VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff is not over yet, but we are already seeing the first reshuffles in European teams. Fnatic has parted ways with head coach Chris "Elmapuddy" Tebbit after the team finished in 5th-6th place at the tournament.
Elmapuddy and Fnatic: A year of collaboration
Fnatic’s collaboration with Elmapuddy lasted one year. He joined the team after Jacob "mini" Harris, the former head coach of Fnatic, stepped down to focus on other matters. Since then, the team has played less consistently but remained among the top European teams and qualified for international tournaments.
Fnatic Achievements with Elmapuddy
| Date | Tournament | Placement | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-31 | VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff | 5th - 6th | - |
| 2024-12-15 | Riot Games ONE PRO INVITATIONAL 2024 | 1st | - |
| 2024-11-12 | Red Bull Home Ground #5 | 5th - 6th | $3,000 |
| 2024-08-18 | VALORANT Champions 2024 | 1st | $85,000 |
| 2024-07-20 | VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 2 | 1st | $100,000 |
| 2024-06-01 | VALORANT Masters Shanghai 2024 | 7th - 8th | $35,000 |
| 2024-05-12 | VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 1 | 1st | $100,000 |
| 2024-02-29 | VCT 2024: EMEA Kickoff | 3rd - 4th | - |
Elmapuddy’s last tournament with Fnatic was VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, the first event of the new season. The team placed 5th-6th, losing 2-0 to FUT Esports without putting up a strong fight. This, along with other challenges the players faced, led the organization to decide to look for a new Valorant head coach. Additionally, Leo "Leo" Jannesson will still be unable to play for the team, meaning Fnatic’s rough patch continues.
As our VCT Kickoff run has come to a close, we've made the decision to explore options for a new Head Coach, and as such, today we move @Elmapuddy to the inactive roster.
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) February 6, 2025
We want to thank Chris for his contributions to the team over the last year. Here's Team Director @CoJoPM… pic.twitter.com/b7Gj4yTcfU
What’s next for Fnatic?
The team has only two months to find a new coach and prepare for Stage 1. Failure in this tournament could significantly reduce Fnatic’s chances of qualifying for Champions 2025—the main event of the year, participation in which provides the club with significant financial support. Fnatic finds itself in a tough spot, as finding a coach now will not be easy: the season has just begun, teams have already finalized their rosters, and all sought-after coaches are already taken. The organization might even consider bringing mini back, as the team achieved its best results in history under his leadership.
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