A bittersweet ending for Fnatic as they take one final dance through their very last tournament at the BTS Pro Series Season 14.
On February 10, Fnatic announced the disbandment of their Dota 2 team. The BTS Pro Series Season 14 South-East Asia, which occurred on the same day of their announcement, is Fnatic's last dance before they ride off into the sunset--and it has been nothing short of surreal.
Things did not turn out so well for Fnatic at the start of the tournament. They immediately dropped to the lower bracket after losing 1-2 to XERXIA. However, in an incredible turnaround, Fnatic swept the floor and 2-0ed every single team that stood in their way.
The blackout in Angeles
Fnatic made it to the grand finals and only had to beat Talon Esports to go out with a bang. Sadly, reality was not that kind. After dropping the first game to Talon, a blackout occurred in Angeles, Philippines where Jaunuel "Jaunuel" Arcilla was playing from. In hopes of getting the power back on, Fnatic decided to wait and incur a draft time penalty.
Unfortunately, the power never came back and they ended up enlisting Execration pos 5 player Juan "BDz" Manalo as substitute. Such a sudden change might have an effect on the team's chemistry because Fnatic was completely smashed in a swift 16-minute game two.
Yet, Jaunuel was not able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the blackout continued. As BDz was only able to stand-in for one game, Fnatic had to find another substitute. Enter Execration's coach, Park "March" Tae-won. However, it was nothing new under the sun--or darkness in this case. Fnatic went on to lose game three within 24 minutes with a final score of 5-32.
When one door closes, another will surely open
Fnatic might not have the Cinderella ending they wanted, but they were definitely proud in what they were able to achieve at their final tournament. For now, the curtains are officially closed on their Dota 2 stage and the boys are awaiting for the dawn of their new era. Fnatic's team director Paolo "KTM" Bago said in a TwitLonger that he will help the players find their next steps whether they will stay as a team under a new banner or go their separate ways to join other teams. More information will be coming soon.
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