. The Portuguese AWPer shone brightest in the 3-0 (16-13, 13-4, 13-7) grand final win against JiJieHao (1.52 rating, +4.47% swing, 66-38).

It was expected that FlyQuest would take home the trophy but it was the fashion of their win that was most important. From day one the statement was made, winning their qualifying match 13-6, 16-0 against Steel Helmet.

From then on it was just business; FlyQuest cleared Chinggis Warriors 2-0 (13-5, 13-5) and Morningstar 2-0 (13-11, 13-8) before facing Middle East-based JiJieHao in the best-of-five final—FlyQuest's first Bo5 LAN match in their history.

JiJieHao gave them trouble on Ancient, defusing five times in the second half to force overtime, but Corey "nettik" Browne (25-20, 1.35 rating) and story (27-18, 1.47) led FlyQuest navigated overtime with ease. From there, JiJieHao's days were numbered.

An 11-1 CT half on Anubis saw FlyQuest stomp their way to Dust 2, where the Aussies overcame a 0-5 start to post a 7-5 half behind captain Joshua "INS" Potter (19-12, 1.62).

JiJieHao took the pistol but failed to convert, and from there, FlyQuest barely looked back. Story (22-11, 1.55) put the result away 13-7, landing the OCE squad a trophy to start 2026.

It's the exact start to the year FlyQuest, especially coach Aaron "AZR" Ward, was hoping for. It's early days for story's FlyQuest stint, but if his effort in China this week was a barometer for success, his new team may have plenty more to celebrate in 2026.