In an unforeseen announcement that caught many off guard, NRG’s popular Valorant duo s0m and FNS revealed that they are no longer part of the team’s starting lineup. The information was shared during live streams on their individual Twitch channels, setting off ripples in the esports community.
A Closer Look: Why s0m and FNS are No Longer Starting Players
The decision to bench s0m and FNS from NRG’s starting lineup has stirred curiosity and speculation in the esports arena. This section delves into the possible factors behind this move, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective on why the renowned duo is stepping back from the limelight.
A Contextual Background
s0m and FNS have been more than just VCT performers; they’ve also been Twitch streamers who captured the audience’s attention both on and off the game. Though s0m had been a vital part of NRG’s Valorant lineup for over a year, and FNS was part of the old OpTic core that joined the team, their status has now been relegated to substitutes.
Speculations and Probable Reasons
While the exact reasons behind their removal are yet to be confirmed, many speculate it’s a result of the team’s subpar performance throughout the year.
“It’s part of the game. It’s part of growing as a fighter.” — FNS on his Twitch stream
This quote from FNS could serve as a microcosm of their current situation. They are evolving as players, and this is just another chapter in their story.
Public Confirmation: What s0m and FNS Had to Say
Both s0m and FNS took to their respective Twitch channels to confirm their new roles as substitutes on NRG’s Valorant roster. These public announcements dispelled rumors and provided clarity on their future involvement with the team.
s0m’s Public Acknowledgement
s0m was the first to go public with the news, and his light-hearted personality had viewers doubting the seriousness of the announcement. However, it was eventually understood to be true. s0m was crucial in NRG’s initial successes, often serving as the team’s morale booster.
FNS Clears the Air
FNS took a more straightforward approach during his Twitch stream. He confirmed not only his changed status but also mentioned that he would eventually part ways with NRG once his contract expires.
“I will come back when a good opportunity surfaces. But for now, I am focusing on streaming.” — FNS on his future plans
FNS made it clear that he’s not retiring but simply changing focus to adapt to the new circumstances.
Impact Assessment: NRG’s Year in Review
NRG’s performance in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) this year has been a rollercoaster, not quite living up to the high expectations set at the beginning of the season. The team’s fluctuating results have led to internal changes, including the benching of s0m and FNS.
NRG’s Season Performance: By The Numbers
To truly understand the underwhelming season for NRG, one has to delve into the statistics that lay bare the team’s struggles and inconsistencies.
| Tournament | Performance | Final Result |
| VCT Lock | Mixed | Lost to LOUD |
| VCT Americas | Comeback | Lost Grand Finals 0-3 |
| VCT Champions | Inconsistent | Eliminated early |
NRG’s journey this year can only be described as a roller coaster. They kicked off with some promising performances but eventually lost momentum, losing crucial matches and falling short of expectations.
Psychological Factors: The Breaking Point?
Many point to NRG’s dual loss to Bilibili Gaming as a mental breaking point for the team. These losses raised questions about the team’s psychological resilience, which may have contributed to the roster changes.
Road Ahead: What to Expect from NRG and the Departed Duo
As NRG looks to revamp its roster for the upcoming season, the future for s0m and FNS remains a hot topic in the Valorant community. Both players are now eyeing new opportunities, with s0m focusing on streaming and FNS considering a return to competitive play when the right opportunity presents itself.
Uncertainty for NRG
With the departure of s0m and FNS, NRG’s future strategies are currently shrouded in mystery. Their replacements haven’t been announced, and the community is waiting eagerly for the next development.
The Next Chapter for s0m and FNS
Both players have made it clear that this is not the end for them. They’ll continue to evolve, perhaps in different ways and in different arenas. As FNS put it, it’s all part of growing as a player.
While this chapter may have closed, the book is far from finished for NRG and its former star players. The only certain thing in the ever-changing world of esports is change itself. As we await further announcements and roster updates, the community will be keeping a close eye on what’s next for both NRG and the charismatic duo of s0m and FNS.
