Boaster to Explore Options Outside Fnatic for VCT 2027

The VALORANT esports landscape is bracing for a monumental shift as Jake "Boaster" Howlett, the iconic 31-year-old IGL for Fnatic, officially begins exploring opportunities ahead of the 2027 VCT season.

After a legendary five-year tenure with the London-based organization, this offseason announcement marks the potential end of one of tactical shooter history's most celebrated and charismatic partnerships.

A Legacy of Triumph and Turbulence

Boaster joined Fnatic in February 2021, quickly establishing himself as the face of the franchise. Under his leadership, Fnatic reached the top of the professional VALORANT scene, capturing back-to-back international championship trophies in 2023 at VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo and VCT Masters Tokyo.

Boaster (center) with the rest of Fnatic lifting the VALORANT Masters Tokyo 2023 trophy (Image Source: Liu YiCun/Riot Games)

However, the 2026 season proved to be highly turbulent and disappointing for the EMEA giants. Fnatic missed out on qualifying for every international tournament, falling drastically short of their championship standards. 

With the 2027 season introducing significant changes to the VCT ecosystem and the end of the first partnership cycle, Fnatic is conducting an offseason review to rebuild their path to the top.

Exploring the Market

As part of this transition, Fnatic has granted Boaster permission to explore other options. While Boaster confirmed he is in active talks with Fnatic, both parties are looking at what a potential future apart might look like.

Boaster has stated that he is still “hungry and motivated” to continue competing as an IGL. Expressing excitement for the future on social media, he has declared himself open to offers from all competitive regions, highlighting EMEA and China as areas of particular interest.

What Lies Ahead

Fnatic’s management emphasizes that allowing players to explore options is not a final decision, but rather an offseason procedure to evaluate directions. 

However, for fans who have cheered for the team under the orange banner, seeing the beloved British IGL list himself as open to offers is a stark reminder of the massive changes coming to the VCT in 2027. 

Whether Boaster returns to lead Fnatic or guides a new roster to glory, his hunger to win remains undiminished.

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Featured image credit: Michał Konkol/Riot Games

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