Fnatic third in Group C to qualify for ESL Pro League S18 playoffs

The excitement continues in the ESL Pro League S18 in what may be the last tournament in the CS:GO era since everything seems to indicate that the imminent release of CS2 is closer than ever.

In Group C action, Fnatic is the third team to qualify for the playoffs after beating Apeks in the Mid-Bracket semifinals with an excellent 2-1 score. In addition, it was an interesting series that started with a victory for Apeks on the first map. However, the Black & Orange squad completed a reverse sweep to seal their ticket to the tournament playoffs.

On the other hand, Apeks will have to play for their lives from now on in the Lower Bracket, where only 5yclone and 9z Team are still alive.

Let’s see what happened in the match between Fnatic and Apeks in Group C of the ESL Pro League S18.

Fnatic apply a reverse sweep against Apeks to qualify for the ESL Pro League S18 playoffs

Undoubtedly, we were all expecting a match full of emotions and a lot of intensity, and the teams did not disappoint. Apeks started the series extremely well by winning the first map. However, the guys from Fnatic woke up to apply a spectacular reverse sweep to seal their ticket to the tournament’s next stage.

The series took place on Vertigo, Inferno and Ancient.

Vertigo

It all started in Vertigo, Fnatic’s map pick, where Apeks started extremely strong and showing a high level of play. In the first half, Fnatic’s offense couldn’t win more than 5 rounds, which led them to start the second half with a 5-10 disadvantage. Finally, Apeks managed a resounding 16-5 victory, which made us think they were much better prepared than Fnatic.

It’s a swift opening map from @apeksgg as they take @FNATIC‘s pick of Vertigo 16-5

Inferno is coming up next!#ESLProLeague pic.twitter.com/oXIt3D9q2Q

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 16, 2023

Inferno

Then, in the second map, Inferno, things changed radically for Fnatic as they gradually woke up to the point of reaching their best level of play. In the first half, Apeks continued with their great level of play by taking a partial victory by 8-7 on their CT Side. However, at the change of sides, Fnatic’s defense was virtually impenetrable, and, after 11 rounds, they managed to take an excellent 16-10 win to even the series 1-1.

.@FNATIC tie the series against @apeksgg by winning Inferno 16-10

Which team will go to the #ESLProLeague Season 18 Playoffs? It’ll be decided on Ancient! ⚔ pic.twitter.com/mhlqp7oolW

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 16, 2023

Ancient

Finally, the teams moved to Ancient, the decider map, where we enjoyed a back-and-forth match that was full of emotions from start to finish. In the first half, Fnatic displayed a really good offense, and, thanks to that, they achieved a partial victory by 9-6.

Then, at the change of sides, the teams began to share the rounds, to the point that the match was 12-11 in favor of Fnatic. However, the Black&Orange CT Side woke up in the last rounds to lead the team to a very good 16-13 victory to seal their ticket to the playoffs.

.@FNATIC come out on top! They reverse sweep @apeksgg, claiming third place in Group C at #ESLProLeague S18!

5-16 Vertigo
16-10 Inferno
16-13 Ancient pic.twitter.com/CeVybBJTbL

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 16, 2023

Header: ESL