On Monday,
Fnatic officially announced the signing of
Sungwon “Poby” Yun as the team’s new midlaner. The 19-year-old South Korean, previously a member of T1 Esports Academy, now makes his debut on the European stage by joining one of the most storied organizations in the LEC. This confirmation follows weeks of speculation, notably
after a report by Sheep Esports revealed a verbal agreement between Poby and Fnatic.
Poby’s arrival also marks the end of Marek "
Humanoid" Brázda’s tenure with the team. The Czech midlaner, a central figure within Fnatic over multiple splits, steps down from the starting lineup, signaling a strategic shift for the European powerhouse. In the official announcement video, Poby introduced himself with confidence: “
I came here to save the LEC,” he stated, looking directly into the camera. He went on to describe the contribution he hopes to bring to the squad: “
I think I can help with the team’s tempo and overall strategy.”
Head coach Fabian “
GrabbZ” Lohmann also appeared in the video, offering his thoughts on the newest addition to the roster. “
He has a lot of energy. I think he can brighten the mood of the team,” he said, expressing optimism about Poby’s impact both in terms of gameplay and team dynamics. This move represents a significant step in Fnatic’s ongoing rebuilding efforts, as the organization places its confidence in Poby’s potential to revitalize its competitive form. The question now is whether the young Korean talent can establish himself in the demanding environment of the LEC.
During the offseason, Fnatic briefly explored alternatives in the toplane, considering a six-man rotation involving Martin “Wunder” Hansen, who ultimately declined the offer. The organization also held discussions with other prospects, including Volodymyr "Maynter" Sorokin (Karmine Corp Blue), Baek "Mihile" Sang-hwi (Misa Esports). In Korea, Fnatic showed interest in toplaner Shin "Rooster" Yun-hwan, though the latter eventually signed with Team BDS. The Black and Orange ultimately decided to stick with Óscar "Oscarinin" Muñoz Jiménez. With the roster now locked in, Fnatic enters the split with a renewed identity and the clear objective of reasserting itself among Europe’s elite.
