Expected changes were already looming for Fnatic after Worlds 2025. Mihael "Mikyx" Mehle will not play for the team in 2026, announced the team on Friday. "Today we announce that we're mutually parting ways with
Mikyx as he sets out to explore new opportunities beyond the Black and Orange," Fnatic said on X.

An early contract termination

Mikyx’s contract with Fnatic runs until 2026, and the fact that it’s coming to an end now implies that the organization will have to sell him. Having joined just a year ago alongside Elias “Upset” Lipp, Mikyx will not continue his journey with the Black and Orange, ending his one-year stint on a disappointing note. He is the first confirmed player to leave the roster ahead of next season.

According to Sheep Esports sources, Mikyx’s departure comes after a mutual agreement between the player and Fnatic, as both parties look for a new project. Fnatic are in the midst of a major roster rebuild, with more changes expected, and are currently considering South Korean players for the support role. As for Mikyx, he’s on track to join a new team, though any move would require a contract buyout — something that, at this stage, appears likely.

The most decorated support in LEC history couldn’t help Fnatic make 2025 a successful year, though he still stood out individually. The only player to shine during Fnatic’s short Worlds run, he also formed one of the most formidable botlanes in the league this year with Upset. Despite his playmaking style and experience under pressure, he is now parting ways with Fnatic.

Just another year fopr Fnatic

Expected to be a veteran-heavy roster capable of competing for titles, fans envisioned Fnatic finally ending their European trophy drought that has lasted since Summer 2018. Instead, the Black and Orange were part of a clear top four alongside G2 Esports, Movistar KOI, and Karmine Corp, but ended up being the only team among them not to lift a trophy in 2025.

Their Worlds qualification, earned in Madrid against Karmine Corp during the Summer Finals, offered brief consolation, but their international run was bitter. Three losses in as many series, taking only one game off Movistar KOI in the final round—a team that had beaten them five times in six encounters throughout the year. An early and disappointing exit that left marks, as Mikyx’s departure became known only a few days after their elimination.

Through multiple streams and tweets from head coach Fabian "GrabbZ" Lohmann this year, the team’s internal issues were no secret. According to him, the players’ motivation levels differed significantly, which led to Marek "Humanoid" Brázda being benched in favor of Yoon "Poby" Sung-won during the Summer Split in an attempt to change the team’s dynamic. "We are undisciplined," he stated back in June already.

Unfortunately, Fnatic never showed enough progress since then to suggest a real turnaround. Óscar “Oscarinin” Muñoz Jiménez himself told Sheep Esports right after the team's elimination at Worlds: "The roster needs to be changed up. It’s clearly not working out. I cannot believe we are this boosted." And he predicted right, as Mikyx will be the first to be out of the roster.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.