Fnatic is still the nominally largest LoL team in Europe when it comes to followers on social media. However, after the next season in League of Legends, the core of the team could fall apart. According to a report, jungler Selfmade and top laner Bwipo have declined contract extensions. They could leave at the end of 2021.
Fnatic’s size: Fnatic was founded in 2004 in England and won the first world championship in LoL in 2011. No team that is not from Asia has managed to do that since.
For years, Fnatic has dominated the European LoL league until they were overtaken by G2 Esports.
Nevertheless, Fnatic remains the most important and largest esports organization in Europe in terms of followers on Twitter and Facebook. They have the most resonant name.
This is now the news: According to the Riot database, the two main players Bwipo (top lane) and Selfmade (jungler) will become free agents on November 15, 2021. Their contracts will then expire. Supporter Hylissang also only has a contract until November 15 (via riot).
As Esportmaniacos reports, Bwipo and Selfmade have decided not to extend their contracts after Fnatic made both an offer (via twitter).
Star Team Fnatic only reached 5th place in the LEC in 2021
This is how it went for Fnatic in 2021: In the Spring Split in the LEC, Fnatic did not convince in 2021. They finished the regular season tied on points with Schalke 04 in 4th place and started the playoffs right in the loser’s bracket. Fnatic was able to win the first game, but then lost against Schalke.
Thus, Fnatic only finished fifth in the LEC in 2021.
Without their long-time star player Rekkles, Fnatic seemed to struggle, especially since two young teams, Rogue and MAD Lions, have now emerged. It is no longer a foregone conclusion that every year G2 and Fnatic decide among themselves who will be the European champions in LoL.
Fnatic suffers from “Rekkles” flashbacks
This is how it is being discussed: Fnatic fans are controversially discussing the news that Selfmade and Bwipo reportedly declined the contract extension. In the worst case, they believe the team could fall apart completely:
- Because if Bwipo leaves, support player Hylissang may leave the team as well.
- It would be even worse if the talented jungler Selfmade (21) left – Fnatic could face a second situation like with Rekkles and Perkz: Jungler Jankos (25) could move from G2 to the USA while Selfmade would then move from Fnatic to G2 to continue there.
Others, however, say: The news is not yet concerning. The players have only declined a first offer. Surely they are just testing their market value and will then decide to stay with Fnatic.
After Fnatic lost the AD Carry Rekkles to G2 last year, which few could imagine before it happened, some Fnatic fans feel uncertain about this.
Bwipo confirms report
Update: April 29, 15:40: The top laner of Fnatic, Bwipo, has now confirmed in his Twitch stream that he did not extend his contract with Fnatic. It also doesn’t sound like he plans to stay with Fnatic.
He says he does not want to be in a team like Fnatic if he is not performing well. He has other opportunities arising and perhaps another top laner could now bring results to Fnatic.
Bwipo seems to be dissatisfied with his own performance. He says it does not feel good as a professional to disappoint expectations.
The rivalry between Fnatic and G2 has been palpable in recent years, with the German coach of G2 being right in the end:
LoL coach takes a jab at Fnatic: “The chance is high that they will collapse”
