Melany M. January 12, 2019
European organization Fnatic announced that former team director Joey "YoungBuck" Steltenpool would be assuming the role of head coach in the upcoming LEC split.
The defending regional champions will return with a new man in charge as YoungBuck is taking over the head coaching position formerly occupied by Dylan Falco.
YoungBuck first joined Fnatic in January 2018 as a team director. He previously worked with G2 Esports and Enemy as head coach.
The former pro League of Legends player retired in 2015 after four years competing in Europe. He started his career as top laner in 2011 with LowLandLions.
As a team director, YoungBuck guided Fnatic to two consecutive EU LCS titles. The team competed in three international events, finishing fourth at the Mid-Season Invitational, winning Rift Rivals, and most impressively finishing as runner-up to Invictus Gaming at the World Championship.
The new head coach is bringing a new coaching staff with him. Louis-Victor “Mephisto” Legendre was announced as a new assistant coach.
Samir “Gegemont” Mamedau is taking over the role of head analyst. According to the announcement, Gegemont will be present on-site to increase the impact of his feedback.
Jan “Careion” Hoffmann was appointed as the new team director. Careion previously worked with Fnatic’s Paladin and Heroes of the Storm squads as a manager.
“I am looking forward to work with our players and help them as best as I can to take the next step in their own career and hopefully repeat and build on the success our roster already had in 2018,” Careion said in an announcement.
Fnatic opens the 2019 LEC season versus SK Gaming on January 18.