TL;DR
- YamatoCannon reportedly joining Fnatic as head coach for 2021 LEC season
- Mithy potentially moving to Cloud9 as assistant coach if Perkz buyout succeeds
- YamatoCannon brings unique LCK experience as first Western coach in Korea
- The Swedish coach previously led Vitality to 2018 World Championship
- Announcement expected soon pending confirmation of reports

Following his departure from SANDBOX Gaming, esports personality Jakob “YamatoCannon” Mebdi appears destined for Fnatic, where he’s expected to assume head coaching responsibilities for the upcoming 2021 LEC competitive season.
ESPN journalist Jacob Wolf has revealed that YamatoCannon will take over Fnatic’s coaching position in 2021, succeeding Alfonso “Mithy” Rodríguez who joined the organization in December 2019. While Mithy’s professional future remains uncertain, sources indicate he might transition to an assistant coaching role with Cloud9, contingent upon the North American organization securing Luca “Perkz” Perković through a successful buyout agreement, according to Wolf’s reporting.
What’s next for @mithygg? Insider information suggests his career path remains fluid, though one prominent scenario gaining traction involves organizational reshuffling. Should @G2esports and @Cloud9 finalize acquisition terms for @G2Perkz, Mithy could potentially join C9’s coaching staff, reuniting professionally with former teammate Perkz.
— Jacob Wolf (@JacobWolf) November 12, 2020
During the 2020 Summer Split, YamatoCannon expanded his coaching repertoire in South Korea’s LCK, guiding SANDBOX Gaming through competitive challenges. He achieved historic status as the inaugural Western coach within the prestigious LCK ecosystem, though both organization and coach mutually agreed to separate in October following a seventh-place conclusion to the 2020 LCK Summer Split.
Prior to his Korean venture, YamatoCannon dedicated over two seasons to coaching Team Vitality, culminating in qualification for the prestigious 2018 World Championship tournament. The respected Swedish strategist further enhanced his profile through regular LEC broadcast appearances, contributing analytical insights from the expert desk. His comprehensive understanding of European competitive landscapes combined with extensive professional experience positions YamatoCannon as a valuable acquisition for one of Europe’s most celebrated esports franchises.
YamatoCannon has cultivated a reputation for inspirational leadership that resonates with professional players. An established organization like Fnatic typically seeks coaching talent possessing both tactical acumen and the interpersonal skills necessary for managing elite League of Legends competitors. While YamatoCannon hasn’t previously demonstrated his capabilities within a top-tier organization comparable to Fnatic, current circumstances may present the ideal opportunity for him to showcase his coaching prowess at the highest competitive level.
For teams considering similar coaching transitions, understanding the importance of cultural fit proves crucial. Many organizations underestimate how coaching styles must align with team dynamics and player personalities. Successful coaching integrations typically involve gradual implementation of strategic systems rather than immediate wholesale changes to established playstyles.
Assuming reporting accuracy holds, YamatoCannon’s official designation as Fnatic’s new head coach could receive public confirmation in the immediate future. This coaching transition represents a significant strategic move within the European competitive landscape, potentially influencing other team decisions throughout the offseason.
The timing of such announcements often correlates with broader roster movement periods, allowing organizations to present comprehensive team restructuring plans simultaneously. Fans should monitor official Fnatic social channels for verification, as unconfirmed reports, while often accurate from established journalists like Wolf, require organizational confirmation for absolute certainty.
Action Checklist
- Monitor Fnatic’s official social media channels for coaching staff announcements
- Track Cloud9’s roster movements for potential Mithy coaching role confirmation
- Analyze YamatoCannon’s previous coaching strategies by reviewing Vitality’s 2018 VODs
- Compare Eastern and Western coaching methodologies using our Complete Guide
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