Reports: G2 IGL Valyn Will Move to FNATIC in VCT 2027

As teams make transfers to prepare for VCT 2027, sources say G2 IGL valyn might be moving to FNATIC. What does this mean for VALORANT esports? Let’s recap.

G2 valyn is Moving to FNATIC in 2027

On October 25, sources began reporting that VALORANT pro Jacob “valyn” Batio has reached an agreement to move to FNATIC for the VCT 2027 season. The news, originally from Sheep Esports, has since seen corroboration from several outlets.

For the past three years, valyn has played on G2 as the roster’s IGL. This makes him a particularly significant acquisition, as he would become responsible for the team’s in-game strategies. valyn would reportedly replace Boaster, a FNATIC mainstay who has represented the team for over five years.

Notably, valyn led G2 through its prime 2025 season. The team accomplished a three-peat, winning all VCT Americas splits and catching international attention. It entered VALORANT Champions 2025 as an analyst favorite, but finished 7th-8th. The Champions 2026 placement was stronger, with G2 ending in 4th place.

The move to FNATIC would also swap valyn’s competing region. It would mark his first time competing in VCT EMEA, as FNATIC is a British organization.

pic.twitter.com/9NbzPtvuC0

— FNATIC Boaster (@OfficialBoaster) October 25, 2026

Boaster also posted a picture with valyn, fueling fan theories about the transfer.

Who’s on the VCT 2027 FNATIC Roster?

If the reports are accurate, FNATIC’s VCT 2027 VALORANT roster would include:

• valyn
• marteen
• Minny
• kaajak
• Cloud

What Does This Mean for FNATIC?

Despite its fierce VALORANT reputation, FNATIC has struggled throughout this season. The org has competed in the VCT since VALORANT’s launch. It became a familiar face in Champs, qualifying every year… except 2026.

This was the first time in VALORANT history that FNATIC did not make an appearance at the title’s most prestigious tournament, and the org’s regional performances were weak. There appeared to be a sharp decline during the 12-month period, as FNATIC had placed 2nd in Champions 2025 and Masters Toronto 2025.

The past is written, the future is Fnatic.

We’re back as an official @ValorantEsports Partner Team! https://t.co/mlrasQmjgP pic.twitter.com/lmoh5c87FG

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) October 19, 2026

FNATIC fans were unsure what exactly was to blame. In early September, Boaster announced that he had shifted to an inactive status on the roster. The IGL said FNATIC had allowed him to ‘explore his options.’

The org announced on October 19 that Riot had restored its VALORANT Esports Partner Team status for another year. With big VCT 2027 changes on the horizon, Partner Teams need to stay competitive to retain their spots. The stakes are higher than ever, and after a slump in performance, FNATIC is likely making some restructures to ensure a stronger return next season.

If it goes through, valyn’s move is probably part of that effort. A new IGL will definitely shift the team’s trajectory. It’s a risky move, but also an opportunity to completely change and improve existing strategies.

"We're gonna make sure our game is gonna be the last one they play." – @jawgemo

The stakes in the EMEA vs Americas battle are high, win, or go home. And in the Upper Bracket today's winner moves on to Grand Finals. Watch #VALORANTMasters at https://t.co/io2c23u0BL. pic.twitter.com/JpeS5FgNxw

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 20, 2025

The Lore

Boaster and valyn have studied each others’ techniques: valyn said, “when I was coming up as a player, I would watch a lot of Boaster. But […] as I found my own role, grew into these international events, I kind of found my own sauce. Right now, I’m just trying to be valyn. I don’t want to be other IGLs.”

Meanwhile, Boaster stated: “valyn can shoot maybe a bit better than me, but I don’t need it. I got [FNATIC] behind me.”

As valyn steps into the role, it’ll be fascinating to see how the IGL strategies compare.

Stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news.