Fnatic’s Valorant in-game chief Jake “Boaster” Howlett has ended hypothesis about his future by signing a brand new contract with the group.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty after Fnatic’s disappointing end to the 2025 season, putting 2nd at Valorant Champions in a hard-fought loss in opposition to NRG, which noticed retirement talks ramp up for Boaster.
Boaster Stays With Fnatic
Rumors of Boaster’s potential retirement had circulated since even earlier than Champs, fuelled by social media hypothesis and the staff’s heartbreaking loss at Valorant Champions 2025. Some followers believed the 29-year-old is likely to be making ready to step again after a number of years competing on the highest degree of the sport.
Fnatic confirmed Boaster’s new deal in an announcement submit on October 24, making clear that the British IGL will proceed to steer the roster into the 2026 VCT season, with the deal lasting by way of the 2026 season.
Key Determine in Fnatic’s Valorant Success
Boaster has been a part of Fnatic’s Valorant lineup since February 2021, serving to information the staff by way of a number of worldwide occasions and title runs. Beneath his management, Fnatic turned one of the constant and recognizable names within the skilled Valorant scene.
Throughout his tenure, the staff secured a number of high finishes on the worldwide stage, together with a championship at Masters Tokyo 2023, and established a robust fanbase throughout Europe and past.
What’s Subsequent for Fnatic Valorant?
Fnatic’s announcement didn’t point out any extra roster strikes, however the renewal of Boaster’s contract means that the group intends to take care of stability round its long-time captain heading into the subsequent aggressive season.
With Boaster remaining on the helm, Fnatic will look to bounce again in VCT 2026 and recapture the shape that when made them one of the feared groups on the planet. Whether or not that’s with a new-look roster or working it again with the 2025 runners-up stays to be seen.
One staff that’s undoubtedly altering for the 2026 season is the staff that beat Fnatic at Champs, NRG. After teasing placing competing behind him, the brand new world champion Sam “s0m” Oh has formally stepped down from his position on the staff.
Current experiences recommend NRG is concentrating on Sentinels’ Zachary “zekken” Patrone to exchange s0m.
