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FunPlus Phoenix has signed Colin “coconut” Chung from JD Gaming to serve as the team’s new in-game leader, replacing Blendi “kovaQ” Kovaci in the role. The move reshapes FPX’s competitive identity just months after kovaQ joined the organization.
JD Gaming confirmed coconut’s departure on June 26, 2026, citing mutual agreement following discussions between the player and the organization.
A quick turnaround on the IGL position
FPX brought kovaQ on board around March 12, 2026, recruiting the former Team Vitality player to anchor their VCT China Stage 1 campaign. That’s roughly three and a half months of runway before the organization decided a change was necessary.
Coconut, born April 4, 2003, had been competing with JDG through at least mid-2026. His departure from JD Gaming and immediate pickup by FPX suggests this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather a targeted acquisition.
What this means for FPX’s competitive trajectory
Pulling a player from another VCT China team means coconut already understands the regional meta, the tendencies of opposing squads, and the pace at which the Chinese Valorant scene evolves.
For JDG, losing their IGL creates its own set of challenges. The organization will need to identify a replacement or restructure its existing roster around a new calling structure.
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