FNATIC continues its roster rebuild: Alfajer, crashies, Desmo, and Szed leave the team

FNATIC is continuing the massive reorganization of its VALORANT roster during the off-season. Over the past few days, the esports club has officially parted ways with players Emir "Alfajer" Ali Beder and Austin "crashies" Roberts, as well as assistant coach Casper "Desmo" Rasmussen and performance coach Philipp "Szed" Schickor.

The organization warmly bid farewell to Alfajer, noting in its message that he joined the team as a teenager eager to win, and leaves it as a champion, an icon, and forever an inseparable part of the club's family.

You joined a teenager, eager to play - hungry to win. You leave a champion, an icon, a friend and forever part of this family.

Thank you for everything, @Alfajervl 🧡 pic.twitter.com/KcC279XmDm

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 5, 2026

Regarding the other changes, Austin "crashies" Roberts joined the team before the start of the 2025 season and immediately helped the squad reach the top six at the Kickoff tournament. Philipp "Szed" Schickor became part of the staff before Stage 1 and was with the team when they secured a regional trophy. Despite successful performances in 2025 and reaching the grand finals of Masters Toronto, Esports World Cup, and Champions Paris, FNATIC never managed to secure an international title then.

The courage to cross the world and leave your home, all to find a new one.

You’ll always have family here, @Crashies. Thank you for everything 🧡 pic.twitter.com/bT17OXSx8G

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 4, 2026

After two seasons together, today we’re saying farewell to @performmentally as he departs for his next adventure.

For the unforgettable pre-game speeches, endless energy, and helping bring the best out of everyone around you, a huge thank you from all of us at Fnatic, Phil 🧡 pic.twitter.com/KrOsgi8lK9

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 3, 2026

Ahead of 2026, Casper "Desmo" Rasmussen joined the club. In addition to his primary coaching duties, he had to step in as a substitute in the match against GIANTX. However, the 2026 season turned out to be unsuccessful overall: despite constant changes, FNATIC failed to qualify for a single international tournament, ending its run after a defeat to Joblife in the Stage 2 EMEA Play-Ins.

After a year together, today we're also parting ways with Assistant Coach (and EMEA's best undefeated Phoenix) @DesmoFPS

The incredible amount of work you put in behind the scenes (and on stage) throughout a turbulent and unpredictable year cant be understated. Thank you from… pic.twitter.com/UKdfieIHNK

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 3, 2026

The departure of Alfajer and crashies continues a wave of radical changes. Previously, the organization allowed captain Jake "Boaster" Howlett to explore new offers, and also ended its cooperation with the team's head coach and player Sylvain "Veqaj" Pattyn. FNATIC is currently working on updating its roster ahead of the 2027 EMEA Kickoff in Berlin, where the club has a guaranteed spot due to its partnership status.

Following the latest news, only two players remain on the team's active roster:

• Kirill "Cloud" Nehozhin
• Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski

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