Fnatic have been dealt a major blow at VALORANT Champions 2025, with star player Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder sidelined due to health issues just hours before their highly anticipated matchup against Paper Rex.
The organisation confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that Alfajer has been dealing with health concerns in recent days. While he is reportedly on the mend, medical staff advised that he sit out to prioritise his recovery. Fnatic’s Head Coach CoJo added further context, revealing that Alfajer had spent much of the previous night in hospital undergoing checks.
Some things are more important than Valorant.
Has been a brutal last 24hrs with all of last night spent in the hospital (horrible experience btw, 8.5hrs wait and didn’t get a diagnosis). Fortunately, Alfa is looking better today and on the mend but more to be done with the… https://t.co/W3tVr2Lin3
— FNATIC CoJo (@CoJoPM) September 28, 2025
“Some things are more important than VALORANT,” CoJo wrote, thanking fans for their support and asking everyone to send their best wishes to Alfajer as he continues treatment.
Doma Returns to the Stage
Stepping into the gap is Domagoj “Doma” Fancev, a familiar face for Fnatic fans. Doma previously represented the team between 2020 and 2022 and was part of their memorable run at VALORANT Champions 2021. Despite receiving just 16 hours’ notice, he was quick to answer the call and will rejoin Jake “Boaster” Howlett and the rest of the squad on stage.
Fnatic expressed confidence in Doma’s ability to handle the high-pressure situation, pointing to his prior synergy with the team and his versatility in Initiator and Sentinel roles. The organisation also extended thanks to Enterprise Esports for allowing Doma to step in on such short notice.
A Huge Match with Bigger Stakes
The clash between Fnatic and Paper Rex was already one of the most anticipated of the tournament. With a spot in the Upper Final on the line, the absence of Alfajer—one of the top three performing players at Champions so far, significantly shifts the odds.
Paper Rex, known for their aggressive playstyle and global fanbase, now look even more favoured heading into the matchup. Still, Doma’s return offers a glimmer of hope. His similar playstyle to Alfajer could help maintain balance in Fnatic’s strategies, keeping their upper bracket run alive.
If Fnatic fall short, they’ll be forced into the lower bracket, where every match is do-or-die. Regardless of the outcome, all eyes will be on Doma’s performance and Alfajer’s recovery in the days ahead.
Fnatic closed their announcement with a message to supporters: “Give your love over to Alfa—we’ll see you at 3PM!”