Laurențiu “lauNX” Țârlea has clarified the circumstances surrounding his exit from FUT Esports following the team’s tournament victory at PGL Bucharest 2026. In an interview with Duncan “Thorin” Shields, the 21-year-old Romanian rifler stated that he voluntarily benched himself due to management disagreements and health complications rather than being removed from the active roster.
Financial anxieties and management differences
While public perception assumed lauNX was removed to make room for alternative signings, he explained that he stepped down due to unresolved issues with how the team was managed behind the scenes.
I just had some different visions with the organization, the way they were handling some aspects of the team, the way they were handling us sometimes it was just not good with me,” lauNX said in the interview. “We didn’t materialize anything at all what I wanted to do or what I thought is good to do. I wanted to give inputs. I wanted to help them, and I felt like no one is listening to me basically.
The breaking point was heavily influenced by his past experiences. Having previously competed for organizations that failed to pay his salary, lauNX experienced severe anxiety when tournament prize money payouts were delayed during his tenure with FUT Esports. While he acknowledged that tournament organizers often dictate payout timelines, his past financial trauma prompted a swift exit to protect his own stability.
If you’ve been cheated once, I think you know when to leave the next time,” lauNX stated. “I’ve been screwed once financially by a team, and I’m not risking it for a second one. And that’s the reality of it.
Health complications at IEM Atlanta 2026
The mental strain translated directly into physical health complications. Prior to the team’s appearance in North America, lauNX was diagnosed with an ulcer. Despite medical advice to stay home, he traveled to the event but suffered from severe sickness throughout the trip, leading to poor individual performances on the server.
Following the early exit, lauNX informed his agent after IEM Atlanta 2026 that his mind was set on leaving the organization. He finished the season with the roster but acknowledged that his mental state prevented him from performing at a tier one standard during those final months.
Missed opportunities and praising the next generation
During the off-season, lauNX received interest from several top 20 organizations. He confirmed mutual interest with BC.Game, though the organization ultimately signed a different player due to existing relationships and role alignment. A subsequent opportunity with a team attending the Esports World Cup fell through after lauNX suffered a severe dog bite to his hand. The injury currently limits his daily practice time.
Despite his grievances with the FUT Esports management, lauNX maintains a strong belief in his former teammates. He predicted high career trajectories for the young core, singling out Džiugas “dziugss” Steponavičius and Dmytro “dem0n” Myroshnychenko as potential future stars.
I’ve never seen someone work this much as him,” lauNX said regarding dziugss. He added that dem0n possesses high mechanical skill, noting that the young Ukrainian player simply needs to build confidence and experience to reach his full potential.
The Romanian player remains focused on rehabilitating his hand injury and maintaining his individual form until a suitable competitive offer materializes.
