A New Era for Fnatic VALORANT

Fnatic have officially announced their roster for the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) season, introducing French player Sylvain “Veqaj” Pattyn as their latest addition. The reveal took place during the INZONE London Clash 2025, where the team faced GIANTX in a showmatch that doubled as both an offseason exhibition and a live roster debut.

HE’S FINALLY HERE.

JOINING A TEAM FULL OF LEGACY TO CREATE HIS OWN.

FNATIC Veqaj 🧡 pic.twitter.com/9drya0Sg5K

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 9, 2025

Veqaj replaces Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov, who recently transferred to Team Vitality, and made his first appearance in the iconic orange-and-black jersey on November 9th.

Veqaj Makes His Debut

The showmatch against GIANTX served as an ideal stage for Veqaj to demonstrate his flexibility and skill. Over the course of the series, he rotated between Viper, Killjoy, and Jett, adapting his playstyle to match Fnatic’s needs.

His debut was a strong one, finishing the match with a 45/39/5 KDA and helping the British organisation secure a 2–1 victory. While GIANTX managed to claim the final map, Abyss, Fnatic’s dominance on Bind (13–4) and Haven (13–7) made it clear that the new lineup already has strong chemistry.

During an interview with Yinsu Collins before the match, Veqaj described his role as a flex player, meaning he will fill various positions depending on the map or team strategy. The performance confirmed that statement, as his confident switches between utility and entry-focused agents kept the team balanced throughout the series.

The Complete Fnatic VCT 2026 Roster

Fnatic’s updated roster for the upcoming VCT season is as follows:

• Jake “Boaster” Howlett (In-Game Leader)
• Emir “Alfajer” Beder
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Austin “crashies” Roberts
• Sylvain “Veqaj” Pattyn
• Milan “Milan” de Meij (Head Coach)
• Benjamin “Scuttt” Hutchinson (Assistant Coach)

With Boaster continuing to lead and crashies confirmed for another term, Fnatic look set for another strong run in VCT 2026.

Filling Chronicle’s Shoes

Replacing Chronicle is no easy task. The Russian player was a core part of Fnatic’s success in previous seasons, but Veqaj seems determined to carve out his own legacy. Before joining Fnatic, he represented Gentle Mates, where he gained attention for his consistent performances during VCT EMEA Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Though Gentle Mates struggled to break into Tier 1 success, Veqaj’s skill and adaptability stood out. His arrival marks another example of Fnatic’s confidence in promoting emerging Tier 2 talent, something that has paid off in the past with players like kaajak and kamyk, the latter now with Gentle Mates after a stint at Team Liquid.

What’s Next for Fnatic

After a successful debut, Fnatic’s next stop is Red Bull Home Ground 2025, scheduled to take place from November 13th to 16th in New York. The event will be streamed live on Red Bull Gaming’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, giving fans another chance to see the new roster in action.

If the London Clash is anything to go by, Fnatic have found a solid balance between structure, flexibility, and raw firepower heading into the new season.

The post Fnatic Reveal VCT 2026 Roster, Welcoming Veqaj to the Lineup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Familiar Face Leads FNATIC Into Another Year

British in-game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett is officially staying with FNATIC for another year, extending his contract through the 2026 VALORANT season. The announcement confirms that the organisation’s longtime captain will continue donning the orange jersey for what will be his sixth straight year with the team.

FNATIC teased the news with a mysterious “Something’s not quite right this offseason…” post on social media, followed by a fun reveal video featuring Boaster himself shouting, “Be very afraid. Because I’m back, baby! Woooo! One more, let’s go.”

The move locks in one of VALORANT’s most iconic figures for another chapter, as Boaster prepares to lead FNATIC into 2026 after a season full of near misses and heartbreaks.

From 2021 to 2026: Boaster’s Journey So Far

Boaster’s story with FNATIC began in early 2021, when he joined the organisation after transitioning from Counter-Strike and League of Legends to VALORANT in 2020. Since then, he’s helped shape FNATIC into a global powerhouse and one of the most consistent teams in the game’s history.

• 2021: Boaster joins FNATIC and quickly becomes known for his creative strategies and humour on stage.
• 2022: FNATIC solidifies itself as an international contender under his leadership.
• 2023: The team’s golden year, FNATIC wins LOCK//IN São Paulo and Masters Tokyo, cementing Boaster’s status as one of the best IGLs in VALORANT.
• 2024: A transitional year with new rosters and role swaps, but FNATIC remains competitive.
• 2025: FNATIC reaches three grand finals, finishing second at Masters Toronto, the Esports World Cup, and Champions Paris, falling just short each time.
• 2026: Now signed for one more year, Boaster aims to turn silver into gold and finally bring another world title home.

FNATIC’s 2025: So Close, Yet So Far

FNATIC’s 2025 season was filled with consistency and heartbreak in equal measure. They lifted the EMEA Stage 1 trophy and made it to three international grand finals, proving once again that they’re a top-tier team even in turbulent seasons.

After missing Masters Bangkok early on, they bounced back in style, qualifying for Masters Toronto and reaching the grand final, only to fall to Paper Rex. At the Esports World Cup 2025, another grand final saw them reverse-swept by Team Heretics. And finally, at Champions Paris, FNATIC made it all the way once again, but fell just short against NRG.

For Boaster, who had hinted at “one last run with the boys,” it was an emotional year that had many wondering if he’d retire after the season. Instead, he’s returning to lead FNATIC one more time.

The Captain Who Never Quits

Throughout his career, Boaster has become known not only for his tactics but for his energy, humour, and leadership. He’s one of the few players to have guided a team to multiple international finals across consecutive years, something that even the best struggle to replicate.

As debates rage online about whether it’s time for change, fans continue to back their captain. “Without Boaster, FNATIC wouldn’t have been the greatest org in VALORANT,” one fan commented. Another wrote, “He’s been doing it for five years straight. One more year just feels right.”

2026 Roster Locked and Loaded

FNATIC’s confirmed 2026 lineup features a mix of familiar faces and fresh energy:

• Jake “Boaster” Howlett
• Austin “crashies” Roberts
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov
• Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder

Coaches:

• Milan “Milan” de Meij (Head Coach)
• Benjamin “Scuttt” Hutchinson (Assistant Coach)
• Philipp “Szed” Schickor (Performance Coach)

While Chronicle’s future has sparked speculation, the team will soon debut their confirmed roster at the London Clash showmatch, giving fans a first look at FNATIC’s 2026 run.

“One More Year”

Reactions to Boaster’s re-signing have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded FNATIC’s announcement with chants of “ONE MORE YEAR,” celebrating the return of the IGL who has led the squad through every era of VALORANT esports.

“Boaster on FNC is just right,” one comment read. Another simply said, “GOAT IGL NOT GOING ANYWHERE.”

As FNATIC prepares for 2026, the mission is clear, to lift another international trophy and give Boaster the send-off his legacy deserves.

The post Boaster Stays With FNATIC for Another Year in 2026 VALORANT Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic have done it. After a long and grueling lower bracket run, the European powerhouse has locked in their first-ever spot in a VALORANT Champions Grand Final, defeating DRX 3-1 in an intense series at Champions Paris. The victory sets up a thrilling rematch against NRG for the 2025 title.

Second matchup. Same result.@FNATIC take down DRX AGAIN at #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/R894i2RUbR

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 4, 2025

The lower final was a best-of-five showdown that revisited an earlier clash between the two sides, and once again, Fnatic came out on top. The series played out on Sunset, Corrode, Haven, and Bind, with DRX taking only the opening map before Fnatic surged ahead to win three straight and close the series.

DRX Strike First on Sunset
The series began on Sunset, a map that both teams had struggled with in the past. Fnatic surprised fans by picking it, only to see DRX’s Song “HYUNMIN” Hyun-min dominate early. His explosive 4K pistol round set the tone, and DRX’s aggressive defensive holds carried them to a confident 13-8 win. HYUNMIN ended the map with 22 kills and 185 ADR, while Flashback added 20 kills of his own.

Fnatic, despite showing glimpses of life, couldn’t find their footing in mid control, and their attack plan often fell apart under DRX’s well-coordinated site pressure.

Fnatic Respond with a Stomp on Corrode
If the first map belonged to DRX, the second was a statement from Fnatic. Playing Corrode for the first time in the tournament, the EMEA squad delivered a flawless attacking half, storming to a 10-0 run and a crushing 13-3 victory. Austin “crashies” Roberts was the star, putting up 18 kills with near-perfect utility use on Fade. Chronicle wasn’t far behind, matching the pace with 18 kills of his own as DRX’s defence completely collapsed under Fnatic’s mid-control dominance.

Haven Goes the Distance
Haven proved to be the tightest contest of the series. DRX started strong, taking both pistols and building an early 5-0 lead. But Fnatic, led by Boaster’s smart adjustments, fought back to tie the half 6-6. Once again, it was crashies who made the difference, landing crucial clutches and denying DRX’s site hits.

Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski also found his rhythm on Yoru, opening up sites with fearless entries and finishing with a 1.40 rating. Despite DRX’s best efforts to stay in the fight, Fnatic closed out the map 13-11 with a decisive hit on C site.

Bind: The Finishing Blow
By the time the series reached Bind, Fnatic were in full control. Their creative setups and well-timed utility smothered DRX, who managed to win just two rounds on defence, both courtesy of more heroics from HYUNMIN. Chronicle and kaajak each picked up 17 kills, while crashies continued his standout series, finishing with a total of 65 kills across the match.

Fnatic’s clean 13-4 win sealed the 3-1 victory and punched their ticket to the Grand Final.

All Eyes on the Grand Final
DRX bow out in third place, a strong showing for the Pacific fourth seed despite falling short of their first international trophy. For Fnatic, the win marks a historic milestone. The kings of EMEA now advance to face NRG, who previously swept them 2-0 in the upper final.

Speaking after the match, Chronicle reflected on their resilience: “Fnatic always come back. I hope NRG won’t forget that tomorrow.” Boaster followed up with his signature energy, adding, “NRG, we’re coming for you. When you’re in bed having nightmares about us, you know we’ll be ready.”

🥶 pic.twitter.com/MI3RzQzIfK

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 4, 2025

The VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final kicks off tomorrow at 11 AM BST, where Fnatic will try to claim their first Champions trophy and avenge their earlier loss to NRG. Fans can watch the showdown live on the official VCT Twitch and YouTube channels.

The post Fnatic Crush DRX 3-1 to Reach VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic have done it again, and they’ve made it look pretty effortless.

With a clean 2–0 sweep over Apeks, the British powerhouse has officially punched their ticket to VALORANT Champions Paris, becoming the first team from the VCT EMEA Stage 2 to qualify for the year’s biggest tournament.

Fnatic are officially the first #VCTEMEA team to qualify for VALORANT Champions Paris pic.twitter.com/h9J9tp1SRT

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) August 13, 2025

It’s been a season of highs and a few bumps for Fnatic. They started the year slow at the Kickoff event, but quickly found their rhythm. A Stage 1 trophy and a second-place finish at Masters Toronto gave them enough Championship Points to secure Champions qualification before the Stage 2 playoffs even begin.

Their match against Apeks showed exactly why they’re still one of the most feared teams in the league. Bind was all Fnatic from the get-go, and while Apeks had a few moments on Lotus, the map still ended in Fnatic’s favour. That wraps the series at 2–0 and leaves Fnatic in a prime position heading into the Stage 2 playoffs.

Fnatic vs Apeks | Image via gosugamers.net

Unfortunately for Apeks, the loss seals a rough year. After joining VCT EMEA last season through Ascension, they haven’t managed to win a single match in 2025 and will now be relegated back to Challengers.

For Fnatic’s in-game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett, this keeps an impressive personal streak alive, he’s qualified for every single VALORANT Champions event so far. The one thing still missing from his resume? Lifting the Champions trophy itself.

With Fnatic’s spot locked, three more EMEA teams will join them in Paris, two through Stage 2’s playoff results and one via Championship Points. The battle for those remaining tickets is heating up fast, with Team Liquid and Team Heretics neck and neck on the points leaderboard.

The Stage 2 playoffs kick off soon, and we’ll find out who’s joining Fnatic in the City of Light by the end of August. Until then, they can breathe easy knowing their place at Champions is already secured, but you can bet they’ll still be chasing another trophy along the way.

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