Fnatic, the reigning champions of EMEA in VALORANT, have made a surprising change for the upcoming season. The team’s head coach, Jacob “mini” Harris, has announced his resignation, citing the need for a better work-life balance.
Mini had a highly successful year with Fnatic, winning two international LAN tournaments and finishing fourth in the Champions tournament. However, the packed schedule of the VCT made it difficult for the team to prepare for important events like Champions. The relentless cycle of tournaments left little time for strategizing and experimenting with new lineups.
The 2023 season was filled with back-to-back events, starting with the LOCK//IN tournament in February, followed by regional leagues, Masters Tokyo, and finally Champions in August. While teams that directly qualified for Champions had a month of rest, those fighting for a spot had to endure a grueling gauntlet.
Riot Games’ plans for the 2024 VCT season indicate that the pace will not be slowing down. The removal of last chance qualifiers means that teams will have no break between tournaments, resulting in a non-stop season lasting seven months. This unrelenting schedule raises concerns about the sustainability of the league.
Fnatic’s success can be attributed, in part, to their ability to navigate this demanding schedule. However, the departure of Mini and the potential challenges in finding a suitable replacement highlight the toll this job takes on coaches. The constant pressure and lack of recovery time may lead to faster retirements and less consistent performances from players and teams.
The upcoming VCT ecosystem also raises questions about the future of new talent. Riot’s handling of the former The Guard roster’s Ascension spot and the demanding schedule may discourage aspiring players. The economic structure of the league is still uncertain, making it a risky endeavor for newcomers.
While playing professionally is a dream for many VALORANT players, it may be more beneficial for them to focus on streaming or content creation under Riot’s current plans. The league’s structure is still evolving, and players may have better opportunities by betting on themselves rather than relying on Riot.
Overall, the departure of Mini and the challenges posed by the VCT schedule highlight the need for a more sustainable and player-friendly approach in the future. The success of teams and the growth of the scene depend on creating a balanced environment that allows for rest, recovery, and consistent performance.
Source: DOTESPORTS
