Fnatic star Leo “Leo” Jannesson retires from competitive VALORANT

One of VALORANT’s most decorated talents, Leo “Leo” Jannesson, officially announced his retirement from competitive play, ending a career that, while brief, left a permanent mark on the game. The decision was confirmed by Fnatic, who shared the news via their official X account.

Leo’s departure comes after more than a year of battling long COVID, a condition that gradually eroded his ability to compete at the highest level. Once hailed as the game’s best initiator and one of the most reliable clutch players on the planet, Leo’s early exit represents a massive loss for both Fnatic and the wider VALORANT community.

Leo first broke onto the scene with Guild Esports, where his impeccable decision-making and clutch plays quickly gained attention. Fnatic signed him in 2022, forming a superteam alongside Jake “Boaster” Howlett, Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev, Emir “Alfajer” Beder, and Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov for the inaugural VALORANT Champions Tour season in 2023. The lineup dominated the circuit, winning VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo, where Leo was named MVP, and VALORANT Masters Tokyo, where he was once again one of Fnatic’s standouts.

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Though the team fell short at Champions 2023, Leo’s individual performances cemented his reputation as one of VALORANT’s best-ever players. Fnatic’s then-coach Jacob “mini” Harris described him as a near-perfect player who “set the standards for how great VALORANT should be played.”

Leo’s struggles became more visible in 2024, when Fnatic failed to qualify for the first international event of the year. Although the team rebounded to win the EMEA Stage 1 title, Leo’s health issues worsened, culminating in a difficult showing at VALORANT Masters Shanghai and a subsequent break from competition. Despite hopes of returning in 2025, his condition prevented a comeback.

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Fnatic’s VALORANT team director Colin “CoJo” Johnson admitted the farewell was heartbreaking.

“To see a player as talented and hardworking as Leo put away the mouse due to illness feels like a knife in the gut,” he said.

In just three years, Leo delivered two international trophies, countless clutch moments, and an MVP title. While his career ended far too soon, his influence on Fnatic, EMEA, and global VALORANT will endure.