FNATIC Releases Top Laner Empyros

FNATIC has decided to make a major roster change ahead of LEC 2026 Summer: top-laner Empyros is leaving the org. Here’s everything we know about the decision.

FNATIC is Releasing Empyros

Panagiotis “Empyros” Tantis has been a core member of FNATIC’s League of Legends roster throughout early 2026. Previously, he represented Gentle Mates and Dsyre. From 2022-2024, Empyros caught notice for his strong placements at B-Tier tournaments and Greek regional events, winning LIT 2024 Spring. He also participated in several A-Tier EMEA Masters events under the Gentle Mates and Dsyre banners.

FNATIC signed Empyros in December 2025, slotting him in as a top laner. The move allowed him a chance to ascend into Tier 1 play, moving from the LFL and LIT into the LEC big leagues. However, after about seven months with the team, FNATIC has now announced it is cutting him from the roster.

In an X.com post, the organization wrote: “After evaluation of LEC Spring Split 2026, we have made the decision to part ways with [Empyros]. We thank Empyros for his time and contributions to the roster and we wish him all the best in the future 🧡“

Who is Replacing Empyros?

FNATIC added to its original post, confirming they would announce a replacement top laner soon. The org wrote: “We are actively working on a fit that improves our competitiveness heading into Summer Split and fits our long-term vision. We will be sharing more on this later. #ALWAYSFNATIC”

Why Did FNATIC Make the Change?

FNATIC’s decision arrives midway through the 2026 League of Legends season. The org has not been performing at its best in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), scoring 7-8th in both events so far. FNC also ranked poorly in the Esports World Cup 2026 EMEA Qualifier, placing 9th-12th and not securing a spot. The 2026 season is looking rough for them, and to put things into perspective, FNC scored a much higher 3rd, 4th, and 3rd in each respective 2025 LEC split.

FNATIC has been identifying what factors led to their poor seasonal performance so far, and the org seems to have decided Empyros is not playing on par with the other pros. FNC referenced LEC Spring Split 2026 as part of the decision in its main post, citing that Empyros was released “after evaluation.”

It’s important to note that LEC Summer is the seasonal split that determines whether a team from the region gets a slot at Worlds. If FNATIC does not place first, second, or third at the event, it will lose its chance to play in the year’s largest and most important event. If a team is performing poorly before such a crucial tournament, drastic roster changes are really necessary.

Fans will be watching to see if FNATIC’s decision pays off as LEC 2026 Summer, which begins on July 12, draws closer. Worlds 2026 will occur later in the year, ending in November.

Empyros Reacts

Empyros appeared on X.com with a statement addressing his release. The pro wrote, “I won’t be playing in the LEC with FNATIC anymore. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the experience. I learned a lot during my time with the team, and I’d like to thank the coaching staff for trusting me with the chance to compete in the LEC.”

He admitted that his LEC results contributed to the organization’s decision: “Unfortunately, we didn’t receive the results we were aiming for, which made things difficult at times.”

Empyros gave fans “A huge thank you […] for your incredible support throughout the year.” He also said, “I wish everyone at FNATIC the best moving forward.”

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