Legendary VALORANT IGL FNS steps down from competitive VALORANT

Valorant

9 May

Thales Costa

Pujan "FNS" Mehta, one of the most influential in-game leaders in VALORANT's history, has officially announced his retirement from competitive play. The 33-year-old Canadian veteran made the announcement on May 9, 2025, marking the end of a storied career that helped shape North American VALORANT since the game's early competitive days.

FNS leaves behind a legacy of strategic innovation, leadership, and competitive success that few players can match.

The Rise to Prominence

FNS's professional VALORANT journey began in June 2020 with Together We Are Terrific . Even in these early days, his talent was evident as he helped the team secure a second-place finish in his very first tournament, the Pittsburgh Knights Tournament Series. This early success foreshadowed the strategic mind that would later become one of the most respected in the game.

FNS quickly established himself as a tactical mastermind. Though his time with TWT was relatively brief, it provided the foundation for what would become an illustrious career in VALORANT's competitive scene.

After his stint with TWT, FNS moved on to more prominent organizations, first joining ENVY and later OpTic Gaming, where he truly made his mark on the international VALORANT scene. His time with OpTic proved particularly fruitful, culminating in one of his career's crowning achievements – victory at Masters Reykjavik 2022.

This period cemented FNS's reputation as a top-tier IGL, capable of leading his team to international success. Under his leadership, OpTic became one of North America's most formidable squads, securing second place at VALORANT Champions 2022 and third at VCT 2022 S2 Masters. These achievements represented the pinnacle of North American VALORANT and established FNS as one of the region's most valuable players.

The NRG Chapter

FNS's journey continued with NRG Esports, where he would experience both highs and lows. After a disappointing performance at VALORANT Champions 2023, where the team finished 9th-12th, FNS and teammate Sam "s0m" Oh initially stepped down from the active roster to focus on streaming.

In a surprising turn of events, both players would later return to NRG's active roster for VCT Americas 2024 Split 2, replacing Jimmy "MARVED" Nguyen and Max "Demon1" Mazanov. This comeback represented FNS's determination to end his competitive career on his own terms, taking one final shot at glory despite the comfort and success he had found in streaming

Strategic Genius: FNS as an IGL

Throughout his career, FNS established himself as one of VALORANT's most cerebral in-game leaders. His tactical approach to the game often compensated for any mechanical disadvantages he faced against younger players.

FNS was known for his ability to read opponents, develop effective counter-strategies, and maximize his teammates' potential. This sentiment reflects the widespread respect FNS garnered throughout the community, even when his individual statistics might not have told the complete story of his impact.

The Streaming Success Story

Between competitive stints and now following his retirement, FNS has built a remarkably successful streaming career. With approximately 370,000 followers on Twitch as of March 2025, he has created a community that values both his entertainment value and analytical insights.

FNS's streams stand out for their unique blend of tactical analysis and engaging personality. As noted in coverage of the VCT Masters Madrid watch parties,

"FNS's watch party is a treasure trove of tactical knowledge... His analytical commentary dissects plays and decisions, providing a deeper understanding of the game's meta."

Fans have been drawn to his streams for his distinctive humor, sarcasm, and willingness to engage with viewers. His catchphrases, like "Let's TP my kittens," (ironically a phrase used by s0m) have become beloved within the community. The success of his watch parties during major tournaments further demonstrates his popularity and appeal as a content creator.

A Bittersweet End

FNS's retirement comes after a challenging final season with NRG. Despite his best efforts to lead the team back to prominence, the results didn't match the expectations, leading to his decision to step away. It's unfortunate that his career concluded on such a down note, but at least we can look forward to his watch parties!

In his retirement announcement, FNS demonstrated the same grace and humor that has made him so popular, with one commenter on reddit paraphrasing his message:

"The kittens have pulled off one final prank, switching from competitive VALORANT to my new career as a full-time streamer."

Legacy and Future

With approximately $190,000 in prize money earned across roughly 200 career matches, FNS leaves behind a remarkable competitive legacy. More importantly, he departs as one of VALORANT's most influential tactical minds and respected leaders.

As he transitions fully into streaming, the VALORANT community can look forward to more of his insightful analysis and entertaining commentary. His experience as a top-tier competitor gives him a unique perspective that few other streamers can offer, and his ability to blend education with entertainment ensures his continued relevance in the scene.

Though his playing days are now behind him, FNS's impact on North American VALORANT will be felt for years to come. From his strategic innovations to his leadership example, Pujan "FNS" Mehta has truly earned his place among the legends of competitive VALORANT.

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Featured Image Credits: Robert Paul/Riot Games

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