Jake “Boaster” Howlett has been given permission to explore offers outside FNATIC while the two sides remain in talks about his future.
The long-time in-game leader said he is still speaking with FNATIC but is also open to opportunities from other organizations. He wants to continue competing as an IGL and said he is open to offers from all regions, with particular interest in EMEA and China.
The development could mark the end of one of VALORANT’s longest-running player-organization partnerships, but no departure has been confirmed yet.
For current VALORANT matches, schedules and streams, follow the Frag VALORANT hub.
Boaster has been with FNATIC since 2021
Boaster joined FNATIC in February 2021 when the organization entered VALORANT by signing the former SUMN FC roster.
He quickly became one of the most recognizable in-game leaders in the scene, combining tactical leadership with a highly visible personality on stage and in team content.
Across six seasons, Boaster has led FNATIC through several different roster eras and some of the organization’s biggest international results.
His major achievements with FNATIC include:
- Runner-up at Masters Reykjavik 2021
- Champion at VCT LOCK//IN 2023
- Champion at Masters Tokyo 2023
- Runner-up at Masters Toronto 2025
- Runner-up at Champions Paris 2025
- Three VCT EMEA stage titles
That record made Boaster a central figure in FNATIC’s rise from an early European contender into one of VALORANT’s most successful international organizations.
FNATIC’s 2026 season ended without an international appearance
The timing of the announcement follows FNATIC’s most difficult season in years.
The team missed Masters Santiago by one placement during Kickoff and then went through roster changes as the year progressed. Their season ended after a loss to Joblife in the VCT EMEA Stage 2 play-ins.
As a result, FNATIC missed Champions for the first time and failed to qualify for any of the three international VCT events in 2026.
That is a sharp contrast with 2025, when Boaster and FNATIC reached the final of Masters Toronto and then finished second at Champions Paris.
FNATIC has indicated that more than one member of the VALORANT team has been given permission to explore opportunities, suggesting the organization is evaluating a wider rebuild before the 2027 season.
Boaster wants to continue as an IGL
The most important detail in Boaster’s update is that he is not signaling retirement or a move away from competition.
He specifically said he is hungry and motivated to continue competing as an in-game leader.
That makes his availability significant in a roster market where experienced IGLs are often harder to replace than mechanical stars. Boaster brings years of experience calling at international events, including two global trophy wins and multiple deep runs at Masters and Champions.
His openness to China is also notable. VCT China has grown rapidly since becoming a full international league, and Chinese organizations have increasingly looked outside the region for coaching and leadership experience.
EMEA remains the most obvious landing zone if Boaster leaves FNATIC, but the fact that he publicly highlighted China widens the range of realistic possibilities.
What FNATIC could look like without Boaster
A Boaster departure would force FNATIC to answer two questions at once – who replaces the player and who replaces the in-game leader.
FNATIC’s current roster has already changed considerably from the lineup that won LOCK//IN and Masters Tokyo in 2023. The organization entered the latest stage of 2026 with a core including crashies, kaajak, Cloud and Alfajer alongside its coaching staff.
If Boaster moves on, FNATIC could promote a new caller from within the roster, sign an established IGL or rebuild more aggressively around a smaller core.
The wider 2027 VCT changes add another layer to that decision. Riot is moving toward a more open tournament system with Open Qualifiers feeding directly into Kickoff, Cups and eventually Masters and Champions. Teams will have more ways to reach major stages, but roster construction will still determine how quickly they can take advantage of that system.
FNATIC will miss Champions Shanghai 2026
Whatever happens next, FNATIC’s current season is already over.
The team will not compete at VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026, which begins September 24. Frag has a full guide to the event in our VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 qualified teams and format preview.
That gives FNATIC a longer offseason than many of its rivals and creates time to decide whether Boaster remains part of the 2027 project.
For Boaster, the same window gives other organizations a chance to begin discussions before the next VCT cycle starts.
The key point for now is that he has not officially left FNATIC. He remains in talks with the organization while also being free to explore other options.
For more VALORANT results, schedules and roster developments, follow Frag’s VALORANT coverage.