The new champions of the WePlay Academy League are Fnatic Rising, who have claimed the title after sweeping Spirit Academy 2-0 in the Grand Final. Fnatic is the first team to dethrone MOUZ NXT, who won all of the league’s previous seasons.
The European mix lost just one map during their playoff run, specifically in their quarterfinal match against Astralis Talent. Before advancing to the playoffs, they finished Group A with an 8-4 record at the top.
.@FNATIC Rising ARE YOUR #WAL5 CHAMPIONS!
🏆@voltcss
🏆@PeppzorCSGO
🏆@Banjo_CSGO
🏆@MazeCSGO
🏆@DEPRESHNNcs pic.twitter.com/z8HgIxZzW4— WePlay Esports #WeStandWithUkraine (@WePlay_Esports) August 14, 2022
WePlay Academy League crowns new champions
The victory of Fnatic Rising heralds a new era for the league, as the last four seasons have all been won by different teams of MOUZ NXT. This time, however, the team failed to progress through the group stage, instead finishing fifth in Group A with a score of 6-6.
The fifth edition of the WePlay Academy League saw the debut of Filip “DEPRESHN” Jarkić and coach Mikael “sheddaN” Mellström, completing the Fnatic squad as replacements for Iulian “regali” Harjău and Benjamin “cube” Stabell. Despite losing the well-rehearsed duo to the Copenhagen Flames, Fnatic Rising’s new roster proved to be even stronger. In Season 4, they only managed fourth place.
Fnatic dominated WePlay Academy Season 5
Led by Mikkel “Maze” Sparvath, the team started their group stage run with a 6-1 record, with their first loss being 16-10 to Astralis Talent. Despite another loss against Astralis Talent, 00 Prospects and later Spirit Academy, Fnatic were able to take the lead in Group A with an 8-4 scoreline and thus secure a place in the upper bracket.
Fnatic’s run through the playoffs was nearly flawless, as they managed to execute a reverse sweep against Astralis Talent, and beat 2-0 both BIG Academy and Spirit Academy along the way. The Grand Final started with a hard-fought opening map on Mirage that ended with a score of 16-14. However, the second Inferno ended with a 16-1 walkover.
.@FNATIC Rising take @Team__Spirit Academy's map pick 16-14! Onto Inferno!
📺https://t.co/arlhr3Izn5 pic.twitter.com/G1NXLE8vH8
— WePlay Esports #WeStandWithUkraine (@WePlay_Esports) August 14, 2022
The team showed some great performances and a strong team effort throughout the tournament, with each member of the roster proving they deserve their place on the team along with the title. Nonetheless, it was Peppe “Peppzor” Borak and Maze who had the most success with ratings of 1.20 and 1.18 respectively across the 19 maps played.
Here are the WePlay Academy League Season 5 final standings:
- 1st — Fnatic Rising ($45,000)
- 2nd — Spirit Academy ($20,000)
- 3rd — BIG Academy ($15,000)
- 4th — Astralis Talent ($8,000)
- 5th-6th — Young Ninjas ($4,000)
- 5th-6th —NAVI Junior ($4,000)
- 7th-8th — AND Academy ($1,500)
- 7th-8th — FURIA Academy ($1,500)
- 9th-10th — ENCE Academy ($500)
- 9th-10th — MOUZ NXT ($500)
- 11th-12th — Apeks Rebels
- 11th-12th — 00 Prospects
- 13th-14th — Eternal Fire Academy
- 13th-14th — Young Gods (withdrawn)
Header: Fnatic