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.