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FNATIC Part Ways With Alfajer After Four Years
FNATIC officially announced the departure of Emir Ali “Alfajer” Beder on Thursday, November 5, ending more than four years with the organization's VALORANT team. The Turkish player won two international titles during his time with FNATIC but leaves after a season in which the team failed to qualify for a single international event.
In its farewell message, FNATIC reflected on how Alfajer joined as a teenager and leaves as a champion. The 21-year-old also shared his own message thanking the fans, teammates and staff who supported him throughout his time with the organization. His next destination has not been officially announced.
Alfajer Joined FNATIC in 2022 and Won Two International Titles
Alfajer joined FNATIC on May 9, 2022, at just 16 years old, after playing for Surreal Esports. He arrived alongside Enzo “Enzo” Mestari as the team prepared for the second stage of the European circuit that year.
His most successful year came in 2023, when FNATIC won VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo and Masters Tokyo. The team went on to win both VCT EMEA stages in 2024 and claimed another regional title in Stage 1 of the 2025 season.
In 2025, Alfajer also helped FNATIC reach the Grand Finals of Masters Toronto and Champions Paris, finishing as runner-up in both tournaments. At Champions, FNATIC fell 3-2 to NRG in the final.
FNATIC Failed to Qualify for Any International Event in 2026
After reaching major international finals the previous year, FNATIC struggled throughout 2026. The team finished fourth at VCT EMEA Kickoff, placed in the top six in Stage 1, and was eliminated in the Stage 2 Play-Ins, ending the tournament in 11th-12th place.
As a result, FNATIC missed VALORANT Champions for the first time in its history and ended the season without attending a single international tournament. Despite the team's struggles, Alfajer had a standout performance at Kickoff, recording 78 kills in a best-of-three series against FUT Esports to set a VCT EMEA record.
Gentle Mates Reportedly Set to Sign Alfajer for 2027
Although FNATIC has only now officially confirmed his departure, Alfajer's future has been the subject of reports since September. According to Alejandro “Anonimotum” Gomis and other journalists at Sheep Esports, the Turkish player has reached a verbal agreement to join Gentle Mates for the 2027 VCT EMEA season.
The French organization has also been linked with Jake “Boaster” Howlett, the captain who led Alfajer to his two international titles in 2023. Strafe previously reported that Boaster had been given permission to explore opportunities outside FNATIC. According to Sheep Esports, he has also reached a verbal agreement with Gentle Mates, although neither potential signing has been officially announced.
Alfajer's departure is part of a wider roster overhaul. FNATIC has also parted ways with Austin “crashies” Roberts and Sylvain “Veqaj” Pattyn, along with members of its coaching staff. Looking ahead to 2027, Jacob “valyn” Batio has been linked with a move to FNATIC, while kaajak and Cloud are expected to remain as the foundation of the roster.
For the latest signings, departures and coaching changes across all VCT regions, check out our VALORANT Off-Season Roster Tracker 2027: All Moves in One Place.
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Featured Image Credit: Riot Games
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