If there is one team that has truly built a legacy within VALORANT Esports, it is Fnatic. This organization has been, since the start of the VALORANT Champions Tour, one of the best teams in the world.
Their VCT 2026 season, though, hasn’t been the best as the team failed to qualify for VALORANT Masters Santiago. However, things are turning around as following their victory against GIANTX during VCT EMEA Stage 1 2026, the team has qualified for the playoff stage while being undefeated.
During VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026, Fnatic reached the lower bracket final, one step away from securing their spot at VALORANT Masters Santiago. All they needed to do was defeat their rivals, Team Liquid.
In a shocking turn of events, though, Team Liquid trashed Fnatic 3-0. Following that loss, the team went back to the drawing board and returned with vengeance.
In their first three Stage 1 matches, Fnatic dominated each of their opponents. This includes the likes of Eternal Fire, Team Vitality, and Pacific Esports. In these three matches, Fnatic lost just one map against Eternal Fire.
In their most recent match against GIANTX, it did look like Fnatic would lose their first match of the tournament after losing the first map 13-3.
In the next few maps, however, Fnatic clawed their way back and won the remaining two maps, completing the reverse sweep.
Image credit: Riot Games
Currently, Fnatic and FUT Esports are the only two teams to be undefeated at VCT EMEA Stage 1. One of the major reasons for this is Emir “Alfajer” Beder coming back in form. In this competition, he is leading the table for the player with the highest number of multi-kills.
Another reason is that the team has mastered Abyss. Currently, the team is undefeated on that map (3-0). A huge credit must go to their IGL Jake “Boaster” Howlett. Under him, the team has the highest retake success rate on defense at 44%.
One must note that if Fnatic defeats BBL Esports in their upcoming match, they will end the group stage with a 5-0 record. With this record, they will qualify directly for the upper bracket semi-finals in the playoff stage of the tournament.
To qualify for VALORANT Masters London, all Fnatic will need to do then is win and reach the upper bracket final. There is some additional pressure on Boaster to qualify for the upcoming tournament, as it is in his home country of England, with the competition taking place in London.
Only time will tell if Fnatic will be able to complete his dream and allow Boaster to play in an international VALORANT tournament in his hometown.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
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