ex-Fnatic top Adam says Upset leaving Worlds was “unjustified”

Fnatic’s 2021 World Championship campaign represented a textbook case of how quickly team cohesion can unravel under pressure. What initially appeared as isolated incidents now emerges as interconnected drama affecting multiple team members simultaneously.

AD carry Elias “Upset” Lipp’s abrupt exit just before the tournament commenced, officially attributed to an “urgent family matter,” created immediate instability. Compounding this disruption, significant social media controversy erupted involving Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau and his partner, further destabilizing team focus. Former top laner Adam “Adam” Maanane has now publicly detailed the extent of these issues through an extensive Twitlonger publication.

Professional esports teams often face internal challenges, but Fnatic’s situation demonstrates how poor communication protocols can exacerbate already difficult circumstances. Teams competing at the highest level require robust contingency planning for unexpected player absences.

In his detailed French-language statement, Adam presents a fundamentally different narrative about Upset’s Worlds departure than the official version. He characterizes the ADC’s exit as completely unjustified based on his understanding of the situation, explicitly stating his belief that no genuine family emergency existed.

Adam further contends that Upset actively pursued replacing him on the roster during the offseason, specifically targeting Barney “Alphari” Morris as his replacement. This alleged recruitment effort occurred while Adam remained under contract with Fnatic, creating what he perceived as a profound breach of trust. Despite the difficult circumstances, Adam emphasizes that his ultimate departure represented his personal decision, though he acknowledges it wasn’t his preferred outcome given his investment in the team.

Understanding team dynamics in professional gaming requires recognizing how roster decisions impact player psychology. When players feel their positions are threatened without transparent communication, team trust deteriorates rapidly. This situation illustrates why organizations must balance competitive ambitions with maintaining player confidence.

Why did Adam leave Fnatic?

Adam’s inaugural year with Fnatic following his standout performances in France’s LFL league demonstrated exceptional career progression. He rapidly established himself among the LEC’s elite top laners, with his only significant setback occurring in the finals against champion team MAD Lions. According to Adam’s reflections, the regular season performances met expectations and he maintains pride in his competitive achievements despite his youth.

The 2021 World Championship marked the definitive turning point where team relations deteriorated irreparably. Young players transitioning to top-tier organizations often face adaptation challenges beyond pure gameplay. Success in regional leagues doesn’t always translate smoothly to international competition environments.

For aspiring professional gamers, Adam’s experience highlights the importance of both performance consistency and emotional resilience. The transition from rising star to established professional involves navigating complex interpersonal dynamics that can significantly impact career trajectory.

Adam’s Twitlonger statement reveals that Upset informed teammates of his departure without providing specific reasons. Critically, Adam notes that to date, Upset hasn’t clarified the precise circumstances behind his Worlds exit, leaving lingering questions about transparency and accountability.

Adam’s perspective suggests Upset prioritized personal considerations over team commitments without demonstrable emergency justification. He explicitly states his disagreement with Upset’s decision-making process and its impact on collective goals.

Simultaneously, Adam alleges Upset specifically targeted his replacement with Alphari, who was then departing Team Liquid. Hearing rumors about Luka “Perkz” Perković and Alphari seeking team opportunities together, Adam contends Upset attempted to facilitate Alphari joining Fnatic—an action he interprets as outright betrayal following Upset’s tournament absence.

Professional teams must establish clear protocols for handling player departures and roster changes to maintain organizational stability. The timing of these alleged recruitment efforts, coming immediately after Upset’s own controversial exit, exacerbated the perceived breach of professional trust.

All allegations remain unverified as Adam released his statement merely sixty minutes after Fnatic officially announced his departure. The immediate timing suggests accumulated frustration rather than calculated media strategy, highlighting the emotional intensity of professional gaming environments.

Adam’s clear dissatisfaction with his Fnatic conclusion demonstrates how quickly player-organization relationships can deteriorate. His willingness to publicly address these issues reflects changing dynamics in esports where players feel increasingly empowered to share their perspectives.

This situation offers valuable insights for team composition strategies in competitive gaming. Understanding these interpersonal dynamics is as crucial as mastering game mechanics for long-term success.

The Fnatic-Adam separation illustrates why organizations must balance competitive aspirations with transparent player communication. Successful team management in esports requires anticipating how roster decisions impact player morale and team cohesion.

For players navigating similar situations, this case study emphasizes the importance of documented communication and understanding contractual rights. The esports industry continues evolving its professional standards, with situations like this informing best practices for professional team management and conflict resolution protocols.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » ex-Fnatic top Adam says Upset leaving Worlds was “unjustified” Uncovering the real reasons behind Adam's Fnatic departure and the team dynamics that led to his exit