He is often called the "perfect" VALORANT player. Leo Jannesson, the Swedish powerhouse for Fnatic, has a reputation for being remarkably consistent, even when he's battling health issues that would sideline most mortals. When you watch him play, you notice a level of precision that feels almost robotic. This leads everyone to the same rabbit hole: what settings is he using to click heads like that? Specifically, does FNC Leo use stretched resolution to get an edge on his opponents?
The Truth About Leo's Resolution Settings
If you are looking for a simple yes or no, the answer is slightly more nuanced than a quick tweet would suggest. As of early 2026, FNC Leo does use a non-native resolution, but it might not be the "true stretch" you're thinking of. For most of his professional career, including his legendary runs at VCT LOCK//IN and Masters Tokyo, Leo has primarily used 1280x1024.
Wait. 1280x1024? That isn't a standard 16:9 ratio. It’s a 5:4 aspect ratio.
When you plug this into VALORANT, you have two choices: Letterbox or Fill. Most professional players who use 1280x1024, including Leo, typically set the "Aspect Ratio Method" to Letterbox.
In VALORANT, unlike Counter-Strike, changing your resolution to a 4:3 or 5:4 ratio and using "Fill" doesn't actually make the enemy player models wider. Riot Games designed the engine specifically to prevent this. It stretches the HUD—your map, your health bar, and your abilities—but the actual game world and the enemies stay the same size.
So, why does he do it?
Why Pros Like Leo Stick to 1280x1024
It’s mostly muscle memory. A lot of these guys grew up on CS:GO where stretching the resolution actually made heads look like watermelons. When they moved to VALORANT, the "feel" of a lower resolution just felt more natural.
- FPS Boost: Even on high-end rigs provided at VCT events, lower resolutions ensure that frames stay pinned at 400+ without a single dip during a chaotic Viper ult.
- Focus: A stretched HUD can actually bring the minimap and ammo count closer to the center of your vision.
- The "Feel" Factor: There is an intangible quality to how mouse movement feels on a lower resolution. It's placebo for some, but for a Tier 1 pro, if it feels "crisp," they aren't changing it.
Does FNC Leo Use Stretched for Better Aim?
There is a massive debate in the community about "True Stretch." This involves a workaround using monitor settings or third-party software to force the game world to actually widen. Does FNC Leo use stretched in this specific, game-altering way?
Honestly, no.
Leo is a purist. He relies on a 0.41 sensitivity at 400 DPI, which gives him an eDPI of 164. That is incredibly low. Most players would need a mousepad the size of a dinner table to hit a 180-degree turn with those settings. Because his sensitivity is so low, he doesn't need the visual crutch of widened player models. His crosshair placement is so disciplined that the "size" of the enemy doesn't matter; they are usually walking right into his reticle anyway.
He plays on a ZOWIE XL2566K, which is the gold standard for esports. This monitor handles the 1280x1024 resolution beautifully, maintaining a 360Hz refresh rate that makes every movement Leo makes look fluid, even if the resolution itself looks "blurry" to a casual observer.
Breaking Down the Full Leo Setup
If you want to copy the Fnatic star, you can't just change the resolution and expect to win Masters. You've got to look at the whole kit.
Mouse and Surface
Leo currently rocks the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro. It's a lightweight, ergonomic mouse that fits his grip style. He pairs this with an Artisan Ninja FX Zero XSoft, a Japanese mousepad known for its insane control and stopping power.
The Crosshair
Leo’s crosshair is almost as famous as his Sova darts. It’s a tiny, white cross that doesn't distract from the target.
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- Color: White
- Outlines: On (1 / 1)
- Inner Lines: 1 / 1 / 1 / 2
- Outer Lines: Off
The Impact of Resolution on Performance
It is important to remember that Leo’s settings are personal. If you switch to 1280x1024 because you heard "does FNC Leo use stretched," you might actually find your game looks worse. On a standard 1080p or 1440p monitor, 1280x1024 can look fuzzy.
However, for Leo, this setup is about comfort. He has been through significant health challenges over the last year, leading to him being moved to the inactive roster temporarily while Fnatic brought in players like Crashies. Throughout his recovery and his eventual return to form, his settings have remained the one constant. In a game where the meta shifts every month, having a visual setup that feels like "home" is a massive psychological advantage.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Game
If you're thinking about following Leo's lead, don't just copy-paste his config. Try these steps instead:
- Test 5:4 Letterbox: Go into the range and set your resolution to 1280x1024 with Letterbox. See if the "cluttered" feeling of the 16:9 UI goes away.
- Monitor Your FPS: If you are playing on a mid-range PC, this resolution change could give you a 15-20% boost in frames per second. In VALORANT, frames win games.
- Adjust Your Sens: If you move to a stretched resolution (Fill), your horizontal sensitivity will feel faster even though the math hasn't changed. You might need to lower your DPI slightly to compensate for the visual speed.
- Stay Consistent: The reason Leo is so good isn't the 1280x1024 res; it's the fact that he has used it for thousands of hours. Pick a resolution and stick to it for at least a month.
Leo's choice to use a stretched-ratio resolution in a letterboxed format proves that there is no "secret" setting. It's about finding what allows you to focus 100% on the enemy's head and 0% on your settings menu. Whether he’s on the active roster or grinding his way back, those 5:4 black bars will likely be right there with him.