FNC kaajak spoke about re-signing with the crew, his development since his 2025 debut, and the prospect to showcase extra of his Neon on stage.
Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski has re-signed with FNATIC (FNC) till 2028. Regardless of a difficult season marked by a number of second-place finishes, the Polish participant nonetheless believes the group is “the best choice” for him.
In an interview with esports.gg following his win over Workforce Vitality, kaajak mentioned the Yoru nerfs, lastly attending to play Neon on stage, his development since debuting final 12 months, and the robust relationships he has constructed together with his teammates.
FNC kaajak: Yoru’s primary hater
For a lot of duelist gamers, the newest Yoru nerfs have been painful, with the agent changing into much less viable in aggressive play. However for kaajak, it could have been the alternative as a result of nothing higher might have occurred. “I really feel wonderful as a result of I don’t must play that agent anymore. It was so boring, truthfully,” he laughed. “I can simply play Neon, and even Waylay. Properly, in all probability not Waylay due to the nerfs, however Neon is tremendous enjoyable to play.”
Within the collection towards Everlasting Fireplace, kaajak was seen on Waylay, however the agent has been slowly fading out as Neon rises to a 77% choose price, whereas Waylay sits at simply 29%. Nonetheless, she stays the second most-picked duelist within the present meta. Raze and Phoenix nonetheless seem extra situationally, with Raze generally seen on Cut up, whereas Phoenix is extra ceaselessly picked on Haven and Pearl.
“I believe Waylay will nonetheless be performed on Pearl and perhaps Lotus, however you’re beginning to see her much less,” kaajak mentioned. “It’s a bit unhappy as a result of I believe she was a extremely robust agent, and I loved taking part in with that highly effective sluggish, and all the probabilities it created for each myself and the crew. So I’m a bit dissatisfied with the nerfs,” he added.
Debuting and maturing
For kaajak, the Kickoff stage was difficult. “Kickoff was a bit tough, however I noticed I have to have enjoyable whereas taking part in. I’ve to get pleasure from it, simply going to the workplace every single day, embracing my position, making jokes so the boys can snigger and benefit from the sport as nicely,” he defined.
Just one 12 months has handed since his Tier 1 debut, however kaajak believes he has grown considerably. “I’ve improved loads, gained expertise, and matured as a result of I believe in another way in sure conditions. There’s nonetheless plenty of room for enchancment, although,” he mentioned. “I believe this 12 months began fairly sluggish, so I’m getting again on observe, and this sport was notably necessary to me. Yesterday, I assumed all I wanted was one good sport to bounce again, and this match towards Vitality actually gave me that confidence enhance.”
Since his debut, kaajak has been very open about his inconsistency and the way it has affected his gameplay in essential moments. Now, he looks like that’s not an issue anymore. “Generally you’ll kill, typically you received’t, and that’s how the sport works. You may enhance by being constant within the communication, giving concepts, and being proactive on the map, for instance,” he defined. “If I can’t kill, I’ll do one thing to assist the crew.“
The second-place curse
Within the 2025 season, FNATIC completed second in three completely different worldwide finals, main some followers to surprise if the crew was “cursed.” For kaajak, nevertheless, there isn’t a single clear motive behind these outcomes, although it’s one thing the crew has actively labored on.
“We had some periods with our efficiency coach and talked loads about it,” he mentioned. “It felt like we positioned second once more at Kickoff, in a means. We had two alternatives and couldn’t make it to Santiago, so we positively wanted to handle it. I don’t know if it’s stress in finals or one thing else. I hope it’s not one thing we’ll cope with once more.”
What made FNC kaajak re-sign with the crew?
“FNATIC looks like a second dwelling to me,” kaajak mentioned. “I believe it was the best choice for me. If you have a look at the EMEA groups, you don’t see many secure rosters as a result of there are fixed modifications. Fnatic feels very secure. The administration is nice. They actually deal with the gamers and at all times attempt to repair issues as shortly as potential.” FNC kaajak has prolonged his contract with the crew till 2028.
Earlier than matches, and even throughout streams, FNATIC gamers are sometimes seen sharing lighthearted, healthful moments, giving followers loads of content material to get pleasure from. After so many “cute” interactions together with his teammates, we requested kaajak who his actual “babe” is on the crew.
“It depends upon the day,” he laughed. “Proper now, I’d say Alfajer. He retains saying he loves me, and I say it again, so I believe we’re shut. However it could possibly change anytime. Veqi [Veqaj] and I are additionally constructing a bond, so perhaps I’ll swap. We’ll see. His spouse just isn’t in Berlin proper now, so I’m caring for him, you understand, so he doesn’t really feel alone.”
FNATIC returns to the EMEA stage on April 17 to face PCIFIC. Within the following weeks, they are going to be taking part in towards GIANTX and BBL Esports.
