FUT Esports have extended the contract of in-game leader Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija, ending speculation over the future of one of the team’s most important players.
The 21-year-old Kosovar captain follows dem0n, dziugss and coach coolio in committing to new terms with the Turkish organization. The decision gives FUT further stability after a strong 2026 campaign that included a Grand Final appearance at the Esports World Cup and a rise to No. 6 in the world ranking.
Only AWPer cmtry now remains on his original FUT contract among the former NAVI Junior core.
FUT lock down another key player
Krabeni’s absence from FUT’s first round of contract extensions had created uncertainty around his future.
That question has now been answered.
- Krabeni has signed a new contract with FUT
- dem0n, dziugss and coolio had already renewed
- cmtry is the last former NAVI Junior member on his initial deal
- FUT currently sit sixth in the world ranking
The extension is particularly important because Krabeni is not simply another rifler in the lineup. He serves as FUT’s in-game leader and plays a major role in shaping the team’s tactical identity.
Securing Krabeni gives FUT continuity in the position that is often the hardest to replace in professional Counter-Strike.
Former NAVI Junior core remains central to FUT project
FUT built much of the current lineup around players developed within NAVI Junior.
Krabeni, dem0n, cmtry and dziugss all joined FUT from the NAVI system in August 2025, while coolio also moved into the coaching role.
That foundation has since developed into one of the most competitive young rosters in Europe.
| FUT member | Current status |
|---|---|
| Krabeni | Contract extended |
| dem0n | Contract extended |
| dziugss | Contract extended |
| coolio | Contract extended |
| cmtry | Original contract |
| xfl0ud | Joined in 2026 |
The core has now spent more than a year together, giving FUT something increasingly valuable in a scene defined by frequent roster changes: established chemistry.
Esports World Cup run changed expectations
FUT’s most important result of the summer came at the Esports World Cup.
The team produced a deep run through the tournament and reached the Grand Final before falling 1-3 to Spirit.
That result significantly raised the roster’s international profile.
Rather than being viewed purely as a developing project, FUT demonstrated that they could compete deep into elite-level events against established contenders.
- FUT reached the Esports World Cup Grand Final
- Spirit ultimately defeated them 3-1
- The run helped FUT climb to No. 6 in the world
- Krabeni’s leadership became increasingly important during the rise
The performance also made the futures of FUT’s young players more relevant on the transfer market.
Keeping the core together therefore represents an important defensive move from the organization.
xfl0ud added another calling option
FUT also strengthened the roster during the summer break by signing Yasin “xfl0ud” Koç in place of lauNX.
The move was designed in part to improve the team’s secondary calling.
That provides Krabeni with additional support inside the server and potentially reduces the amount of tactical responsibility placed solely on the IGL.
For a young captain, that structure can be important.
Krabeni remains the primary leader, but having another experienced voice available during rounds can make the team more flexible when mid-round situations become chaotic.
PGL Masters Bucharest becomes next major target
With several contracts now secured, FUT can shift attention back toward competition.
Their next major objective is PGL Masters Bucharest.
The event carries additional significance for the organization because Bucharest was the location of FUT’s first tournament victory earlier in 2026.
Returning with a stronger international reputation creates different expectations.
FUT are no longer approaching top-level events purely as outsiders. Their Esports World Cup run and current world ranking mean opponents will increasingly prepare for them as a genuine threat.
Krabeni remains one of FUT’s most valuable assets
Krabeni’s individual numbers do not tell the entire story of his importance.
Over the last three months, he has posted a Rating 3.0 of around 1.01 across 51 maps. Those statistics are relatively modest compared with the team’s star riflers, but that is common for players carrying the additional burden of in-game leadership.
His primary value lies in structure, preparation and decision-making.
At only 21 years old, he also remains unusually young for an IGL already leading a top-six international roster.
That combination makes his contract extension strategically important for FUT.
Assessment
Extending Krabeni is one of the most logical moves FUT could make after their recent rise.
The organization has built its success around a young core rather than constantly replacing players, and keeping the captain preserves the tactical foundation that helped the roster reach the Esports World Cup final.
The wider contract strategy also suggests FUT want stability rather than a major offseason rebuild.
With dem0n, dziugss, coolio and now Krabeni secured, only cmtry remains on his original deal from the former NAVI Junior group.
FUT still need to prove that their recent results can become consistent rather than temporary. Reaching one major Grand Final is different from remaining among the world’s elite throughout an entire season.
Keeping Krabeni gives them a better chance to find out.
