Fnatic part ways with head coach Engh ahead of VCT 2027

Six months after joining Fnatic, Andre "ENGH" Sholokhov is stepping down as head coach ahead of the 2027 season. The team's disappointing results and failure to qualify for all three international events this year, a first in the organization's history, may have contributed to the decision.

FNATIC's disappointing 2026 campaign

There is little doubt that 2026 was one of the most disappointing competitive seasons in Fnatic's history. Following a 2025 campaign filled with second-place finishes, things took an even worse turn this year.

After a slow start, Fnatic never managed to seriously contend for a regional title and failed to qualify for a single international event, something that had never happened to the organization in a VCT season.

Following their elimination before the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs at the hands of a Tier 2 team, the signs were already pointing towards changes within Fnatic.

ENGH leaves FNATIC

Now, after being selected as a partner team for the upcoming season, which will bring significant changes to the competitive circuit, the organization is beginning its roster adjustments, starting with the head coach.

Engh joined Fnatic midway through the season, but his arrival was not enough to turn the team's fortunes around. After failing to qualify for the EWC - Esports World Cup 2026, things did not improve during the following regional stage either.

Missing out on the Playoffs and, consequently, their final opportunity to qualify for VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Champions Shanghai, proved to be the final straw.

Engh is now a free agent, which means he is open to receiving offers from other organizations looking to bring him on board as their head coach.

What's next for FNATIC?

There is no information yet regarding who will succeed Engh as Fnatic's head coach. However, rumours suggest that Kirill "ANGE1" Karasiow and Adam "kaplan" Kaplan are strong contenders for the position.

With the transfer market opening on November 2, the coming weeks could bring plenty of changes across the scene, and Fnatic fans will be waiting to see who takes over the team's leadership.

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 by Michał Konkol/Riot Games