Veqaj opens up on health issues and vows to return to competitive VALORANT

Fnatic’s year has been far from ideal. The team failed to qualify for an international event, was eliminated by a Tier 2 opponent and faced numerous issues throughout the season.

Everything began with Sylvain "Veqaj" Pattyn's move to the bench after VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Kickoff due to health concerns. At the time, however, few details about his situation were known. Now, his latest announcement has shed light on what actually happened.

Veqaj’s full story

Everything started in November when Veqaj finally got the chance to compete at the highest level with Fnatic, the most successful organization in VCT EMEA history. Joining the team was a dream coming true for the French player, and, although Fnatic failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Masters Santiago 2026, his debut stage was far from disappointing.

However, just as his career was reaching its highest point, health issues forced him to stop. As a result, Veqaj had to step away from competitive VALORANT to focus on his health.

Mental and physical health in esports

Veqaj is not the first player who had to pause his career because of health complications. One of the most notable examples is that of Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao, a star widely regarded as one of the greatest League of Legends players of all time.

The former RNG player was forced to step away from professional play after dealing with diabetes, arm injuries and walking issues. Uzi however is not alone. Leo "Leo" Jannesson also retired from professional VALORANT because of long COVID, while many other players around the world have faced similar challenges throughout their careers.

This is why more esports organizations are adding personal trainers, psychologists, doctors, and performance coaches to their staff. Teams are increasingly recognizing that player health is directly connected to performance.

Spending long hours sitting in front of a computer can have a serious impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. As a result, professional teams must provide players with the right support to help them maintain a healthy routine.

G2's Performance Lab is one of the clearest examples of this approach. The organization has highlighted how it manages player nutrition, health, and overall performance to give its athletes the best possible conditions to compete.

The announcement of Veqaj's evential return is positive news for both the player and the VALORANT community as a whole. After overcoming his health issues, he will now look to rebuild his career and continue chasing his place among the best players in the world.

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 Riot Games