FunPlus Phoenix has announced the departure of their VALORANT head coach, Deng “NaThanD” Senqiao, following a mutual agreement. NaThanD had been with FPX since 2022, but after nearly three years of working together, the organization has decided to part ways with the coach as it looks to take the team in a new direction. While NaThanD brought experience and a solid understanding of the game, the team struggled to achieve consistent success under his leadership.
During his tenure, FPX experienced a few highlights but ultimately failed to establish themselves as one of the top-tier teams on the international stage. Notable results include a second-place finish at the VCT 2024: China Kickoff. However, the team’s performance in major tournaments like VALORANT Champions 2024 and VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024, where they placed 13th-16th and 7th-8th, respectively, reflected ongoing challenges in competing at the highest level. Despite glimpses of promise, FPX’s inability to secure consistent results likely contributed to this decision.
As FPX prepares for the VCT 2025: China Stage 1 which begins on March 13, 2025 the organization will be searching for a new head coach to reinvigorate the roster and address performance gaps. With the competitive landscape in China growing increasingly fierce, FPX will be under pressure to identify a leader capable of pushing the team to the next level.
While NaThanD’s contributions did not translate to long-term success, FPX acknowledged his efforts and the role he played in laying a foundation for the team. The organization expressed gratitude for his commitment over the past few years and wished him success in his future endeavors. This change marks a pivotal moment for FPX as they aim to realign their goals and compete at the top level of VALORANT.
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