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Fnatic @ TI6
NEWS

The International 6 Match Preview - Fnatic vs MVP Phoenix

Aug 122016

Fnatic are on fire. The SEA Champions have astounded fans and critics alike with their phenomenal run thus far. After faltering in group stages, Fnatic have exceeded all expectations with their incredible results. Mushi and his team of Malaysian and Filipino all stars have worked their way through Europe’s top talent, having won 3 straight sets without dropping a single game, all while having the threat of elimination hanging over their heads. The latest to fall before this seemingly unstoppable force were recent European champions, and tournament favorites, Team Liquid.


From the get go of game 1, things looked good for Fnatic. Mushi drafted an aggression friendly lineup, with multiple opportunities to initiate onto Liquid. Ohaiyo and 343 utilized this to a great degree, rotating around the map to continually gank Liquid heroes and engage in 2 or 3 man skirmishes. With the momentum firmly in their favor after a strong early game, Fnatic switched to a more objective oriented style of play, cementing their lead in not just kills, but in map positioning and control. Liquid quickly tapped out after realizing that their base had been broken, while Fnatic still had a full ring of Tier 2 towers.

Fnatic Dota 2 at The International 2016
The second game could have started in a more different manner. Liquid’s draft was more equipped for aggressive laning and strong rotations. Fnatic were initially caught off guard and dropped behind, as far as an 18 kill deficit. However, like their Monster Energy brethren EG, Fnatic stayed calm under pressure. MidOne and Ohaiyo were able to find critical initiations and kick off brilliant teamfights. Fnatic built off of the multiple four and five man wipes, and were able to swing the momentum in their favor, holding the lead for for the remaining 30 minutes of the match. Liquid eventually fell to the consistent pressure and strong teamfights, tapping out after almost an hour of play. 

Now, Fnatic find themselves paired up against a familiar opponent: MVP Phoenix. Though MVP hail from Korea, they often compete in Southeast Asian tournaments, and have met Fnatic in numerous tournament matches. This week, the Korean phenoms astounded audiences by taking out two time Major winner OG, before falling to the Lower Bracket at the hands of Wings Gaming. MVP are notorious for their incredible aggression, charging headlong into every situation, with no regard for potential repercussions. 

Fnatic will have to decide between meeting aggression with passive, reactive play or simply meeting fire with fire. Given yesterday’s performance, it may be in the best interest of Mushi and Co. to simply accept the slugfest and engage in an all out brawl on the battlefield. Fans should look forward to seeing the Malaysians utilize consistent pickoffs in the early game before transitioning into a teamfight heavy rotational style, guided by 343 and Net’s roaming supports.

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