TL;DR
- Fnatic secured their third major Valorant title of 2023 by defeating Cloud9 3-2 in the Red Bull Home Ground finals
- Leo Jannesson emerged as tournament MVP with a 1.36 rating across all matches
- The team maintained dominance despite recent coaching changes with Jacob ‘mini’ Harris departing
- Fnatic demonstrated strategic adaptability with new coach Chris ‘Elmapuddy’ Tebbit
- European teams continue to lead global Valorant competitive scene with consistent performances

The Red Bull Home Ground 2023 represented one of the most prestigious off-season Valorant competitions, featuring elite international rosters from multiple regions. This tournament served as a crucial indicator of team form heading into the 2024 competitive season.
Fnatic’s victory against Cloud9 in the championship match extended their winning streak in major tournaments beyond the official Valorant Champions Tour circuit. Earlier this year, they captured two VCT major titles, establishing themselves as the team to beat globally.
What made this tournament particularly significant was the caliber of participating organizations. Alongside Fnatic and Cloud9, the event featured top-tier squads including DRX from Korea, 100 Thieves representing North America, and ZETA Division from Japan. The diverse regional representation created a true test of international Valorant supremacy.

The playoff structure revealed some surprising outcomes, particularly Cloud9’s North American counterparts 100 Thieves failing to advance beyond the later stages after falling to Korean powerhouse DRX. This result highlighted the growing parity between regions and the need for teams to adapt to different playstyles.
Fnatic Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Fnatic’s path to the championship demonstrated why they’re considered among the world’s elite Valorant squads. Their grand final victory over Cloud9 required five intense maps, showcasing both teams’ resilience and strategic depth.
During the group stages, Fnatic displayed near-perfect form by sweeping through FENNEL, ZETA Division, and DRX without conceding a single map. This flawless performance set up their championship match against a determined Cloud9 roster.
The grand final evolved into a tactical chess match with momentum shifting between the competitors. Each team secured victories on their preferred maps, creating intense pressure situations. Fnatic ultimately clinched the title on Haven with a commanding 13-5 victory, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Individual excellence played a crucial role in Fnatic’s success. Leo Jannesson maintained his exceptional form throughout the event, finishing as the highest-rated player with an impressive 1.36 rating according to VLR.gg statistics. His consistent performance across multiple agent selections provided Fnatic with the firepower needed to overcome challenging situations.
For teams looking to improve their competitive performance, studying Fnatic’s strategic approach can provide valuable insights. Our Class Guide explores how proper role specialization contributes to team success in tactical shooters.
Despite their championship performance, Fnatic entered the tournament navigating significant coaching transitions. Former head coach Jacob “mini” Harris departed the organization in September, creating uncertainty about the team’s strategic direction.
The organization moved decisively to fill this void by appointing former Gen.G head coach Chris “Elmapuddy” Tebbit last month. This coaching change represents a strategic shift in Fnatic’s approach to game preparation and in-game leadership.
Elmapuddy brings extensive experience from his tenure with Gen.G, where he developed reputation for innovative tactical approaches and player development. His integration into the Fnatic system appears seamless based on their tournament results.
Currently, Fnatic remains open to assistant coach applications, though insiders suggest the European powerhouse will likely pursue an established coaching professional to complete their staff. This decision reflects their commitment to maintaining competitive excellence through 2024.
Understanding coaching dynamics is crucial for competitive success. Teams often underestimate how coaching changes affect in-game decision making and player morale. Proper staff composition can make the difference between championship performances and early tournament exits.
For comprehensive strategic insights similar to those employed by top coaches, our Complete Guide covers advanced tactical frameworks applicable across multiple FPS titles.
Fnatic’s continued dominance raises important questions about the global Valorant competitive landscape. European teams have consistently outperformed their international counterparts throughout 2023, suggesting structural advantages in their training methodologies and competitive ecosystems.
The team’s ability to maintain championship form despite coaching changes indicates robust organizational infrastructure and player adaptability. These elements often separate consistently successful teams from one-time champions.
Looking toward the 2024 season, Fnatic appears well-positioned to defend their status as top contenders. However, the narrowing performance gap between regions suggests increased competition ahead.
Teams aspiring to compete at this level should focus on developing flexible strategic frameworks rather than relying on fixed playbooks. The evolving meta requires constant adaptation and innovation.
For players seeking to improve their individual performance, understanding weapon mechanics and selection becomes crucial. Our Weapons Unlock guide provides detailed analysis of optimal loadout choices for different playstyles and situations.
The Red Bull Home Ground results provide valuable data points for analyzing team strengths and weaknesses heading into next season. Organizations will undoubtedly study Fnatic’s approach to identify transferable strategies and training methods.
Action Checklist
- Analyze tournament VODs to identify Fnatic’s default setups and execute rotations
- Study individual player statistics from VLR.gg to understand performance patterns
- Implement structured review sessions focusing on map-specific strategies
- Develop flexible agent compositions adaptable to different opponent playstyles
- Create coaching staff evaluation criteria based on successful organizational models
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