TL;DR
- Fnatic ADC Upset withdrew from Worlds 2021 due to urgent family matters
- Former teammate Nemesis questioned the legitimacy of Fnatic’s official statement
- Community backlash escalated as Nemesis doubled down on his controversial stance
- The incident highlights the importance of professionalism in esports communications
- Nemesis faces significant reputation damage with limited formal response

Just hours before the League of Legends World Championship group stage commenced, Fnatic delivered shocking news regarding their star AD carry. The organization revealed that Elias “Upset” Lipp would immediately depart the tournament bubble due to pressing family concerns requiring his presence at home. This unexpected development created immediate strategic challenges for the European squad.
On October 10, Fnatic’s official social media channels communicated that Upset confronted an “urgent family matter” forcing his withdrawal from the competition. The team emphasized the seriousness of the situation while maintaining appropriate privacy boundaries.
Shortly following the announcement, leaked Discord conversations featuring former Fnatic mid laner Tim “Nemesis” Lipovšek began circulating across Reddit communities. In these exchanges, Nemesis openly speculated about the authenticity of Fnatic’s explanation, suggesting potential ulterior motives behind Upset’s sudden departure. This skepticism triggered immediate condemnation from fans who perceived his remarks as insensitive and unprofessional.
Nemesis, who previously competed under the Fnatic banner during the 2019-2020 seasons, referenced historical organizational conflicts to justify his skepticism. He alleged that Fnatic management had previously employed similar justification strategies for internal roster disputes. However, even within his own supporter circles, participants expressed discomfort with his dismissive attitude toward a fellow professional’s personal circumstances.

As discussion threads gained traction across gaming forums, Nemesis reinforced his controversial position despite mounting criticism. He contended that lacking concrete evidence didn’t invalidate his right to question official narratives, while simultaneously dismissing community outrage as irrational overreaction. This defensive posture further alienated former supporters and neutral observers alike.

The former professional has yet to issue any formal statement addressing the widespread disapproval. His initial attempt to trivialize the situation via Twitter backfired spectacularly, resulting in prompt deletion of the ill-advised thread. Regardless of his eventual response strategy, the damage to his community standing appears substantial and potentially lasting.
This incident underscores critical lessons about professional conduct within competitive gaming ecosystems. Public figures must recognize that their words carry significant weight, especially when discussing sensitive personal matters affecting fellow competitors. The rapid dissemination of social media commentary demands heightened sensitivity and factual verification before publication.
Professional esports organizations like Fnatic typically employ comprehensive communication protocols when addressing player absences. These measures balance transparency requirements with respect for individual privacy, particularly during emotionally charged situations. Understanding these industry standards helps contextualize why Nemesis’ remarks generated such vehement opposition.
For content creators and former professionals navigating these complex dynamics, establishing clear boundaries between personal opinion and professional commentary remains essential. This approach not only preserves relationships within the professional community but also maintains credibility with the broader fanbase that sustains the industry.
Action Checklist
- Verify facts through official channels before commenting on sensitive player situations
- Consult our Complete Guide to professional esports conduct standards
- Develop contingency communication plans for unexpected team developments
- Establish social media guidelines that separate personal opinion from professional commentary
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Nemesis sparks fan backlash over Fnatic Upset comments Former Fnatic player Nemesis faces community backlash over controversial comments about Upset's Worlds absence
