FunPlus Phoenix sign ex-Vitality KovaQ
KovaQ arrives in China and immediately joins FPX’s active lineup as the team’s new in-game leader.
CHINA – FunPlus Phoenix have announced the signing of former Team Vitality player Blendi “KovaQ” Kovaci. The Swiss player has already arrived in China and made his debut for the team in CN Evolution Series Act 1, helping FPX secure an opening-match win over Nova Esports.
KovaQ’s arrival as the team’s new in-game leader also means FPX will have to decide on their lone import slot between him and Natchaphon “sScary” Matarat, who has been rumored to be on his way out, at least from the active roster.
“I joined FPX because LEGIJA messaged me. He had a lot of interest in me and put a lot of trust in me to help the team and lead the team in the league. When I [first] came here, everyone was nice, management and the team. It was very nice, the people were nice, and I enjoyed every second of being here. At the moment, I’m the in-game leader. So I’m trying to add all my ideas, try my styles, work with LEGIJA on this stuff, and help the team [...]”
KovaQ is best known for his brief stint with Team Vitality, where he competed in VCT EMEA Stage 2 last year. During that run, he played as a flex across all four agent roles, totaling eight different agents. Vitality finished the group stage with a 2-3 record, picking up wins over FUT Esports and Gentle Mates, while falling to GIANTX, Team Heretics, and BBL Esports.
After his short spell with Vitality came to an end, KovaQ joined CGN Esports for Challengers DACH Evolution Stage 1, where he posted a 1.11 rating in the main event while playing Initiator. He was also a longtime member of German organization ALTERNATE aTTaX from 2023 to 2025.
Toward the end of 2025, FPX signed Natchaphon “sScary” Matarat and Ou “Setrod” Tai-keng as new additions for the 2026 season. The move initially paid off during the honeymoon period, as the team won CN Evolution Series Epilogue and impressed at the VALORANT Radiant International Invitational, where they finished third behind an outstanding showing from Qu “Life” Donghao.
However, once Kickoff arrived, FunPlus Phoenix were unable to carry over that OFF//SEASON momentum, exiting the event without a single win after losses to TYLOO, Bilibili Gaming, and JDG Esports.
FPX are now using CN Evolution Series Act 1 as official match practice ahead of Stage 1, where they are set for rematches against all three of those teams after being drawn into the same group, alongside All Gamers and Titan Esports Club.
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Cover photo courtesy of Michal Konkol/Riot Games