Tahir “Fuego” Mukhtar, popularly known as the “Shotgun King” of Free Fire, has passed away at the age of 24. A former professional esports athlete and prominent content creator for GodLike Esports, Tahir was widely respected for his technically solid gameplay and inspiring personality.
More than just a player, he was a pillar of the Free Fire community who delivered memorable performances in numerous prestigious tournaments. The tragic news began to surface on January 31, 2026, following a broadcast channel update from GodLike Esports regarding a critical situation at their Navi Mumbai bootcamp.
Shortly after, the organization officially confirmed his passing, triggering a massive wave of mourning across the Indian gaming ecosystem as fans and fellow creators honor the legacy of a true legend.
From Creator to Esports Star: The Journey of the Shotgun King
Born on January 7, 2002, Tahir began his journey on YouTube in 2020. He started by publishing gameplay montages that showcased the precise aiming skills and close-range mastery that eventually earned him his nickname. He was one of the few prominent Indian Free Fire creators at the time who played exclusively on mobile instead of PC.
This dedication made him a fan favorite among the masses, as he proved that insanely high-level play didn’t require expensive hardware, making his success feel attainable to the average player.
As the Indian esports scene began to formalize in early 2021, Tahir made the leap into professional play by joining LVL Amaterasu. The team served as a launching pad, and his noteworthy performances in competitive scrims soon caught the attention of Galaxy Racer, which later merged into Nigma Galaxy.
During this era, he played alongside icons like VasiyoCRJ and xDivine, becoming a core part of one of India’s most feared rosters. In his first A-tier tournament with Nigma Galaxy, Tahir competed in the Free Fire India Championship 2021 Fall, where the team secured a strong 6th-place finish.
They quickly followed this success with a podium finish at the Booyah Open 2021, taking 3rd place and cementing Tahir’s status as an elite athlete.
The GodLike Era and Adaptability
The Kashmir-born player eventually joined one of the most respected esports organizations in the country: GodLike Esports. His time with the squad was marked by high-stakes victories, including winning the second week of Rumble in the Jungle, where the team collected a significant $5,000 prize.
However, the trajectory of his competitive journey was forced to shift following the ban of Free Fire in India. Like many of his peers, Tahir was heavily affected by the loss of the competitive circuit, but he showed remarkable adaptability by transitioning into a full-time content creator for GodLike.
This new chapter allowed him to cultivate an even deeper connection with his audience, moving from the pressure of the stage to the interactive world of streaming.
The Legacy of Tahir Fuego
The impact of his loss is visible in the overwhelming response from the industry. In announcing the grieving news, GodLike Esports stated that their thoughts and prayers remain with his family during these difficult times.
The broader community has mirrored this sentiment, with major personalities such as 8bit Thug, Mortal, Payal Gaming, and Desi Gamer sharing their condolences and memories.
Tahir “Fuego” Mukhtar leaves behind a legacy defined by his “Short Gun King” mechanics, his pioneering role in mobile-only content, and the humble spirit that made him a beloved figure both inside and outside the bootcamp.
Game Insider stands with Tahir’s family during this difficult period.