Fnatic let go of Head Coach Elmapuddy after Kickoff fiasco

After their latest failed run at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Kickoff, Fnatic have announced their decision to let go of Head Coach Chris "Elmapuddy" Tebbit in an attempt to redirect the team back towards winning ways.

Now, Fnatic are set to scour the field in search of a new head to put at the helm before the start of the VCT 2025 EMEA Stage 1.

Fnatic in need of change

Despite leading Fnatic to a trophy as recently as the VCT 2024 - EMEA Stage 2, the team's decision to move on from Elmapuddy may not come as a surprise to everybody. At Kickoff, Fnatic could not live up to their standards after an early elimination at the hands of FUT Esports during the tournament's Lower Bracket Quarterfinals. For a powerhouse like Fnatic, this was simply not good enough, and changes were bound to take place.

Colin "CoJo" Johnson, Fnatic's Team Director, had this to say regarding the decision to let go of their Head Coach in a statement on X (Twitter):

We had a bit of a review process at the end of Kickoff, and I think there were some thing that came up from players that had been raised at the end of last season that maybe had been lingering still a little bit. And I think that has led us to, unfortunately, make the decision to part ways with Elmapuddy.

Elmapuddy has been guiding Fnatic since he joined the team at the end of 2023. In his year and a half working with the squad, Elmapuddy led Fnatic to two trophies, including a win at Stage 2 to send the team to VCT 2024 - Champions 2024 as EMEA's first seed.

Despite the victories, Fnatic will now make use of the time afforded to them by their absence from VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025 to assess all of their options thoroughly before a decision is made on who the new captain of the Fnatic ship will be moving forward.

Can Leo save Fnatic?

With Fnatic struggling, many are wondering if Leo "Leo" Jannesson is expected to return to the starting line-up any time soon. The Swedish Initiator has shown a remarkable level of play in his games with Fnatic after joining the team in 2022.

Unfortunately for Leo, and for Fnatic themselves, the player was forced to step down from his role on the team mid-VCT Season in 2024 due to health issues. To ensure Leo gets the rest he needs to come back stronger than ever, Fnatic have been fielding several players in his stead. The latest in that list is the former NRG man Austin "crashies" Roberts, who joined Fnatic for the start of the 2025 VCT Season..

Though Fnatic would love to have their main initiator back on the squad, the team announced that there are no plans to field Leo anytime soon.

Additionally, we know many of you are eager for an update on Leo, and we appreciate your support. We're continuing to monitor his health, but at this time we don’t anticipate his return to the team for Stage One.

As always, health must come first. If and when Leo feels strong enough to return, we expect him to be ready to launch Fnatic to new heights.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured image credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games