Fnatic might be set to lose both top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau and jungler Oskar “Selfmade” Boderek by the end of the year.
It was recently reported that Bwipo and Selfmade have declined to renew their contracts with Fnatic, putting the organization at great risk of a major overhaul heading into the 2022 League of Legends season. If the rumors are true, Fnatic could potentially lose two of its biggest names when the season is over. The players’ opting out of an extension comes after a poor spring split for Fnatic where the team was knocked out of the playoffs in the second round by a disappointing 0-3 loss against FC Schalke 04.
LO CUENTA @inyustificado:@FNATIC ha ofrecido a @selfmade_LoL y @Bwipo extender sus contratos y ambos han dicho NO…
¡ESTAMOS COMENTANDOLO, VENTE!
???? https://t.co/d390UaJlnS pic.twitter.com/RQLI7EkBkR
— ESPORTMANÍACOS (@Esportmaniacos) April 26, 2021
The news was reported by Esportmaniacos, which states that the two star players aren’t looking to extend with Fnatic. This could mean that the two players are already looking to join other teams for the 2022 season, or maybe even before that. Losing the two players would be a big blow for Fnatic, who let go of star bot laner Martin “Rekkles” Larsson after the 2020 World Championship.
Fnatic is already showing a decline in performance, after missing out on the 2021 LEC Spring Finals. In 2020, Fnatic made both LEC finals and got a spot at the World Championship. In its current form, Fnatic looks ill-equipped to make a serious run in the 2021 LEC Summer Split, or to qualify for Worlds 2021.
Even if Bwipo and Selfmade opt out of signing an extension and decide to test free agency, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t return to Fnatic. Still, Fnatic and its fans are potentially looking at a new era for the team. With Bwipo and Selfmade gone, Fnatic will likely have to build a completely new identity with a revamped squad. Fnatic has shown that it has an eye for talent.
There’s still no official word from Fnatic or the players on the matter.
After replacing Rekkles and mid laner Tim “Nemesis” Lipovšek after the 2020 World Championship, Fnatic is fielding a refined roster in 2021. Even more changes could be coming, though.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
