valyn leaves G2, expected to join Fnatic for 2027

valyn has left G2 and is expected to join Fnatic in VCT EMEA for 2027. Here is who replaces him, Fnatic's rumoured roster and the Alfajer to M8 report.

FireGhost

October 28, 2026, 07:50 PM4 min read

Contents11 sections

valyn has left G2 and is expected to join Fnatic. G2 confirmed it has parted ways with its in-game leader after three years, and reports say the American will switch to VCT EMEA to lead a rebuilt Fnatic roster in 2027.

Key facts

G2 announced valyn's departure on 27 October (US time)
Expected destination: Fnatic in VCT EMEA, not yet official
Expected G2 additions: Sato and kiNgg
Also linked to Fnatic: marteen from Gentle Mates
Alfajer is expected to leave Fnatic for M8

Why did valyn leave G2?

G2's farewell post summed it up: eight straight international appearances, four VCT Americas trophies and "one legendary IGL". The team thanked him for three years of helping put G2 Valorant back on the map.

The exit was no surprise. Sheep Esports had reported that valyn reached a verbal agreement with Mexican organisation LYON, but only if LYON secured a VCT partnership. LYON was not picked as one of the eight partner teams, and according to Insider Gaming it then withdrew from Valorant esports altogether, freeing valyn to look elsewhere.

Official Valorant artwork of controller agent Astra posing with purple cosmic energy — valyn made his name on controller agents such as Astra (Source: Riot Games)

What will valyn do at Fnatic?

Sheep Esports reported on 25 October, citing sources, that valyn is set to join Fnatic for the 2027 season. After G2's official goodbye, Insider Gaming said the same move is heavily expected. Fnatic has not confirmed anything yet.

Fnatic finished runner-up at Champions 2025 and will be one of eight VCT EMEA partner teams for the 2027-2028 cycle. According to Insider Gaming, valyn would line up with kaajak and Cloud, while Gentle Mates duelist marteen has reportedly reached a verbal agreement too.

There is already an IGL on the roster in Cloud, who stepped back from the role during his 2026 stint. Insider Gaming expects him to hand leadership to valyn, though roles are not confirmed. Long-time leader Boaster has said he is exploring options for 2027.

Alfajer is on the move too

The rebuild also affects Turkish star Emir "Alfajer" Beder. Sheep Esports reports he is expected to join M8 after five years with Fnatic. That move has not been announced either.

What changes at G2?

Player	Status (per reports)
valyn	Left, expected at Fnatic
Sato	Replacing valyn
kiNgg	Joining as IGL
babybay	Exploring VCT China
leaf, trent	Contracted through 2028

Citing the VCT Global Contract Database, Sheep Esports adds that head coach JoshRT is also signed through the end of 2028. With valyn gone, another piece of the original roster that came over from The Guard has left.

Official Valorant artwork of the hooded, cloaked controller agent Omen — Omen, one of Valorant's controller agents (Source: Riot Games)

valyn's record at G2

valyn joined G2 in 2023 and became its in-game leader in 2024. Per Sheep Esports, the team won all three VCT Americas events in 2025 and finished second at Masters Bangkok. In 2026, G2 won Americas Stage 1 and reached the top four at Champions Shanghai, falling to 100 Thieves in the lower bracket.

The missing piece was an international title. Fnatic, meanwhile, missed every international event in 2026, so a fresh start makes sense for both. Catch up on earlier moves in our VCT 2027 offseason roundup and our VCT 2027 partner teams story, or read the latest Valorant 13.09 patch notes.

Frequently asked questions

Has valyn officially joined Fnatic?

Not yet. G2 confirmed his departure, and Sheep Esports and Insider Gaming report he is expected to join Fnatic for 2027, but Fnatic has not announced it.

Who is replacing valyn at G2?

Sheep Esports reports Sato will take his spot, while kiNgg is set to join and take over in-game leading duties from babybay.

Why did valyn not join LYON?

He reportedly had a verbal deal with LYON that depended on the club getting a VCT partnership. LYON missed out and then withdrew from Valorant esports.