Fnatic parts ways with top laner Empyros, and it’s a reminder that esports orgs still can’t quit crypto money
The League of Legends roster shake-up is pure esports drama, but Fnatic's $15 million Crypto.com deal looms in the background of every business decision the org makes.
Fnatic, one of the most storied names in European esports, has benched top laner Panagiotis “Empyros” Tantis after roughly six months with the organization. The move, confirmed on June 2, 2026, comes ahead of the LEC Summer Split.
Fnatic signed a multi-year partnership with Crypto.com back in September 2021 worth over $15 million. That deal included jersey branding and fan engagement initiatives.
What happened with Empyros
Empyros joined Fnatic on December 15, 2025, arriving from Gentle Mates where he’d spent a productive 11 months. The signing was part of a broader roster refresh that also brought in teammate Vladi.
Six months later, the 22-year-old Greek player (born April 1, 2004) is out, despite holding a contract that reportedly doesn’t expire until November 15, 2027.
Empyros competed under the name “Jaxplank” while playing for Riddle Esports back in 2022 before eventually landing at Gentle Mates and then Fnatic.
Fnatic hasn’t publicly named a replacement ahead of the Summer Split.
The crypto money pipeline that funds these decisions
The Crypto.com partnership, valued at over $15 million, was announced in September 2021 and included jersey branding and fan engagement initiatives. It was part of a broader wave: FTX sponsored TSM, Coinbase partnered with ESL, and practically every major esports org had a crypto sponsor of some kind.
FTX’s collapse wiped out one of the biggest naming-rights deals in esports. Crypto.com has maintained visibility through deals with Formula 1, the UFC, and Fnatic.
The research notes there are no current crypto-related developments, assets, or tokens associated with Empyros’s benching, and the Crypto.com partnership has no direct relevance to this roster move.