An Instagram post by Fnatic In-Game Leader, Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett, has seemingly confirmed the departure of Austin ‘crashies’ Roberts from the Fnatic Valorant roster.
The British veteran IGL shared, “Last night was our final movie night together. Going to miss having you around.” Later adding, “I wish we had gotten that big trophy together.”
Social media post hints at crashies Fnatic departure
The post followed the news that French flex player, Sylvain ‘Veqaj’ Pattyn, would return to action after a four-month period out of pro competition.
The news of Veqaj’s return immediately began speculation on which of the five players who played VCTEMEA Stage 2 for Fnatic would make way for an expected return of Veqaj to the active roster.
We now seemingly have confirmation of who will depart, as Boaster shared the following message on Instagram, attached to several pictures with the American:
“Last night was our final movie night together. Going to miss having you around. Took it for granted… I go to the office and the seat next to me is empty. I wish we had gotten that big trophy together but honestly it doesn’t matter because being able to spend 2 years with you was a better memory than any trophy could have given me.
PS if Alfa sees this post, I put a picture of you too bro because I love you as well. Don’t get jealous.”
The pair have become a fan favorite duo during crashies’ time in the team, affectionately referred to as ‘brashies’ by fans due to their in-game and out-of-game chemistry.
The two narrowly missed out on three trophies in 2025, as Fnatic finished runners-up at Valorant Masters Toronto, EWC 2025, and Valorant Champions Paris.
The pair won VCT EMEA Stage 1 together for Fnatic, adding to crashies’ trophy cabinet, which includes the Masters Reykjavik 2022 trophy, won in stunning fashion with OpTic Gaming.
As for where the American may end up, a return to the Americas region seems the most likely at this stage, but there is no official confirmation of his departure or where he may go as of yet.
If crashies’ departure is confirmed, the remaining players on the Fnatic roster would be:
- Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett
- Emir ‘Alfajer’ Ali Beder
- Kajetan ‘kaajak’ Haremski
- Kirill ‘Cloud’ Nekhozhin
- Sylvain ‘Veqaj’ Pattyn
Where do you think crashies might go? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, FURIA announced that their CS2 female roster will move to Valorant. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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