Fnatic’s Valorant in-game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with the organization.

The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty after Fnatic’s disappointing finish to the 2025 season, placing 2nd at Valorant Champions in a hard-fought loss against NRG, which saw retirement talks ramp up for Boaster.

Boaster Stays With Fnatic

Rumors of Boaster’s potential retirement had circulated since even before Champs, fuelled by social media speculation and the team’s heartbreaking loss at Valorant Champions 2025. Some fans believed the 29-year-old might be preparing to step back after several years competing at the highest level of the game.

Fnatic confirmed Boaster’s new deal in an announcement post on October 24, making clear that the British IGL will continue to lead the roster into the 2026 VCT season, with the deal lasting through the 2026 season.

Something's not quite right this offseason… pic.twitter.com/epbxAwlDSB

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) October 24, 2025

Key Figure in Fnatic’s Valorant Success

Boaster has been part of Fnatic’s Valorant lineup since February 2021, helping guide the team through multiple international events and title runs. Under his leadership, Fnatic became one of the most consistent and recognizable names in the professional Valorant scene.

During his tenure, the team secured several top finishes on the global stage, including a championship at Masters Tokyo 2023, and established a strong fanbase across Europe and beyond.

What’s Next for Fnatic Valorant?

Fnatic’s announcement did not mention any additional roster moves, but the renewal of Boaster’s contract suggests that the organization intends to maintain stability around its long-time captain heading into the next competitive season.

With Boaster remaining at the helm, Fnatic will look to bounce back in VCT 2026 and recapture the form that once made them one of the most feared teams in the world. Whether that’s with a new-look roster or running it back with the 2025 runners-up remains to be seen.

One team that is definitely changing for the 2026 season is the team that beat Fnatic at Champs, NRG. After teasing putting competing behind him, the new world champion Sam “s0m” Oh has officially stepped down from his role on the team.

Recent reports suggest NRG is targeting Sentinels’ Zachary “zekken” Patrone to replace s0m.