On February 6, Fnatic announced that they were parting ways with Head Coach Chris “Elmapuddy” Tebbit, a few days after being eliminated from the VCT EMEA Kickoff in the quarter-finals of the Lower Bracket. The Australian coach has been sidelined after just over a year with Fnatic, which he joined in November 2023. He did, however, enjoy some happy days with the orange and black team. For example, he won his first tournament, the Red Bull Home Ground #4. After that, at the start of 2024, he first came in 3-4th place during the VCT Kickoff 2024. But Fnatic soon got back on the winning track with a victory at Stage 1 of the VCT EMEA. Although they had a tough Masters in Shanghai in 2024, finishing in 7th-8th place, Elmapuddy and his team bounced back with another win at Stage 2 of the VCT EMEA. They were then eliminated from the Champions by Sentinels, finishing in 5th-6th place.

After a journey of continental success and international difficulties, Fnatic decided to change their Head Coach before the start of Stage 1. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, Fnatic has found their new Head Coach, but also their new assistant coach.

Quick promotion

Recently arrived from GIANTX during the last offseason to join Fnatic as Assistant Coach, Milan “Milan” Meij will be promoted to the vacant position of Head Coach. Fnatic have chosen to recruit internally for this position, with a coach who knows a thing or two about winning, having won the Champions 2021 with Ascend. Although the rest of his career was less successful, he still took part in the Champions 2023 with Giants after winning the Last Chance Qualifier by beating Karmine Corp, KOI, and NAVI. His 2024 proved more difficult, with three finishes of around 10th place in the VCT EMEA with GIANTX. What's certain is that he already knows his environment and the players he'll have to work with to try and improve Fnatic's results during Stage 1.

What about Assistant Coach?

Promotion to Head Coach for Milan implies a new arrival in the role of assistant coach. This new addition is Erik “Erik” Sandgren, better known as d00mbr0s. The former NAVI Head Coach joins Fnatic as Assistant Coach, with all his experience since 2020 with him. His achievements include a 4th place at Champions 2022 and a victory at the Copenhagen Masters 2022 with FPX. The Swedish coach is back with a team after finishing 5th-6th in Split 1 of the VCT EMEA 2024 with NAVI. According to our sources, d00mbr0s preferred to be assistant coach, which was a decisive factor in Milan's promotion.

With these two changes to their coaching staff, Fnatic will be aiming to return to the top of the table during the VCT EMEA Stage 1.