Fnatic vs Astralis

This match-up has no business being as interesting as it is. There’s just no other way to put it. The same goes for Astralis who, in all fairness, have subverted our expectations in a myriad of ways. They’re still a bottom-tier dweller, mind you, but have nonetheless been playing some truly impressive League of Legends, so credit where credit is due. They never go down without a fight and have done more than enough to warrant our respect. They’re a feisty challenger, is what they are, and are obviously capable enough to compete at the highest of levels. They’ll rarely win, of course, but that should in no way diminish their valiant efforts.

Fnatic, however, are on a whole ‘nother level. They’re arguably the best team in Europe right now and have had some sensational performances over the last few weeks — against both good teams and bad. They’re also mighty fun to watch because of their proclivity for skirmishing. They’ll fight regardless of the odds. It also matters very little if they’re ahead of behind as they’ll trade blows with equal fervour and zest. Whether they’ll reclaim their throne still remains to be seen, but if they keep playing this well they’ll no doubt stand a shot. There’s a metric ton of experience and mechanical prowess within their line-up, and they’re also echoing a lot of what made G2 Esports so darn great way back when.

They’re not perfect, of course, but they won’t need to be against a team as flawed and limited in potential as Astralis. That doesn’t mean they’ll blow them out of the water, but they’re still favoured to get the win and, well, there’s a good reason why. They’re a cut above everyone else right now and have shown no glaring weakness throughout the first five weeks of play. If there is a kink in their armour, it has yet to show itself. Now sure, they’re a bit too reckless at times and their tendency to throw caution out the window and fight like there’s no tomorrow might come back to bite them in the future, but whenever they draft to their strengths and execute, they look nigh invincible.

So, naturally, we’re going with the former “Kings of Europe” on this one. They’ve been almost infallible thus far and have done more than enough to warrant our benefit of the doubt!