Fnatic, one of the biggest names in esports, has hinted at expanding into Marvel Rivals esports, following in the footsteps of other major organizations. The UK-based powerhouse teased its potential entry with a social media post, stirring excitement within the competitive gaming community ahead of the upcoming Marvel Rivals Championship.
Social Media Sparks Speculation
On February 26th, 2025, Fnatic took to social media to drop a cryptic teaser. The post featured an image of The Thing, a character from Marvel’s Fantastic Four, wearing a Fnatic-branded jersey. This teaser coincides with the character’s arrival in Marvel Rivals as part of the Season 1.5 update, which launched on February 21st.
While Fnatic has not officially confirmed its involvement in Marvel Rivals esports, the post strongly suggests that the organization is preparing to field a team for the game’s upcoming competitive circuit. Given its history of entering new esports titles, the speculation surrounding Fnatic’s move into Marvel Rivals continues to gain traction.
A Logical Expansion for Fnatic
Fnatic’s potential move into Marvel Rivals would be a natural fit for the organization. The team has prior experience in the hero shooter genre, currently competing in Overwatch 2’s Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS). With the growing interest in Marvel Rivals as an emerging esport, it would make strategic sense for Fnatic to establish its presence early in the game’s competitive terrain.
Marvel Rivals (image via Getty)Fnatic is already a globally recognized brand with a strong presence across multiple esports titles. In 2025, the organization competed in six different games, including Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Call of Duty. Its track record of adapting to new games and succeeding in various competitive formats makes it well-positioned to take on the challenges of a new hero shooter like Marvel Rivals.
Following a Familiar Pattern
Fnatic is not the first esports organization to drop hints before making an official entry into Marvel Rivals esports. Earlier this month, the North American team Sentinels took a similar approach, posting cryptic teasers before officially announcing its participation. Virtus.pro, another major esports team, has also confirmed its involvement, with a roster already in place for the upcoming tournament.
This pattern of teasers and gradual confirmations is a common strategy among esports organizations. By building hype and engaging their fanbase, teams can gauge interest before making an official announcement. Fnatic’s teaser has already sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry insiders, adding to the anticipation surrounding the game’s competitive future.
Marvel Rivals: The Next Big Esports Title?
Hero shooters have long been a staple of competitive gaming, and Marvel Rivals has the potential to become the next major title in the genre. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and a roster filled with iconic Marvel characters, the game has already captured the attention of the esports community.
The upcoming Marvel Rivals Championship is set to kick off on March 8th, 2025, marking the official start of the game’s esports journey. Titled Eternal Night Falls, the tournament will feature players from four regions competing across PC and console for a share of the $14,500 (~£11,456) prize pool. As more organizations express interest in the game, its competitive scene is expected to grow rapidly.
Marvel Rivals (image via Getty)A Promising Future with Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding Marvel Rivals, the game’s development has faced some setbacks. NetEase Games, the developer behind the title, recently laid off a number of North American developers working on the project. This decision came despite the game’s impressive milestone of surpassing 20 million downloads within just three months of release.
While these layoffs have raised concerns about the long-term support for Marvel Rivals, the game’s esports potential remains strong. The growing interest from top-tier organizations like Fnatic suggests that there is significant demand for a structured competitive scene. If NetEase continues to invest in the game’s esports ecosystem, Marvel Rivals could establish itself as a major player in the industry.
Will Fnatic Make It Official?
Fnatic’s teaser has left fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement regarding its entry into Marvel Rivals esports. While the organization has yet to confirm its participation, the growing trend of esports teams joining the game suggests that it’s only a matter of time before Fnatic makes its move.
As the Marvel Rivals Championship approaches, the competitive terrain of the game is beginning to take shape. With established organizations showing interest and an inaugural tournament on the horizon, Marvel Rivals could be on the verge of becoming the next big title in the esports world.
Fnatic’s potential involvement would only add to the legitimacy of the game’s competitive aspirations. Whether or not the organization ultimately commits to Marvel Rivals, its teaser has already fueled excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling new chapter in esports.
