Coach Mini steps down as Fnatic VALORANT Head coach

In a shocking move, a core component of the successful Fnatic VALORANT roster has decided to part ways with the team. Coach Mini, instrumental in the team’s success over the past few years has announced he is no longer with the team. 

Mini joined Fnatic as the Head coach in February 2021, very early in VALORANT. Over the past two years and more, Fnatic has been one of the best VALORANT teams from EMEA and all over the world. In fact, the team’s phenomenal success from the EMEA region gave the region a notorious nickname of being a one-team region.

During his tenure as the Head Coach, mini led Fnatic to several important finishes. The team placed 5-8th in the VCT Champs 2021, shortly after a second-place finish in the Stage 2 Masters Reykjavik. In 2022, Fnatic had a slow start in Stage 1, but they finished 4th in the Stage 2 Masters, this time in Copenhagen. However, the team has not had much success in the biggest VALORANT event, finishing 5-6th in 2022. 

This year has been pretty successful for Fnatic with a win right off the bat at LOCK//IN in Sao Paolo. The team finished second in the VCT 2023 EMEA League behind Team Liquid. They won VCT MAsters Tokyo and followed it up recently with a 4th place finish at VCT Champions Los Angeles. Over the past two years, mini has been recognized as one of the best Head Coaches in the game, often leading his team from the front and putting in a lot of effort to ensure the team’s success.

But in his pursuit of success, it has led the celebrated coach with an lack of work-life balance, something he wishes to pursue as he takes on a role change.

Mini has not yet announced his departure from the organization. The Official Fnatic announcement says the org is exploring other opportunities for Mini, including other roles within the coaching division. 

While we are in active discussions with Mini to potentially look at a new role within the coaching team, we must also look outward in the pursuit of finding top talent to step into the role of Head Coach.

However, the org is looking outside to fill the role of the Head Coach. The VCT 2023 season has come to an end with the VCT Champs in Los Angeles. But there are a lot of events in the meantime with more than 40 OFF//SEASON events being announced until the start of VCT next year.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest VALORANT news and updates.