2022 Roster Analysis: Fnatic is a top contender

After some offseason drama, Fnatic restructures its roster. The 2021 season was just not easy for fan favorite European organization Fnatic. Their spring season saw their lowest ever finish at fifth, which signalled the organization to make changes to their roster. They then transferred Oskar “Selfmade” Boderek into Team Vitality, roleswapped Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau in the middle of the season, and acquired Adam “Adam” Maanane from Karmine Corp.

While many were apprehensive about this change, Fnatic proved their strength through their play, finishing second in the summer. However, things were different at Worlds. Elias “Upset” Lipp would have to leave for personal reasons, and Louis “Bean” Schmitz had to step in. Clearly, this sudden roster change shook up the roster dynamic, and the team bombed out of their group with a 1-5 score line despite a very good game against Royal Never Give Up.

The drama surrounding Adam

Even after Worlds, several people in the community were still speculating around the reasons as to why Upset left a day before their group stage games started. The speculation was fueled even further when Adam left, where he posted a Twitlonger detailing his experiences towards the end of Fnatic’s season. He detailed the amount of turmoil and conflict they were under in the wake of Upset’s departure from Worlds. Bwipo also presented his own version of the events where he also highlighted the fact that the team was under a lot of stress.

Wunder

Soon after, though, those that had departed had to be replaced. For the top lane, Fnatic picked up former G2 superstar Martin “Wunder” Hansen, and for the jungle, the team went with Ivan Martin “Razork” Diaz. The team also acquired Marek “Humanoid” Brazda for the mid lane, with Yasin “Nisqy” Dincer still with the team, but as a substitute. Upset and Zdravets “Hylissang” Galabov still remain as the team’s bottom lane.

Wunder’s heights as a player is something that most of us already know– he was part of that G2 roster that won the 2019 Mid Season Invitational, and they went to the grand final of the 2019 World Championship. He has a vast champion pool, and while he can play carry champions, he has shown that he is also capable of serving as the team’s weak side player.

Humanoid

Humanoid is best known for his time with the MAD Lions, where he won the last two splits. Humanoid is a strong mid laner who has excellent team fight presence. He is best known for his assassin play, but his control mage play is also decent. His variety of styles would be a huge boon for any team. Razork is known for his time with Misfits Gaming, where his creative pathing and mechanics enabled him to be a standout player. With better laners around him this time, his full potential may just be unelashed.

Upset & Hylissang

Upset and Hylissang need no introduction– they were one of the best bottom lanes in the LEC in 2021, if not the best. Hylissang’s aggression is always to be respected as he sees opportunities that most players cannot. Upset as a player is strong in lane, and is an excellent team fighter. He can have resources funneled into him, but he can also play weak side for his team.

There are rather clear ways that this team could play the game, and with how these players are already known, Fnatic should be seen as a potential championship team in the LEC.