Sources: Empyros benched by Fnatic ahead of the LEC Summer Split

After failing to reach the LEC playoffs during the Spring Split, are set to make changes ahead of the upcoming Summer Split. One of the positions most likely to undergo adjustments was the toplane, and according to sources close to Sheep Esports, the organization will not continue with current toplaner , who is expected to be moved to the bench.

In his first year in the LEC and directly within one of the region’s most historic organizations, Empyros was unable to fully justify the expectations placed upon him. As a result, Fnatic will now explore their options in the toplane as they look to reshape their roster ahead of the Summer Split, which is scheduled to begin on July 24.

Over the past few weeks, Fnatic have been evaluating several candidates for their Toplane position across both Europe and South Korea. As of now, the organization has yet to finalize a signing for the Summer Split, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Discussions have been held with multiple South Korean players, with a particular focus on toplaners currently competing in the LCK Challengers League (LCK CL), the LCK's Tier 2 competition. While a European acquisition remains a possibility, Fnatic's search currently appears to be centered on the Korean market.

Joining the team as a rookie in the midst of a rebuilding project, Empyros was immediately handed significant responsibilities. At 22 years old, he already possessed several years of ERL experience, including a strong 2025 campaign with Gentle Mates in the LFL. The Greek toplaner had finally earned his opportunity in the LEC, replacing Óscar “Oscarinin” Muñoz, who had occupied the role for nearly three years.

However, while Fnatic’s collective issues were evident throughout the season, Empyros also struggled to distinguish himself individually. He was frequently put under pressure during the laning phase, particularly against the league’s top-performing toplaners. Throughout the split, he often found it difficult to generate meaningful impact and increasingly found himself relegated to low-economy, utility-oriented roles. This trend was reflected in his champion pool, with 13 of his 23 games during the LEC Spring Split being played on tanks.

Fnatic, which failed to win a single playoff game during the LEC Versus and subsequently missed qualification for the Spring Split playoffs despite showing gradual improvement throughout the competition, hopes this change will inject fresh momentum into the roster. The organization’s ultimate objective remains securing qualification for Worlds later this year, a tournament Fnatic has attended every year since 2017.