Nine days before the start of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, Fnatic has announced changes to its Valorant coaching staff, moving Erik "Erik" Sandgren to the inactive roster. His position will be taken by Benjamin "Scuttt" Hutchinson.

On February 18, Fnatic announced Erik’s signing as an assistant coach. However, on March 17, it was revealed that he would be stepping down due to health issues. As a result, Scuttt will replace him for upcoming tournaments. Both club representatives and Erik himself remain optimistic about the team's future, believing that the new coaching duo of Scuttt and head coach Milan "Milan" Meij will successfully handle the challenges ahead.

Scuttt was a key piece of the BBL staff that impressed so much in the early stages on Kick-Off (including a victory over ourselves) and we were more than happy to steal him away. Milan and him have a solid existing relationship and we think culturally he will be a good fit as well.

Fnatic

Fnatic Coaching Staff for VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1:

• Milan "Milan" Meij (Head Coach)
• Benjamin "Scuttt" Hutchinson (Assistant Coach)
• Philipp "Szed" Schickor (Performance Coach)

The current condition of Erik has not been disclosed. The coach stated that due to medical examinations, he will not be able to travel to Berlin, where the tournament will take place, due to health issues. He emphasized that health is his top priority. Erik is currently completely detached from active work but will try to assist the team remotely. His return date remains unknown.

I have been struggling with healh issues, and due to medical examinations I will not be able to travel to Germany in the nearest future. It saddens me but health is priority number one, and I am sure the team will do great with what we built so far. I have a lot of confidence in them. I will still, with any capability I can, provide value to the team from afar and I thank Fnatic for the great support and understanding.

Erik "Erik" Sandgren

Fnatic, along with the eleven other Riot Games partner teams in the EMEA region, will compete in VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, where three spots for Masters Toronto and EMEA Points will be at stake. The team will play its first match on March 28 against NAVI.