FNS retires from competitive VALORANT

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In the realm of VALORANT esports, after 13 fruitful years, FNS takes his leave from the competitive scene. Wishing you a delightful retirement, legend.

Pujan “FNS” Mehta declared he is stepping down from competitive VALORANT play. Recently with NRG, the strategic leader leaves a lasting impact on the first-person shooter (FPS) scene, following an illustrious career in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and VALORANT. The team produced a heartfelt video, reflecting on some of the high points throughout his career.

FNS retires from VALORANT

NRG’s legendary figure is retiring today,” reads their official X account post. In a heartfelt video, FNS grapples with a whirlwind of emotions as he reflects on a journey filled more with setbacks than triumphs. “Sometimes you just know it’s the right time, and if I could redo everything, I would,” says FNS, with the melancholic tune of Coldplay’s The Scientist playing in the backdrop, adding poignancy to the video. Regardless of what lies ahead, FNS pledges his unwavering support for the team and encourages fans to reciprocate the same affection.

For enthusiasts of VALORANT, it’s tough not to feel a sense of poignancy watching FNS, who has spent eight years competing in CS: GO and more recently transitioned to VALORANT with Team ENVY. His career highlights include lifting the VCT North America Stage 1 Challengers 2 trophy in 2021 and securing another major victory at VALORANT Masters Reykjavík 2022, where OpTic Gaming defeated LOUD 3-0. The team, which featured players like Jaccob “yay” Whiteaker and Austin “crashies” Roberts, seemed unstoppable for much of the year. However, their triumphant run came to an unexpected end when they were defeated by LOUD in the VALORANT Champions 2022 grand final.

As the new year started and OpTic wasn’t chosen for franchising, most of its primary team members shifted over to NRG. Yet, FNS didn’t achieve the same level of triumph with NRG as he did with ENVY and OpTic Gaming, which played a significant role in his choice to depart from competitive VALORANT.

For the first time in my entire career, when I got home today, I found myself thinking, “I don’t feel like playing anymore.” It seems to be a culmination of all the seasons I’ve been through, coupled with experiences of failure that outweigh my achievements.

FNS

Goodbye, FNS!

Five days before marking five years as a professional VALORANT player, FNS chose to step back. A wave of tributes flooded in from players and teams, with G2’s Jawgemo and JonahP praising him as the greatest-of-all-time (G.O.A.T) and “an inspiration for us all.” Teams recognized him as a fierce competitor and “legend of the game,” emphasizing the indelible mark he left on VALORANT esports.

FNS won’t make you wait too much because he’ll continue streaming on Twitch. He’s been hosting watch parties for different VALORANT regions. We’ll surely miss him in competitive play, being one of the most legendary in-game leaders. Here’s a link to his latest interview with Xpsp if you want to check it out.

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2025-05-10 14:17