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Team Vitality Sign Chronicle for the 2026 Season
Team Vitality has officially announced the signing of Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov for the upcoming 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour season. The move was confirmed by both the player and the organization on X, sparking excitement across the EMEA scene. Chronicle, a three-time international champion, will now represent the Golden Hornets as he takes on a new challenge following a decorated stint with Fnatic.
Chronicle’s Legacy with Fnatic
Chronicle’s time with Fnatic, beginning in November 2022, was nothing short of legendary. Joining after the disbandment of his former team Gambit Esports, he became a cornerstone of Fnatic’s dominance in international VALORANT. Under the orange-and-black banner, he immediately made history by lifting the trophy at VCT LOCK//IN 2023 and later at VALORANT Masters Tokyo.
The success continued domestically in 2024, where Chronicle helped Fnatic secure both VCT EMEA Stage 1 and Stage 2 titles, marking his first regional league victories. However, the team’s international campaign that year failed to meet expectations, with uncharacteristic early exits from global events. Despite this slump, Chronicle remained one of Fnatic’s most consistent and impactful players, renowned for his adaptability and composure under pressure.
Fnatic’s 2025 Heartbreak
The 2025 season encapsulated both triumph and tragedy for Fnatic. They kicked off the year strong by claiming the VCT EMEA Stage 1 trophy, reaffirming their status as Europe’s best. But what followed was a series of near-misses that defined their season. Fnatic finished second at Masters Toronto, the Esports World Cup, and finally VALORANT Champions 2025, where they fell to NRG, granting the North American side their first-ever international title.
That string of silver medals seemed to mark the end of an era for Fnatic’s golden core, with the Chronicle move signaling potential deeper changes within the camp.
Vitality’s Road to Redemption
For Team Vitality, Chronicle represents a massive signing in their efforts to rebuild after a lackluster 2025 campaign. Despite winning VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, their momentum quickly faded. They finished 4th at Masters Bangkok and struggled to find consistency, landing in the lower half of the standings throughout EMEA Stage 1, the Esports World Cup, and Stage 2.
Chronicle’s arrival is the first confirmed move from Vitality this off-season, following the earlier reactivation of Sayf as a substitute. However, roster uncertainty looms, as speculation grows around Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen potentially joining the French organization. If the rumor materializes, Vitality could be heading toward another massive roster overhaul reminiscent of their superteam attempt earlier in 2025 – one that also brought in another Fnatic superstar: Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev.
Chronicle’s transfer to Team Vitality marks one of the most significant roster moves of the 2026 off-season. With his proven track record and championship pedigree, he could be the missing piece Vitality needs to return to international contention. For Fnatic, this move signifies the end of a dominant chapter, while for Vitality, it could be the beginning of a new golden era.
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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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