Sources: Fnatic and Karmine Corp have agreed on Vladi's buyout

It's now a done deal. Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis, one of the main dominoes of this offseason, will join Fnatic ahead of the 2026 season after the team reached an agreement with Karmine Corp on the midlaner’s buyout, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. Per sources, the teams agreed on a six-figure buyout. As previously reported, Vladi chose the Black and Orange over Team Vitality, which were the two remaining options in his decision process.

Vladi was one of the most sought-after players of this LEC offseason. Among the other teams that have shown interest in him were Team Heretics, Team Vitality, GIANTX, Natus Vincere. Teams from the LCS region also had Vladi on their lists, but with lower priority. The Greek player was reportedly aiming to join a team most likely to qualify for Worlds. Per sources, Fnatic also held a call on Monday with Midlaner Seo "SlowQ" Ye-bit, Karmine Corp Blue’s midlaner in 2025, in case the negotiations for Vladi fell through.

After a turbulent year with Karmine Corp in 2025, Vladi will bounce back by joining another top LEC organization. He was crowned Winter 2025 champion with KC, before the team placed third in Spring and fourth in Summer, narrowly missing what could have been the club’s first Worlds qualification.

Throughout the year, Vladi found himself under intense public scrutiny. As one of the youngest midlaners in the league, his performances and personality drew a lot of attention from fans and the community. His consistency was often a discussion point, and the pressure around Karmine Corp’s high expectations made his season a particularly demanding one.

During this period, several public figures in the scene, including LEC host Laure Vallée on Thomas "Zaboutine" Si-Hassen's podcast and Karmine Corp co-owner Kamel “Kameto” Kebir, openly expressed concern about Vladi’s well-being and workload, noting his extreme commitment to practice and Solo Queue. Those around the team highlighted that his deep commitment to the game was both one of his biggest assets and a challenge to manage over a long season.

Although Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer was never officially brought in as a direct replacement or disciplinary measure, testimonies from players and from Nisqy himself after the season suggested that his arrival aimed to bring stability and encourage stronger team dynamics. The Karmine Life documentary series on YouTube also depicts some of the internal tension and the efforts made by the staff to maintain balance within the team environment.

Now, Vladi’s move to Fnatic represents an opportunity to start a new, in a structure where he can channel his potential and continue his progression as one of Europe’s most promising midlane talents.

Fnatic will become the second LEC organization to host Vladi since his debut on the main stage in Summer 2024 with Karmine Corp, following his promotion from the LFL. So far, Fabian "GrabbZ" Lohmann is the only confirmed staff member remaining for 2026, continuing his role as head coach.

The team has been very active in the market. Despite all players being signed through 2026 — except for Elias "Upset" Lipp, who becomes a free agent this offseason — Fnatic has explored the possibility of selling Óscar "Oscarinin" Muñoz and jungler Iván "Razork" Martín to other teams, while midlaner Yoon "Poby" Sung-is will join Natus Vincere. Meanwhile, support player Mihael "Mikyx" Mehle has left the team to join SK Gaming, where a whole new project has been built around him.