FNATIC Parts Ways With Alfajer After More Than Four Years

FNATIC has confirmed the departure of Emir “Alfajer” Beder after more than four years with its VALORANT team. The 21-year-old Turkish player leaves after FNATIC failed to qualify for an international event during the 2026 season.

Alfajer joined FNATIC on May 9, 2022, at age 16, after playing for Surreal Esports. He arrived with Enzo “Enzo” Mestari as FNATIC prepared for the second stage of the European circuit.

His most successful season came in 2023, when FNATIC won VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo and Masters Tokyo. The team also won both VCT EMEA stages in 2024 and Stage 1 of the 2025 season.

In 2025, Alfajer helped FNATIC reach the finals of Masters Toronto and Champions Paris. The team finished runner-up at both events, losing the Champions final 3-2 to NRG.

FNATIC struggled in 2026. It finished fourth at VCT EMEA Kickoff, reached the top six in Stage 1 and placed 11th-12th after elimination in the Stage 2 Play-Ins. The results kept FNATIC out of every international tournament and ended its run of qualifying for VALORANT Champions.

Alfajer recorded 78 kills in a best-of-three series against FUT Esports at Kickoff, setting a VCT EMEA record. In its farewell message, FNATIC wrote: “You joined a teenager, eager to play — hungry to win. You leave a champion, an icon, a friend and forever part of this family.” Alfajer also thanked FNATIC’s fans, teammates and staff.

His next team has not been officially announced. He has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Gentle Mates for the 2027 VCT EMEA season, where he could reunite with former FNATIC captain Jake “Boaster” Howlett. Boaster has also reportedly agreed to join the French organization. Neither signing has been confirmed.

Alfajer’s departure is part of a broader FNATIC roster change. The organization has also parted ways with Austin “crashies” Roberts and Sylvain “Veqaj” Pattyn, along with members of its coaching staff. Jacob “valyn” Batio has been linked with a move to FNATIC, while kaajak and Cloud are expected to remain with the team.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 6.