James “Mistic” Orfila promised a 2-0 win and, sure enough, thats what we got today at Masters: Reykjavík. In a quick fashion, Fnatic eliminated Version1 out of the tournament.
The series kicked off with a traditional Icebox pick from Fnatic. Given that Bind was banned, Version1 chose Ascent as second map of the series, with Haven remaining as decider.
This true clash of regions would begin with a contested first half on Icebox. The Fnatic squad was looking for a capitalize on the post-plant meta but Anthony “Vanity” Malaspina was fearless in his aggression.
Tied up at 6-6, the map was still up for grabs.
Version1 would edge ahead, excelling on the fast rounds. With 12 on the board for the North American team, Fnatic came back online. A triple from Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev would take us to overtime.
A failed recon bolt from Loic “effys” Sauvageau doomed his 1v2 retake in the first round of extra time. Up against four at map-point, he wouldn’t be able to save Version1. Fnatic secured Icebox: 14-12.
The European squad debut a new agent composition in Ascent, giving up Sova to bring Skye. Using the birds to create space for stars like Derke, Jake “Boaster” Howlett gave his team a decisive edge on their defensive side: 8-4 was the score by halftime.
Switching over to the defensive side, Version1 wouldn’t get much momentum. Boaster gave himself away to the Killjoy detain and baited the entire North American to push site right into the arms of James “Mistic” Orfila.
From there, Fnatic sprung out to a series concluding 13-6 and providing Version1 with their first non-overtime loss of the tournament.
With this victory, the Europeans continue their lower bracket run at Masters: Reykjavík. The team they will face tomorrow will be decided in the next match-up: Team Liquid-Team Vikings.
