Fnatic IGL Boaster is ‘Exploring Other Options’

Boaster is one of VALORANT’s biggest names, and when VCT viewers think of him, they think of Fnatic. Now, however, the IGL is ‘exploring other options’ and has taken on an inactive status. Here’s a quick analysis of what this means for him, and for the organization.

Fnatic IGL Boaster Is ‘Exploring Options’

VALORANT squad Fnatic made a name for themselves as one of the scene’s strongest competitors over the years. Since the VCT’s launch, the team has been a mainstay in international events. However, the 2026 season put the org’s win streak to a halt, and it seems team members are exploring roster changes.

On September 8, 2026, Fnatic player Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett announced that while he is “still in talks with Fnatic,” “they’ve also allowed me to explore other options.” Boaster has served as the core roster’s IGL for over five years.

I am still in talks with Fnatic and they’ve also allowed me to explore other options as well.

I’m very hungry and motivated to continue to compete as an IGL, open to offers from all regions, especially EMEA and China

Pretty excited! WHO WANTS ME!?

Contact:… pic.twitter.com/jRvWCS9W1w

— FNATIC Boaster (@OfficialBoaster) September 8, 2026

The Controller player clarified he is “very hungry and motivated to continue to compete as an IGL.” In addition, he is “open to offers from all regions, especially EMEA and China.”

The post has gone viral, securing over 2.7 million views. For now, Boaster has officially moved to an inactive status on the team.

Is Boaster Leaving Fnatic For Good?

Boaster is one of VALORANT’s most well-known players, especially as an in-game leader. He was an instrumental part of Fnatic’s VALORANT trajectory over the past five years.

IGLS can often take all of the glory, but also all of the blame. The community places a particularly heavy emphasis on Boaster’s influence when analyzing Fnatic’s performance. In 2023, Boaster’s expertise earned the team two back-to-back titles at LOCK//IN Sao Paolo and Masters Tokyo. Its 2025 season was equally strong, with a 2nd-place finish at Champions and Masters Toronto

Since VALORANT’s launch, Fnatic qualified for every single Champions event. In 2026, however, that win streak was broken. For the first time, Fnatic will not appear at Champions Shanghai, and the team did not enter any international event.

Why is Boaster Leaving? Fnatic’s Statement

This is a marked decline from previous years, and has put a damper on fan morale. After finishing their run in VCT EMEA 2026, Fnatic provided an off-season update. Fnatic wrote:

“There’s no hiding from the fact that this has been a turbulent and disappointing year. Despite the team’s best efforts, we missed every international event and fell well short of the standard we expect of ourselves, and changes are needed to put us back on the right path.“

https://t.co/EQpyFTCbu8

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) September 8, 2026

“As part of our ongoing end-of-season review, we have given some members of the team permission to explore other opportunities within VALORANT. This doesn’t represent a final decision on any one individual’s future with Fnatic, but gives all sides a chance to explore what a future apart could look like before we settle on a direction of travel for 2027. We will continue to work closely with all of the team throughout the offseason, and will share further updates as things progress.”

It seems Boaster is one such member who may be phasing out of the core roster. The team elaborated, bringing up the fact that the VCT is seeing major format changes in 2027 (for example, open qualifiers) and some transfers will be necessary to remain competitive.

At the end of their statement, Fnatic reassured fans: “Together with our players and partners, we’re committed to deliver even better events, community initiatives and content throughout 2027.”

Stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news as Champions Shanghai approaches.