Boaster had some friendly banter in response to NAVI’s Zyppan after FNATIC bested 100 Thieves at VCT LOCK//IN.
The final matches at VCT LOCK//IN are approaching. On the last day of the Omega Bracket, NAVI toppled Leviatán and FNATIC took down 100 Thieves, leaving the two victors to meet in the semifinals. This led to some banter between NAVI's Pontus "Zyppan" Eek and FNATIC's Jake "Boaster" Howlett.
The EMEA powerhouses are no strangers, as FNATIC and the core of the former FPX roster have faced many times. They will have their first battle in the partnership era of VALORANT at VCT LOCK//IN, but Zyppan was hoping for a bout against 100 Thieves rather.
Zyppan called the potential rematch against FNATIC boring
Zyppan was not shy about NAVI's next VCT LOCK//IN matchup in a post-match press conference. After eliminating LEV, a question was directed to the team. They were asked whether they'd rather face 100 Thieves or FNATIC and how they think the match would play out. Zyppan responded with his wishes:
"I think it's going to be a close game between FNATIC and 100 Thieves. But I hope we're going to play 100 Thieves. It's boring to play FNATIC. We already beat them twice on stage, so give us 100 Thieves."
Well, wish not granted, as FNATIC swept 100 Thieves. This at least guarantees a spot for EMEA in the Grand Final when the winner of FNATIC and NAVI is decided. Still, it felt like a very confident answer on what the outcome will be without Zyppan outright saying it.
Boaster responds to the NAVI player's comments about a FNATIC match
Of course, we had to get Boaster's thoughts on the banter from Zyppan. After the match versus 100T, Esports.gg asked him to respond to the NAVI player's comments. The FNATIC IGL came back with some friendly banter of his own:
"I think it was only once, but yeah, this time we're bringing a new roster. We've got more firepower and we've got more preparation. Actually, we ain't got more preparation, but we've got more firepower. I mean, I'm ready, bring it on. Zyppan's got some fight talk.
"Leo's probably got a few words for him to say in Swedish. No? Okay, no, Leo has no words to say for him in Swedish. So yeah, Zyppan's got a little fight talk in him there. I know he goes to the gym, but we're going to have to pipe him down in the server, I feel like."
It's all fun and games of course, but what would esports be without a little bit of trash talk? It'll be interesting to see how it plays out in the semifinal series between FNATIC and NAVI, revealing if Boaster can pipe Zyppan down, or if the latter is right about it being a boring contest.
Stay tuned to Esports.gg for more esports news and head over to the VCT LOCK//IN event page for everything you need to know about the tournament.