Fnatic part ways with Sayonara after OFF//SEASON 2024
The Valorant esports scene continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in professional gaming. At the center of attention is 16-year-old Stefan “Sayonara” Mitku, whose brief but illustrious run with Fnatic ended after the 2024 offseason. Despite his short tenure, his impact and potential leave questions about what his next professional move will be.
Fnatic is one of the most respected organizations in the world of esports, known for its success in various titles, including League of Legends, CS:GO, and Valorant. During the 2024 offseason, the team decided to try something new and signed a promising junior player, Stefan “Sayonara” Mitka. It was a bold move, as the player is only 16 years old and cannot compete in official VCT tournaments due to age restrictions. The signing was intended to allow for participation in offseason tournaments such as Red Bull Home Ground #5 and Riot Games ONE 2024. Sayonara got the opportunity to show his skills on the international stage, and Fnatic got a chance to test a new talent in a competitive environment.
Reasons for the split and what’s next?
Fnatic officially stated that the split with Sayonara is due to the end of their short-term agreement. In addition, the player’s age remains the main factor limiting his participation in high-level tournaments. However, representatives of the organization expressed confidence that Stefan has a great future in esports, especially with the growth of the Challengers league, where he can continue to develop.
The Fnatic coach added:
“Sayonara is an incredibly talented young player who has everything to become a star. We are happy to have been able to work with him this offseason and are confident that he will shine in the future.”
Despite leaving Fnatic, Sayonara has already become a prominent figure in the professional Valorant scene. The Challengers League, which is an important stage for young players, provides him with the perfect platform to hone his skills. Many experts suggest that in a few years, he could return to the Tier-1 scene as an experienced player ready for a bigger challenge.
His playstyle is characterized by aggressive pixels, excellent aim, and the ability to adapt to changing match conditions. Sayonara also has a penchant for unconventional solutions, which could become his signature if he can turn this style into a consistent advantage.
How Sayonara Impacted the Valorant Community
Despite his short tenure with Fnatic, Sayonara has already won the hearts of fans. His story is an inspiration to young players who dream of breaking into the professional scene. Many people like his honesty and self-confidence, which he showed in interviews after matches.
The Valorant community, known for supporting young talent, has been keeping a close eye on Sayonara’s career. He continues to gain popularity on social media, and his fan base is growing every day.
