For those who believed that Bwipo was quietly enjoying retirement in the Brazilian tier-two scene, think again. Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau has made it clear that his main goal is not to stay in the region beyond 2026, but to make a return to the LEC one of the biggest aspirations of his career, as reported by Strafe Esports.
During the MD3 Podcast, Bwipo expressed his desire to retire in the LEC because he has never defeated Caps for a title while the Danish superstar has been active in Europe. He mentioned that staying in Brazil is also an option, considering the CBLOL as a viable alternative if the LEC opportunity does not materialize and no other appealing options arise.
This is not simply a nostalgic longing. Bwipo’s last appearance in the LEC was in 2021, when he transitioned to the jungle role for Fnatic and led the team to a second-split final, where they defeated G2 Esports before ultimately falling to MAD Lions with a score of 3-1. He later joined Estral for the second split of the 2026 Circuito Desafiante, and the team’s performance since then has been nothing short of exceptional.
Nineteen Games, Zero Losses
Estral concluded the Circuito Desafiante regular season with a flawless 9-0 record, and continued their dominant streak through the playoffs without dropping a single map. In total, the team achieved a remarkable 19-0 record throughout the competition, culminating in a 3-0 victory over KaBuM! Ilha das Lendas in the Grand Final on September 14.
Despite such a dominant performance, securing a spot in the CBLOL is not guaranteed. Estral is now gearing up for the CBLOL 2027 Promotion Tournament, facing a five-team challenge for a single Guest Team slot, with their first match against 9z Globant scheduled for September 29. Even if they succeed in the promotion tournament, it does not guarantee Bwipo a spot on the roster for the following year.
Why Caps Is the Real Target
Beyond the uncertainties surrounding the team’s roster, the core of the narrative revolves around a single rivalry. Bwipo and Caps were former teammates at Fnatic before Caps departed for G2 Esports, and defeating Caps for an LEC title has become a burning ambition for Bwipo. This ambition stands out considering that Bwipo has not competed in Europe’s premier league for five years, but it adds an intriguing storyline to the upcoming offseason roster changes in the LEC.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, Bwipo’s statements indicate that the LEC is his top priority, with the CBLOL serving as a backup plan if no European organization presents a compelling offer. At this stage, it remains a storyline to follow rather than a confirmed transfer, but it certainly adds an element of anticipation as the 2026 season draws to a close and the offseason roster adjustments begin.