Rickson “Rkzinho” Ribeiro spoke to Dust2 Brasil about his promotion from paiN Academy to the main roster, revealing that he already expected the opportunity after his strong performances in South America. The 16-year-old also discussed his rapid rise in 2026, adapting alongside Tatu and his confidence ahead of a potential international debut.
Rkzinho joined the main paiN lineup at the beginning of September and has already competed in the PGL Masters Bucharest Closed Qualifier, Circuit X Recife #3 and FERJEE In House #2.
Rkzinho expected the promotion
Rkzinho said the call-up did not come as a complete surprise. He felt he was performing well enough for the Academy team while the main roster needed a player capable of filling specific positions, including solo bombsite and lurk roles.
“I already believed it could happen because I was playing really well in South America with the Academy and the main team wasn’t doing well. They needed someone to play a solo bombsite, a bit of a lurker. Those roles were improvised, so I already thought, ‘I’m playing really well here, the main team needs a piece and I think it could happen.’”
The promotion gave Rkzinho his biggest opportunity since beginning the year playing with MAGICOS, a mix team formed with friends.
From MAGICOS to paiN in nine months
Rkzinho described the speed of his rise as “magical.” Only nine months separated playing with MAGICOS at the start of the year and becoming part of the paiN main roster.
He said he had already believed he possessed the potential to stand out in South America, and now feels his individual level is at its highest point so far.
“Everything that’s happening now is magical. At the beginning of the year I was playing in a friend’s mix, MAGICOS, and now, nine months later, I’m in the paiN main team, at the highest level in Brazil. I’m feeling that I’m in the best phase of my career right now. I’m doing very well individually.”
His transition has also included a larger support structure, with more coaches and psychologists available compared to his previous environment.
Playing with Tatu has helped the adaptation
Another factor making the transition easier has been Lucas “Tatu” Santana, who was also promoted from paiN Academy.
Rkzinho said the pair already played several positions together, including on Mirage, which allowed them to transfer some of their existing chemistry directly into the main lineup.
“Tatu is a very good player, communicates well, takes responsibility and is doing well in the main team now. He’s managing to apply what he was already doing in the Academy, and that’s great.”
Major qualification is the next target
Rkzinho is confident that his performances in South America can translate to international competition if paiN earn the opportunity.
The youngster specifically pointed to qualification for the Major as the next major objective and believes an international appearance could become his first real test outside the region.
“We’re going after the Major spot and then that will probably be my debut internationally. I believe I’ll be able to do well. It’s just about doing what I’ve been doing here and applying it there. I believe in that.”
For now, Rkzinho continues gaining experience with the main paiN roster while competing domestically and trying to establish himself ahead of the upcoming Major qualification period.
