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French esports organisation Gentle Mates has officially renewed the contract of Fortnite star Vanya “Vanyak3k” Sakach, confirming he’ll remain with the team for the upcoming Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2026 season.

A Key Player Stays Home

The announcement came on October 15th, with Gentle Mates posting on X.

Vanyak3k has been one of Europe’s standout Fortnite players throughout 2025, consistently landing strong finishes on both regional and international stages. His performance peaked at the FNCS 2025 Global Championship, where he secured a second-place finish and a $100,000 (approx. £74,399) prize alongside Wilmer “Pixie” Juriander from Team HavoK and teammate Marius “MariusCOW” Wendt from Gentle Mates.

A Period of Change for Gentle Mates

The re-signing marks a stabilising move for Gentle Mates after a wave of roster changes earlier in the week. On October 14th, the organisation parted ways with six players, including Danila “Malibuca” Iakovenko, who had finished second at Europe’s Major 1 Grand Final back in February.

In addition, Florian “Ketzon” Besson, the team’s long-time Fortnite coach, announced his retirement. Ketzon had been instrumental in building Gentle Mates’ Fortnite division since its debut in 2023, helping shape it into one of Europe’s premier squads.

Gentle Mates’ Rise Across Esports

Founded in 2023, Gentle Mates has quickly become a powerhouse in French esports. The organisation made waves in 2024 when it entered the Call of Duty League, taking over the Los Angeles franchise slot. The upcoming 2026 CDL season will mark the first full year under its full management, with rumours swirling about a potential rebrand and relocation.

Gentle Mates has also expanded into Counter-Strike 2, earning a surprise invitation to ESL Pro League Season 22 earlier this year. The team came close to qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major in November, proving its growing presence across multiple titles.

Re-signing Vanyak3k sends a clear message: the organisation intends to keep building on its strong momentum heading into 2026, solidifying its position among Europe’s top multi-title esports organisations.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Vanyak3k staying “at home,” Gentle Mates’ Fortnite roster remains anchored by one of the scene’s most consistent performers. As FNCS 2026 looms, fans can expect more podium finishes, highlight-reel plays, and a continued rise for both the player and the organisation that believed in him from the start.