Boaster Leaves Fnatic After Five Years: “End of an Era”

After announcing he was exploring other VCT opportunities, Boaster has just confirmed his exit from longtime home team Fnatic. Let’s recap the transfer and what it means for the VCT 2027 season.

Fnatic Confirms Boaster is Leaving

Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett has been part of Fnatic’s core VALORANT roster for over five years. Originally joining in 2021, he onboarded with the team as it was just beginning its expansion into the VCT. Boaster served as Fnatic’s IGL, making key calls for the organization, and became a well-known face of the team.

Earlier in September, Boaster announced he had shifted to an inactive status on the roster. He said Fnatic was allowing him to “explore other options.”

On November 6, a day after Fnatic teammate Alfajer’s departure, the org announced Boaster has officially departed. “You have defined an era, defined the game,” Fnatic wrote. “You will always be a part of this story. This is your journey […] and we’re so grateful we were a part of it.”

You have defined an era. Defined the game.

You will always be a part of this story. This is your journey @OfficialBoaster, and we’re so grateful we were a part of it. Thank you, Jake: pic.twitter.com/wtqQaDSXxw

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) November 6, 2026

Boaster Comments: “End of an Era”

On his personal page, Boaster commented on his transfer out of Fnatic. He called it the “end of an era,” and wrote, “I feel blessed to have shared these years of my life with amazing teammates/staff who believed and trusted in me.”

He continued:

“I’ve always wanted to make history within esports but upon reaching this point, I realise I much prefer creating memories with those I love and those I have fought with side by side. […]

Anyway, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all the people I’ve met along the way in life teaching me. The journey is not over but my time at fnatic is… It’s impossible to write everything in one tweet so I will post a video soon to speak about it more.

Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll miss it deeply”

End of an era🥹

I feel blessed to have shared these years of my life with amazing teammates/staff who believed and trusted in me. With fans who supported us through good times and hard times. The original boys(sumnfc) who decided to join an unknown IGL with a dream. My family… https://t.co/Qq1gYtQEP4

— FNATIC Boaster (@OfficialBoaster) November 6, 2026

Where is Boaster Playing Next?

Boaster hasn’t officially announced which team he is moving to yet. We’ll keep this updated, but for now, there’s no official reveal. His upcoming video might include more information.

In his original LFT post, Boaster did state he was open to switching regions. “I’m very hungry and motivated to continue to compete as an IGL, open to offers from all regions, especially EMEA and China,” he said.

There has also been unconfirmed fan speculation that Boaster could move to Gentle Mates. The team released its entire 2026 squad, with leaks pointing to a ‘super-team’ VCT 2027 lineup. Sheep Esports reports claimed Alfajer, who also departed Fnatic this week, is on the list. MAGNUM, kozzy, and Ruxic would also reportedly be on the list, leaving one spot conspicuously open for an IGL.

What Does This Mean for Fnatic in VCT 2027?

As Boaster leaves Fnatic, the org will face its most significant restructure yet. Changing IGLs will completely revamp the team’s communication and playstyle, opening the door to new strategies but also distinctly moving into another era.

The move occurs just days after Boaster’s teammates and fellow longtime starters Alfajer and crashies also departed. Two core members, kaajak and Cloud, remain.

Fnatic has long held a reputation as an EMEA powerhouse and one of the VCT teams to beat. The team qualified to every Champions tournament since 2021, won Masters Tokyo 2023, and consistently dominated VCT EMEA splits. Its 2025 season was particularly strong, with 2nd-place finishes at Champions and Masters Toronto.

2026 broke its streak. Fnatic’s performance sharply declined this year, and the roster did not qualify to a single international event.

Community members were split on where to place blame for the shift. As an IGL, Boaster earned a large share of credit for Fnatic’s wins, but also came into the public eye during the org’s losses.