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.

After more than a year away from the stage, Swedish pro Leo “Leo” Jannesson has officially retired from competitive VALORANT, closing the chapter on one of the game’s most decorated careers.

After 3 years of last minute clutches, two international trophies and being an undisputable fan favourite, we wish farewell to @leojannesson.

Whilst the last year hasn’t been what we or Leo had hoped for, we are incredibly proud that Leo’s career was with us and for all the… pic.twitter.com/8yWMyBxm5O

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) September 10, 2025

The 20-year-old stepped back from FNATIC’s active roster in June 2024 due to ongoing health issues, with hopes of eventually returning. Unfortunately, his condition never improved enough to make a comeback, leading to his retirement in September 2025.

FNATIC Bids Farewell

FNATIC confirmed the news in an emotional statement:
“Whilst the last year hasn’t been what we or Leo had hoped for, we are incredibly proud that Leo’s career was with us and for all the achievements we had with him on our roster. For now, Leo will be stepping away from VALORANT and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

The organisation also released a farewell video celebrating Leo’s career highlights, including some of his most memorable clutches and international triumphs. FNATIC’s VALORANT Team Director, Colin “CoJo” Johnson, described the moment as heartbreaking:
“To see a player as talented and hardworking as Leo put away the mouse due to illness feels like a knife in the gut.”

From Guild Esports to Global Glory

Leo first rose to prominence with bonk before making waves at Guild Esports, where his sharp playstyle and consistency helped him stand out against some of Europe’s strongest teams. His big break came when FNATIC signed him at the end of 2022, rebuilding their roster around talents like Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov and Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder.

The move paid off immediately. In 2023, FNATIC delivered one of the most dominant seasons VALORANT has ever seen. They went undefeated at VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo, where Leo was named MVP, and followed it up with another flawless run at Masters Tokyo. The back-to-back victories cemented Leo’s reputation as the blueprint for Initiator players worldwide.

Even though FNATIC finished fourth at Champions 2023, Leo remained a key figure in the team, ending the year as one of the top-rated players in the global circuit.

The Struggles of 2024

Things took a turn in 2024. While FNATIC remained competitive, they missed out on Masters Madrid and bowed out in the top eight at Masters Shanghai. That Shanghai appearance would unknowingly be Leo’s last professional match.

In June 2024, he was benched due to health concerns, and although he posted a short update in July about his ongoing recovery, he never regained the physical condition needed to return. FNATIC eventually brought in Austin “crashies” Roberts to fill his role.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite his early retirement, Leo leaves behind a legacy that few can rival. He is one of only five players in VALORANT history to win back-to-back international trophies and will be remembered for his flawless Initiator play and ice-cold decision-making under pressure.

His former teammates and coaches have spoken warmly about him since the announcement.
“Proud to have been your IGL and your teammate,” said Jake “Boaster” Howlett.
Alfajer added, “Such amazing years together, such a good friend… thanks for all the things we’ve been through together.”
And Jacob “Mini” Harris, FNATIC’s former coach, summed it up: “Leo set the standard for how great VALORANT should be played and most still don’t come close.”

Truly depressing.

Leo set the standards for how great VALORANT should be played and most still don’t come close. https://t.co/OPliRzwfux

— mini (@minijake_) September 10, 2025

What’s Next for FNATIC

FNATIC’s current roster now includes Boaster, crashies, Chronicle, kaajak, and Alfajer, supported by their coaching and performance staff. With the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 already underway, the organisation will aim to build on Leo’s legacy as they push for another shot at international silverware.

As for Leo, his time in the spotlight may have ended sooner than expected, but his impact on VALORANT is set in stone. For fans, he will always be remembered as one of the greats who helped shape the competitive scene.

The post Fnatic Leo Retires from Competitive VALORANT After Health Struggles appeared first on Shane the Gamer.