At the beginning of 2021, Fnatic officially entered the Valorant scene, marking an important moment in European esports history. The organization signed the SUMN FC roster on February 3, 2021, a team that had already made a name for itself by reaching the finals of First Strike Europe.
The initial Fnatic Valorant roster included:
Despite unstable early months, the leadership of Boaster and the strategic approach of coach Jacob “Mini” Harris quickly became the foundation for future success. The team evolved throughout VCT 2021 and soon made its mark.
First Major Final
Fnatic's first standout performance came at VCT 2021: Masters Reykjavík, the first international LAN tournament for Valorant. After replacing Moe40 and tsack with Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev and Martin “MAGNUM” Peňkov, Fnatic transformed. They advanced through the upper bracket, defeating Version1 and Team Liquid, and reached the grand final against Sentinels. Despite a 0-3 loss, earning silver was a huge achievement and solidified Fnatic's status in the global top.
Top Player: Derke
Derke emerged as the tournament's revelation — his aggressive style on Jett, high event rating with an average ACS of 280, and consistent impact in every round earned him recognition as one of the world's best duelists.
VCT 2022: A Challenging Year and Restructuring
The 2022 season proved challenging. Despite excellent results in EMEA, international success was elusive. At Masters Reykjavík 2022, Derke couldn't participate due to COVID restrictions, leading to an early exit. Later, at Masters Copenhagen, they also failed to reach the top 4.
In the first half of the year, the roster was bolstered by Enzo “Enzo” Mestari and Emir “Alfajer” Beder, marking the start of a new era. Alfajer immediately showcased an impressive level of play, especially in the sentinel role, while expectations for Enzo were not met — by the end of the year, he was replaced by Leo “Leo” Jannesson. Despite the lack of titles, 2022 was a transitional year that laid the groundwork for future victories.
VCT 2023 — Fnatic's Golden Year
Championship at VCT 2023 LOCK//IN São Paulo
In March 2023, Fnatic claimed their first victory at an international level event, becoming champions of VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo — the largest tournament in Valorant history by participant count (32 teams). On their way to the trophy, they defeated Sentinels, FUT Esports, NAVI, and LOUD, beating the Brazilians again in the grand final with a 3-2 score. The climax on the fifth map became legendary — Fnatic pulled off a historic comeback that will forever remain in the game's history.
Final MVP: Leo
Newly joined Leo made a loud statement at the tournament. His incredible level of play instantly elevated him to the top of the Valorant scene. Although he has since retired, many professional players still admire his individual form from that time.
The lineup for the tournament:
Victory at VCT 2023: Masters Tokyo
Fnatic made history by winning VCT 2023: Masters Tokyo and becoming the first team to secure two consecutive international LAN titles. Dominating the group stage and defeating Team Liquid, Paper Rex, and Evil Geniuses in the playoffs, the team earned their second consecutive championship.
Top Players: Chronicle and Alfajer
VCT 2024: Competing for Leadership in a New System
In 2024, Fnatic failed to qualify for VCT 2024: Masters Madrid. However, in the summer, they redeemed themselves by confidently winning VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 2, where they defeated Team Vitality 3-1 in the final. This victory not only brought them the trophy but also a slot at Valorant Champions 2024.
However, at Champions 2024, the team did not meet expectations. After reaching the playoffs, Fnatic first lost to Team Heretics 0-2, and then were defeated by Sentinels (1-2) in the lower bracket, finishing in 5th–6th place.
VCT 2025: Return to Dominance
Fnatic Roster for the 2025 Season:
2025 started unsuccessfully for the team. At VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, Fnatic again finished in 5th–6th place, exiting the competition after losing to FUT Esports 0-2 and, consequently, not securing a slot for the first international tournament of the season.
In the spring, Fnatic managed to return to a high level. In the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, the team defeated Team Heretics in the grand final with a 3-0 score. This victory brought them another regional title and secured qualification for VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and Esports World Cup 2025.
The tournament MVP was Kaajak — the team's new player who took on the star role in crucial matches. His average stats of 255 ACS and 1.38 K/D allowed Fnatic to dominate throughout the playoffs.
Fnatic's Valorant Title Timeline
Tournament | Result | Top Players | Year |
VCT 2021: Masters Reykjavík | 2nd place | Derke, Boaster | 2021 |
VCT 2022: EMEA Stage 2 Challengers | 1st place | Alfajer | 2022 |
VCT 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo | 1st place | Leo (MVP), Derke | 2023 |
VCT 2023: Masters Tokyo | 1st place | Chronicle, Alfajer | 2023 |
Valorant Champions 2023 | 4th place | Derke, Leo | 2023 |
VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 1 | 1st place | Leo | 2024 |
VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 2 | 1st place | Chronicle | 2024 |
VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 | 1st place | Kaajak | 2025 |
Players Who Defined the Fnatic Era
- Boaster: Captain, strategist, charismatic leader. One of the best minds in the Valorant world.
- Derke: The team's top fragger, Finnish duelist, consistent killer, and star of every tournament.
- Alfajer: Young genius on Sentinel and Controller positions, one of the best anchors in the world.
- Leo: Clutch and control master, always pulls out the most crucial rounds.
- Chronicle: Experienced and versatile player, the only two-time Masters champion with different teams.
Conclusion
Fnatic is rightfully considered the most titled team in EMEA Valorant. Their journey from debuting in 2021 to the "golden double" in 2023 is a story of perseverance, growth, and team mastery. Fnatic is the face of European Valorant on the global stage.
In 2025, the team is not slowing down: a confident victory at VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, brilliant play by Kaajak, and already secured slots at VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and Esports World Cup 2025 make Fnatic the main team to watch this season. Will the revamped roster set a benchmark for the 2023 level — or even surpass it? Find out on Bo3, and stay updated with our materials to keep up with the events!
No comments yet! Be the first one to react