EU Showdown qual #2: "Fnatic or 9ine favourites for RES Western EU Masters"
With BLAST Premier Fall Groups 2023 now well behind us, it’s almost time for the Fall Showdown.
Recently, the few remaining direct invites were dished out. FURIA and Spring Final semi-finalists Imperial were granted slots in the Americas Showdown, while ENCE were given a chance to play in the European showdown.
Now, though, it is time for the qualifiers for the European Showdown to begin, so let’s take a look at one of those qualifiers, the RES Western European Masters.
Photo: Michal KonkolRES West Europea Masters
The teams battling it out in the qualifier are BLAST.tv Paris Major quarter-finalists Into the Breach, pride of Poland 9INE, UK favourites Endpoint, the new look fnatic, the recently revamped Sprout, GenOne with a point to prove, Germany’s own ALTERNATE aTTaX, and a Looking4org that represents France’s greatest hope for a team.
With just one spot in the European Showdown to play for, we asked one of the qualifier’s casters, Dweg, for his view on who is both the favourite to qualify, and the underdog that best stands the chance to ruin their fun.
Who would you consider to be the favourites to qualify for Showdown?
It has to be 9INE and Fnatic as the favourites.
9INE had two chances to qualify to IEM Sydney and they blew both of them vs Apeks and BetBoom. This time around they have to qualify. They won the RES Western European Masters Spring event back in March, so let’s see if they can go back to back.
fnatic have played a total of one best of one and five best of three’s since adding afro and dexter to the lineup. They won some impressive games at IEM Cologne, beating 9INE 2-0 & Cloud9 2-1, and they even tested ENCE and GamerLegion. Whilst everyone might look at fnatic being the favourites, the question is, will the lack of officials together be a hindrance to them?
Who could be the surprise package?
It’s gotta be ALTERNATE aTTaX, they have been grinding hard and the results are showing. Since August they have 2-0’d Bad News Eagles, 500 & SAW while also beating Apeks 2-1 and playing 2nd in CCT Central Europe Series 7.
Photo: Michal KonkolWith fnatic and 9INE both starting the event in opposite groups, we could easily see a world in which both teams reach the final in what could be a blockbuster game for the Showdown spot.
When the time comes to see who will claim the spot, you can watch all the action here: https://www.twitch.tv/relog_en