Frokat
Currently Fnatic’s Andrey “BraveAF” Gorchakov recently came under fire for his personal remarks surrounding the tragic invasion of Ukraine done by the Russian Federation. BraveAF joined the organization’s VALORANT branch on January 21st. The texts in question are in no way related to Fnatic organization’s official stance on the matter.
Fnatic is one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world. With its headquarters in London, United Kingdom, the organization boasts numerous rosters from all around the world across many different titles. Famed for its international outlook, Fnatic works tirelessly on promoting esports without borders.
The texts between the Russian player and an unnamed Ukrainian girl were leaked by WePlay’s media talent, @yxo7. The messages date to the beginning of the invasion on February 24th. In them, the player gallantly asks whether the Ukrainian girl is alright and then proceeds to go on a rant about Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine’s “unity” which is denied by the “West” and urges Ukrainians to “surrender as soon as possible” while denying the fact that this is a “full-scale war”.
Please @PlayVALORANT @FNATIC @cArn @ValorantEsports pic.twitter.com/Wg6iuglkvE
— yXo (@yxo7) March 30, 2022
As the original text is in Russian, yXo also provides a translation down in the comments. It is accurate.
As the situation is unfolding, Fnatic replies with a lightning-fast stance on the matter. Effective immediately, BraveAF is suspended indefinitely as an investigation is underway. In fact, Fnatic’s response was so quick that it took some fans to catch up to what’s been going on, leaving them understandably confused and frustrated about the seemingly sudden change.
An update regarding BraveAF. pic.twitter.com/7OxrT7mJ2C
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) March 30, 2022
The player in question then posted an explanation for his original statement, saying that his stance is explained by his desire to minimize deaths and ensure peace. Also, the player admits that his stance may have been clouded by the initial shock of the invasion as well as Russia’s official propaganda regarding the subject.
About current situation… these screenshots are from direct messages of me and Ukrainian girl. We had a little chat before 24th of feb and I wrote her in the morning of 24th feb to know if she’s alright. By that time nobody knew what’s going on and I just wrote my initial…
— FNATIC braveaf (@braveaff) March 30, 2022
While a desire to minimize suffering is indeed a noble one, it doesn’t explain the player’s words about the unity between the aggressor and their victim. Still, it’s important to give everyone a fair shot at explaining themselves. As the situation unfolds, we’ll probably see updates regarding its conclusion. Fair to say so far things are looking grim for braveAF.