Pujan “FNS” Mehta Bids Farewell to Competitive Play

Pujan “FNS” Mehta, a distinguished in-game leader in the history of the game VALORANT, has formally retired from competitive play. At 33 years old, the Canadian veteran announced his retirement on May 9, 2025, drawing a line under an illustrious career that significantly influenced North American VALORANT from the early competitive stages of the game. FNS’s departure from the game is marked by his strategic insights, leadership, and competitive triumphs that only a handful of players have been able to achieve.

Career of FNS

FNS, born on March 19, 1992, started his professional journey in VALORANT in June 2020. He became a significant leader in the North American scene and amassed total career winnings of approximately $197,520. He emerged as one of the top in-game leaders (IGLs) in America, earning praise for his comprehensive strategic understanding and leadership, outshining raw shooting skills.

FNS’s Move to Retirement

His decision to retire had already been hinted at by him earlier in January 2025, suggesting that he planned to retire after the 2025 season. The official announcement resonated widely with the VALORANT community, leading to numerous reactions from content creators and fellow players such as SEN Tarik, who reflected on the implications of his withdrawal. The discussions on popular forums manifested mixed feelings of disappointment and acceptance due to an understanding of FNS’s workload and the fatigue from continuous competition.

Legacy and Impact of FNS

FNS’s impact on the game and the North American VALORANT community was significant. His main role as In-game Leader (IGL) for teams such as NRG during his tenure had a profound influence. Following his retirement announcement, the community reciprocated with gratitude towards his tactical capabilities and deliberations comparing his performance with other global IGLs.

Future Plans

As FNS leaves a significant void is left in the North American competitive scene, speculation about his next steps has begun. There has been conjecture regarding possibilities such as coaching, broadcasting, or analysis. Nonetheless, as of now, there has been no official word from FNS about his plans after retirement.

Looking Back at FNS’s Career

To put it in perspective, FNS’s career spanned from 2020 to 2025. He had a key tenure with NRG and has amassed career winnings of approximately $197,520. FNS’s decision to retire has indeed closed a remarkable chapter in VALORANT history, marked by his influence as an in-game leader with substantial strategic contributions. His leadership skills were widely recognized by peers and fans alike.