Fnatic Valorant's Alfajer to miss the first game of VCT EMEA

The current world champions, Fnatic Valorant, will play without their Turkish Star Emir "Alfajer" Ali Beder in the opening match of VCT EMEA. Due to visa issues, Alfajer is unable to reach Berlin on time. Fnatic will play with their substitute player Maks "Kamyk" Rychlewski, against Giants Gaming. Alfajer will likely be back for the BBL match-up. Kamyk will hold the horses until Alfajer's return.

To shed more light on the situation, Fnatic's Director Colin "CoJo" Johnson said,

"We were hoping to receive the visa on Friday but seems it's likely early next week now. Tldr of why it's taken this long: First application took 2 months to process - then our appt was during Brazil semi-finals so had to restart process."

Adding to this, CoJo mentioned the reason behind the Visa issues are the earthquake, Alfa's age, and Germany and Turkey's diplomatic relationship.

Alfajer was the backbone of Fnatic's defense at the VCT LOCK//IN. Alfajer's 1v2 helped Fnatic secure the crucial 12th round on Icebox at the VCT LOCK//IN grand finals. Missing Alfajer for the first match will be a setback for Fnatic.

Alfajer will be back before the BBL match-up next week, and until then, Kamyk, who has been practicing with the players, will sub in for Alfajer. Kamyk is 19 y.o. Polish player who previously won the VRL East Surge with Anonymo Esports. He was also part of the UCAM Esports club before joining Fnatic as a substitute.

For the Giants Game, Fnatic Valorant's lineup will be as follows:

• Jake "Boaster: Howlett
• Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev
• Leo "Leo" Jannesson
• Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov
• Maks "Kamyk" Rychlewski

Credits: Riot Games

Follow VCT EMEA on Strafe