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00:00NRG know that their backs are against the walls, but these underdogs from the Americas regions are looking to climb to the top of the mountain.
00:08And for Fnatic, it's an opportunity to cement their legacy.
00:11Let's go ahead and get ready for this Grand Finals as we have our Agent Select here.
00:16And now we start to see things come through. I don't expect we're going to get much in the way of changes here.
00:21Achilles, what do you make of this?
00:23I mean, yeah, I think it's going to be so excited for the sign of NRG. Why change what has been working so well?
00:27You look like the best team in the world on this map, so just keep running the same thing.
00:32And for Fnatic's sake, they just don't really have the time to make pivots.
00:35They've been playing back to back to back, now here into the Grand Finals.
00:39So, I think that we're not going to be seeing too many alterations to the comps as we go through this series.
00:44No, absolutely. Watch out, it's Corrode. Please, attention to mid.
00:48We saw it yesterday with Fnatic, the way the boistering crashes worked the map.
00:52Constantly, NRG should be expecting that.
00:55And for me, GB, this is simple. It's going to be Kayak, it's going to be Mana.
00:58Two of their absolute best agents that have defined this tournament for them.
01:02Those young men have been one of the biggest reasons their two teams are here.
01:06It has been a journey for both of these squads.
01:09They are one step closer from becoming our next world champion.
01:16The pressure is on. Eyes on the stage because everyone knows what is at stake here.
01:23The stage has been set and we have two of the greatest of all time to ever tell this tale.
01:29Here is Pansy and Hypoch.
01:32It is an absolute honour to be standing here in front of what could be some of the best fucking Valorant we've seen in a minute, Mike.
01:43What storyline speaks to you now? Because you've got the new guard coming in.
01:47You've got the old guard hunting that final accolade. Where? Where do we go?
01:52Where do you start? This would be the final page in Fnatic's storied existence in Valorant.
01:58The one they've chased. Again, been so close so many times.
02:02But on the other side, NRG. Another just a run made of dreams.
02:08Now, what will be the culmination for them? I mean, these two teams have had so, so much pressure throughout this event.
02:15NRG seemingly cruising under that pressure and already toppling Fnatic.
02:21But it wouldn't be a very good book nor a very good story if it was all easy.
02:29Fnatic walk into this already facing NRG once and falling.
02:33But a grand finals is a different affair.
02:35Of course, on the other side, a hungry upstart still joined by that last standing evil genius.
02:42And now we'll be focused on this. NRG on the defence, Fnatic on the attack.
02:47Slight probe towards mid initially, but Fnatic very quickly regroup outside A here.
02:53Potentially looking to overwhelm SOM. Odin is paranoia right now, so we'll be able to slow this down.
02:59Actually, we'll send it pretty early actually. Fnatic will make it through the choke.
03:05I quite like that they've brought enough time though for Marder to get close by, and I'm a little scared that Marder's right here.
03:11Tries to instigate something that loses his life.
03:13Fnatic scores well.
03:15And now the four falls. Fnatic making the crowd roar in round one.
03:22But Brok and Scuba got something to say. That's a sharp. A sharp reminder.
03:27These are no pushovers.
03:29Scuba's got a lot of work to do though, to pick up this kill with mid.
03:31He's got to do it quickly as well. Alpha's still controlling.
03:34He's actually given up the angle at the wrong moment.
03:36Swords away, but he still stands, but that time will be a factor.
03:39And Alpha's no longer alone, but is that a problem?
03:41Scuba sends him head first down to hell. We've got a 3v2.
03:45Brok now. Scuba. Oh!
03:49It took a second or two, but Fnatic controlled the end of that round.
03:55You saw that threat there. You saw what we expect from the likes of NRG.
03:59Threatening on all accounts. I love what Marder went for. It didn't work out though.
04:02Yeah, and what I was so impressed with NRG, last time these two teams faced off,
04:06was their ability to really contest the mid-round.
04:09Get ahead of Fnatic's pivots, which is the trademark of their playstyle.
04:14Basically going toe-to-toe with the strongest aspect of this roster.
04:21Yeah, straight up. Okay.
04:24And now to keep this steady.
04:26Got to build here for NRG.
04:29See if they can get under their skin a little.
04:31And the one thing I want to say about NRG, especially in that last matchup,
04:34they showed no fear. And that I really, really was impressed with.
04:39You could not see the pressure at all. They looked so composed.
04:42Even in the first map where Marder was down bad.
04:45Yeah, he was. Down really bad.
04:46Rough game, but he picked himself up.
04:48Yep. Got back to it.
04:49And again, you know the result now.
04:51Now this round you've got to imagine as Fnatic, so you can see what the purchase is.
04:54You're looking at that ghost in the hands of Alpha.
04:56The only thing they're pretty willing to lose.
04:57Otherwise you'd want to keep it clean.
04:59Bud Posters in trouble.
05:00A lovely plan made from NRG.
05:02A late mid-crunch putting Kayak actually right on the chopping block.
05:05And they are hungry and out for blood.
05:07NRG showing why they're deadly, why they're dangerous.
05:11Scrappy.
05:12And now Spike heading towards the B site.
05:14There's still one here.
05:15They haven't accounted for Scuba.
05:17Hold on.
05:18Yeah, Chronicle can focus towards middle, but Scuba can still be a nuisance dealt with.
05:22Sharp shot from Alpha.
05:24Look at the HP.
05:26Alpha did take a lot of damage.
05:27These shock darts could be dangerous, but as it stands, Chronicle on guard duty.
05:31She being Marder's taking a ton of damage as well.
05:34Chronicle.
05:35He got shot down by Brock.
05:36Yeah, now you can see it.
05:37Red alert.
05:38It's ringing.
05:39Crash is going all the way around.
05:41Marder and Brock.
05:42Can you make something out of nothing?
05:44No right in this round, but making it their own so far.
05:47And there it is.
05:48A big weapon potentially there to grab to hand.
05:50This is not out of the woods just yet.
05:52Ten more seconds on the horn.
05:53A Prowler ready for Crash is if required.
05:55The position have to be giving up.
05:57And now Alpha from the back, but it's still Brock.
05:59And now Crash is 1v1.
06:01You've got to be composed on this.
06:02You've got to be keeping it cool, but Brock's still alive.
06:04Still on five.
06:05Having to deal with the horns for Crash is.
06:09Making sure Fnatic do not wane under the pressure.
06:13Big bailout from Crash is early on.
06:16Always a threat with NRG in these purchases.
06:19Able to contest.
06:20Yeah, contest mid so quickly.
06:22I mean, Kayak's put in such an awkward predicament here.
06:26But it's Brock again.
06:29Who was absolutely pivotal in the previous series.
06:36And already now up to the signature weapon for him.
06:42Yeah, I think all of us have come to know the value of this banger.
06:48But Marder instantly forced off that midline he may have wanted.
06:51His key though is...
06:53Well, I thought actually Somn nearly...
06:55Cover going up.
06:56...catching more than he bargained for.
06:57And I've got to talk about this pace with Fnatic.
06:58We'll come back to it because Somn now has to stand against potentially four coming his way.
07:02Maybe even five.
07:03And they're slipping closer.
07:04This slow tempered approach from Fnatic looks like it's scrapped.
07:07And Marder's walking.
07:08Oh my god.
07:09Marder!
07:10There he is!
07:11A little messy on the first, but cleans up on the follow-ups.
07:14Even sending...
07:15Chronicle packing.
07:16Huge damage again from Rourke.
07:18You see Chronicle tag down to...
07:19Marder!
07:20What?
07:21It's so sick!
07:22He found Kayak!
07:23That flank could have dismantled this.
07:25But Marder on three.
07:27And two more targets.
07:28Chronicle already low.
07:30We've seen what it's like when Marder wasn't firing on all cylinders.
07:33This could be the spin-up here.
07:35And a swift reminder of that Odin as well.
07:38Marder, big star.
07:39And Brawk doing damage with that Odin.
07:41The concern being Fnatic just didn't have a response to this on Ascent the other day.
07:46Yeah.
07:47Just very little in the form of dealing with Brawk.
07:50Or even anticipating where he was going to apply pressure.
07:55But Marder, huge impact from him in round three.
08:01We have another purchase here from Fnatic but...
08:04We're off of an early ult as well.
08:06Yeah.
08:07I'm just seeing what they were going to say.
08:09Oh, Crash is actually looking to go toe-to-toe with Brawk.
08:13Maybe try and spam off some of these angles.
08:16Recovering it.
08:20Early pressure towards mid here but...
08:22Fnatic just sitting very deep now.
08:24Conscious of the fact that...
08:27There isn't much safety until they figure out where Brawk's playing.
08:30Yeah, it's almost like identify the operator, right?
08:33Yeah, basically the same concept.
08:36So they've shown the Aldrone over towards his B side.
08:39That will be seen and heard and dealt with by Kron.
08:41But Hunter's Fury, Kron's in trouble.
08:44Able to evade the first.
08:45The follow up a little bit dangerous but he's fine actually making a way.
08:48I think just catching Boaster was the end of that.
08:53Not much in the form of pressure here from the side of Fnatic.
08:56Still committed to this early default.
08:58Regrouping towards middle on the start potentially?
09:01Yeah, I mean Brawk's going to have it back now.
09:05This will be another indicator in favour of Fnatic if they can mitigate some of this risk
09:11ahead of getting towards the site.
09:14Yeah, but I wouldn't fancy my odds against him.
09:17No.
09:19Slow and steady, they're approaching.
09:2030 seconds now.
09:21Again, a very clear shift in pace.
09:24He'll pop flash middle.
09:25Ethan, ready.
09:26But they're already going past Brawk.
09:27Actually this time Crash is going to try and control the angle.
09:30Spam's away.
09:31Little bit of chip though.
09:32Look at Boaster.
09:33Look at Kayak.
09:34They're not sitting too well.
09:35And this plan falls short for Fnatic.
09:37Alpha going to find one on Root.
09:39But Ethan, as I said, control this so well.
09:43Leaving just out for a 1v2.
09:45Six seconds.
09:46Not enough to change the outcome now.
09:48He's the last man on the site.
09:51He can play him like a fiddle.
09:52Comfortable for NRG.
09:53Fnatic's plans of finding that Odin didn't quite land.
09:58Absolutely, yeah.
09:59You can see almost the adjustment here to actually figure out and make a decision.
10:02But it just doesn't come fast enough in Myers.
10:04Not enough pressure over on the extremity.
10:06That Brawk's then drifted away from to redart mid.
10:11It's where NRG really, really stood out.
10:14It was the mid-round.
10:15The repositioning from Brawk.
10:17And Ethan able to orchestrate that.
10:21So effectively.
10:23Just taking a breather here.
10:26Of the technical variety.
10:28Sorry.
10:30Wouldn't have it any other way.
10:32Nah, man.
10:33Obviously.
10:34I do believe it was just a lot of speed.
10:37Hopefully that gets fixed up nice and quickly.
10:39Obviously you don't want anything going astray.
10:41But we can kind of recap the first couple of rounds.
10:43Yeah.
10:44Just to come back to that same discussion.
10:45Because I know you and I were talking.
10:46In terms of anteing Fnatic.
10:48They're very one-dimensional.
10:49They're very linear in approach.
10:51And quite often we talk about teams not really being able to go blow for blow with Fnatic
10:56when they're in form.
10:57NRG didn't even entertain that.
10:59They allowed Fnatic to sit back, wait and wait and wait.
11:02And you could see certain elements of frustration.
11:05Certain elements of confusion.
11:07Almost how they approached this issue that they had no go-to plan to address.
11:13And like I said there were so many times where Marder would fall.
11:15And there was no trade coming through.
11:17But ultimately Fnatic couldn't convert it to a second kill.
11:19Or control somewhere else on the map.
11:21So in that regard.
11:23Really.
11:24Playing from a disadvantage versus a team like Fnatic.
11:26Not allowing them to actually snowball through some of these rounds.
11:30Was why NRG were able to remain so composed.
11:33And so in control of Ascent.
11:34And that's where my curiosity peaks though.
11:37Is how far that then goes into this veto.
11:39Can they apply that same theory across the maps?
11:42Well here's the concern because you start on Corridor and Lotus.
11:45Which are two teams that you would need a robust plan in place.
11:49Certainly would.
11:51I like what we're seeing as it stands.
11:55It does seem as though the tech force is concluded.
12:00Jumping back into game in just a moment.
12:01I recognise them.
12:02A lot of the big names here for a big game.
12:15Really blame them.
12:20Just a couple more seconds as the players get themselves comfortable.
12:23Obviously again just want to get everything right here.
12:26Don't want any excuses.
12:28As coming back through though.
12:30It should be a fairly light purchase for Fnatic.
12:33Just that Guardian in hand for Crashies I think.
12:36And you're looking at the Sheriff's.
12:38Actually going to switch out looking like for a Stinger.
12:40So back into the action.
12:42Two apiece here.
12:43NRG already showing that resilience.
12:46That ability to handle Fnatic's approach.
12:49And Fnatic yet to really make much of a stand to it.
12:53I like the tempo shifts we've seen from Fnatic too.
12:56Couple different looks of pace.
12:59Marder.
13:00We'll be a bit careful.
13:03There's already contact made as Kron.
13:06Testing scuba.
13:07Bit of a trick done here early.
13:09There's now looking at the reaction here.
13:12Fnatic have fought for middle.
13:13Seems as though they've won it.
13:15And to see what develops coming out of that.
13:18It's now Fnatic looking to potentially find another pressure point here.
13:26But NRG playing very far back here.
13:30Happy to concede the space.
13:31There's anyone in there.
13:32Clone will obviously be dealt with here.
13:34So I'm looking to spam onto this angle.
13:36A kayak will be noted.
13:37Nice little angle there for Marder.
13:38Safety insured.
13:3930 seconds left.
13:40Approach on B though.
13:41Ethan already kind of feeling that this is the final goal for them.
13:43Nice stall as well.
13:44Just buying time for those rotations.
13:45You can see the waylay.
13:46Marder just getting on close.
13:47The only real threat.
13:48I guess you could argue.
13:49Maybe crashies.
13:50But you're looking at these positionings and the timing Mike.
13:51It's only 10 seconds.
13:52Yeah.
13:53I think Fnatic not really finding anything they could pin their hopes to here.
13:56Scuba.
13:57Trying to clean up something here.
13:58Time.
13:59Pretty good.
14:00Time.
14:01Pretty good.
14:02Time.
14:03Pretty good.
14:04Time.
14:05Pretty good.
14:06Yeah.
14:07I think Fnatic not really finding anything they could pin their hopes to here.
14:12Scuba.
14:13Trying to clean up something here.
14:15Time.
14:16Time.
14:17Pretty close to the plant but I think it's in.
14:18Yeah.
14:19Okay.
14:20Sheriff.
14:21Boaster and Chronicle with a ghost.
14:23Four alive against them.
14:25Chronicle's found Scuba.
14:26And it could be the chip on Ethan.
14:28There's no way.
14:29Surely.
14:30Right?
14:31Yeah.
14:32Okay.
14:33Boaster's fallen.
14:34This is looking like NRG.
14:35Yeah.
14:36Perfect in the end.
14:37Making sure they're crossing the T's and dotting the I's.
14:38Again.
14:39This is a big stage.
14:40Can't stress it enough.
14:41You want to be making sure you're not making silly mistakes here.
14:43Keep the boys calm for NRG.
14:45On that same.
14:46Same hymn sheet.
14:47Yeah.
14:48That composure on display once more.
14:50For NRG.
14:52And there was certainly threat there.
14:55This will be a time out of a different variety.
15:00Yeah.
15:01Don't panic just yet.
15:02But.
15:03Early for Fnatic to check in.
15:05In terms of I guess initially the game.
15:07And one of the things that really stood out to me the other day was.
15:09Was catching one of the coach reactions from Scott and Milan.
15:11Where they were basically boys.
15:13What are we doing?
15:14What are we doing?
15:15And.
15:16I think.
15:17A stark reminder that.
15:18The game plan.
15:19Wasn't quite there.
15:20And I don't want to say that they underestimated NRG.
15:22No.
15:23But.
15:24They were certainly caught off guard.
15:25Which is something.
15:26We rarely discuss with Fnatic.
15:27And I don't think it's even just necessarily being caught off guard.
15:29There's probably that emotional side of it.
15:30Absolutely.
15:31But I do think NRG so far have displayed the best.
15:34Plan.
15:35Of handling Fnatic.
15:36And I want to put that credit to Ethan.
15:38To the coaching staff.
15:39For knowing how to approach this in the correct manner.
15:41This is Monkar's bread and butter right?
15:43Yes.
15:44Yes.
15:45And we saw it clear as day on Ascent.
15:46But we're seeing it.
15:47Pretty much hit since those weapons came out round three.
15:50It's been a one-sided affair now.
15:52Fnatic.
15:53If you've got a plan in mind.
15:55Don't let these first couple of rounds.
15:57Couple of maps get away from you.
15:58No.
15:59And the point never came where I felt as if Fnatic went towards set strats.
16:03Set pieces to even just take space away.
16:06Not necessarily full on sight execs.
16:08But they were just so scared.
16:10Yeah.
16:11Yeah.
16:12Again, of Brock's presence.
16:14Just his presence on the map.
16:16And you can see why though.
16:17Sitting on eight to three.
16:18So early here.
16:20Well, halfway to the ult again.
16:22Feels endless.
16:23And it feels like you get away from Brock.
16:24But then you've got Ethan Backbone on the site.
16:26You've got Sob holding Greylight.
16:28Everyone's doing their job so far.
16:30So work cut out for Fnatic.
16:32What is the answer?
16:33Ults to play with by in hand.
16:35You've got to show me something now.
16:39I like that from Marder.
16:40Yeah.
16:41Potentially to be tested once more.
16:42Chronicle.
16:44We'll be facing off potentially against Marder.
16:47We have a very, very deep sight line here.
16:50And it was Brock actually showing the Odin early.
16:52Almost baiting Fnatic in.
16:57Ultimates available here for Fnatic.
16:59Both to Alpha and Crashies.
17:00All have theirs.
17:02Careful here.
17:03Other side of Ethan and Marder.
17:06Kayak actually catching a little bit of damage here in mid.
17:11Again minute mark here.
17:12And no real inroads towards any other player on the side of NRG.
17:18Scuba's over towards A.
17:19Still got some there.
17:20Still got the paranoia.
17:21I've got to say they're very frugal in dealing with a little early hook.
17:24Yeah, absolutely.
17:25I like that from NRG as well.
17:26Keeping control of it.
17:27Not overspending utility.
17:30And the stall's good.
17:31The crashes with the ult could allow for a push towards site.
17:34Does it connect?
17:35Only ult one.
17:36And a little TP taken to maybe ult set the expectation.
17:39Plant gonna come in.
17:40Layers on the ult's down.
17:41They're investing a lot behind this.
17:42Yep.
17:43Get the spike down.
17:44But there's a full 5v5 here.
17:45Boaster has his as well.
17:47An ult command actually comes through very early on.
17:51This post plant's a bit uncomfortable though.
17:52It really is.
17:53They don't have a lot of space on it.
17:54They didn't give up that elbow control on the NRG side.
17:56So Fnatic need to ensure they don't get flanked here.
17:59Alpha is doing the best he can for it.
18:01Vermander and Sop finding that time to strike.
18:04Kayak gonna claim off on the site for the site.
18:06A swung!
18:07NRG!
18:08Right back in this.
18:10And now look Kayak.
18:11What are you meant to do?
18:12You got so many bodies to get past.
18:14And just defusing NRG!
18:17Brilliant control!
18:19Absolutely swept them off the site.
18:23Nolcomar going very early on but able to win out seemingly every single duel that occurred.
18:30Kayak has to TP on so deep away from the site.
18:33He has no way to stop anybody else from making progress.
18:37This is with Fnatic still maintaining full mid control.
18:40Yeah, Mada sends the ult through and almost rolls out the carpet.
18:44For NRG to approach.
18:47I'll take down 05.
18:49They're playing a damn good game Mike.
18:52NRG really are.
18:53But again it's the composure on display.
18:55It's almost waiting and waiting and waiting for Fnatic to make a decision and then they're always in the right position.
19:01This is a little bit of a tempo shift.
19:05A little bit of a gear shift here.
19:06You can see the Crash is a bit quicker towards Connector.
19:10A bit closer towards B.
19:12They're trying to creep up here.
19:13Maybe bring those Stingers to the right range.
19:15But you've still got Guardians.
19:16You've still got Vandals.
19:18But are they expecting Crash is so close?
19:20Surely not.
19:21I mean he should be on for one.
19:22Here he is.
19:23Delivers.
19:24The first real death on the site.
19:26And that's Scuba going down.
19:27A vulnerability shown.
19:28And a chance maybe to force forward Kayak.
19:31Gonna follow it up.
19:32But it's still not comfortable here.
19:34Still not on that full by.
19:35And Somme has space.
19:37Yeah.
19:38Unable to really dig Somme out of that position.
19:40Even here with the smoke.
19:42Looks so similar to last time.
19:43Cutting sight lines.
19:44Yeah it really does.
19:45And Mada still over towards mid.
19:48Fnatic just waiting potentially for an overstep.
19:51And NRG haven't been given that.
19:53They've been disciplined.
19:54You're highlighting it almost at the start of the round.
19:56You can see it very clearly here toward the end.
19:58NRG making Fnatic sweat for this.
20:01Now getting a little bit closer.
20:03Dart in play.
20:04This is where it's getting dangerous.
20:06Kayak trying to dodge the bullets.
20:0829 HP and there's a TP.
20:10That's him now looking a little bit worried.
20:11Is he behind me?
20:12Is he in front?
20:13I'm fine.
20:14But you can't avoid that.
20:15Raw.
20:16Brilliant.
20:17Again.
20:18Boster and Alpha.
20:19Where are you now?
20:20Still worried about middle.
20:21But it's all on the site this time.
20:22NRG having answers.
20:23Boster having to go through the motions.
20:25Do everything he can.
20:26Trying to secure this.
20:28Blunt.
20:29He can't do enough.
20:30And Alpha.
20:31He has to check on this.
20:32He has to give away position.
20:34They're trying to find him.
20:35Time's starting to tick now.
20:36Brought going back to try and get the defuse.
20:38Mada holds this down.
20:40NRG know the game plan.
20:42And it is surgical.
20:44Oh.
20:45Mada looking way more comfortable this time around.
20:47Yeah.
20:48Previously.
20:49You can see both Soma and Ethan.
20:52Almost egging him on.
20:54To commit to more engagements.
20:59And I feel.
21:00I mean doing really well to even get to this position.
21:02But again it's the composure.
21:04It's the flick of the switch for NRG.
21:06Where they're happy to sit back, compose themselves and address.
21:09But also you.
21:10See a bit of frustration there.
21:12Sure.
21:13Don't blame you.
21:14But Fnatic either have to dig deeper or do better in those post points.
21:17That's not enough security.
21:18You can't play a choke point up against that Odin.
21:20No.
21:21And just get spammed off the angle.
21:22They have to find a deeper line to play on.
21:24But now NRG start getting naughty.
21:26We've seen this a million times.
21:28And Alpha will be kicking himself on that.
21:30And look how it plays in Scuba.
21:32Oh.
21:33It is devious.
21:34You're kidding me.
21:35Let another one go.
21:36Let another one go.
21:37Yeah but the crowd started to kick up here.
21:39He doesn't even consider it.
21:40Scuba set the pin feet under.
21:44I can't get enough of this team.
21:47They are playing brilliant, beautiful Valorant right now.
21:51And again the switch up in Round 8 to go forwards and set up a trap play like this.
21:56Again just not allowing Fnatic the comfort that they're so used to having.
22:01Chronicle now of 1v5.
22:04Some on the other side of this smoke.
22:07God.
22:08And you feel like you've maybe dealt with the first one.
22:11Okay some is going to fall off this call.
22:13Nah.
22:14There was layers to this now.
22:16Oh.
22:17They are hitting today.
22:20And this starts to feel a little like the game before Mike.
22:24It really does yeah.
22:25I mean because once Fnatic were in the shell.
22:28In a corner.
22:29They just didn't have enough answers that we didn't see.
22:33Any sort of adaptation.
22:35To address some of the problems we saw.
22:38Solely on the mini map.
22:39Again.
22:40Their own worst enemies when it comes to the clock.
22:43It's been a discussion that's.
22:46Recurring in terms of Fnatic this year.
22:49And it might be coming to bite them in the ass at the worst possible time.
22:54Oh yeah.
22:55Hey look.
22:56This is champions.
22:57The best of the best right.
22:58So where's.
23:00All of that veterancy that was talked about.
23:03Where's all those ideas now.
23:05NRG are out playing you in every aspect.
23:08But a mid walk for Fnatic.
23:10Trying to get close but look what's waiting.
23:13It's not just one.
23:14It's three.
23:15Marder's here.
23:16Ethan's here.
23:17Brock's here.
23:18There is no easy access anywhere.
23:23Pressured away from this.
23:24But.
23:25Some.
23:26Lost off the early angle.
23:27Does still have scuba here.
23:28Snakebite will slow things down as well.
23:31God.
23:32Three.
23:33Yeah.
23:34It's another round where Fnatic just can't get themselves over.
23:36That first hurdle.
23:40That's just.
23:41Yeah.
23:42I mean down to a point now where they.
23:43They have to force.
23:44The issue basically onto Brock.
23:46With the pick coming out.
23:47Yeah.
23:48And Ethan can just kind of passively watch across.
23:49Drawing all eyes towards him.
23:50It's going to be Brock with two.
23:51But pick your poison at this point Fnatic.
23:53You're barely one middle.
23:54And you're down to two players left alive.
23:56Kron's on an island on B but kayak.
23:59Clean kill.
24:00That spike's being watched.
24:02Draws the attention.
24:03Draws the bullet.
24:04And they're trying to work this one out.
24:05I like it.
24:06But a great paranoia.
24:07Amarna's out.
24:08Amarna just out of there.
24:09Doesn't need to stick around.
24:10Doesn't need to be played in yet.
24:11But the barrel might give away the game.
24:13But Kron's got to be careful.
24:14Position already thought about.
24:16That paranoia right towards his feet.
24:18Late mid present.
24:19But a big shot from Kron.
24:21A safe-ish plant.
24:23Just about getting it down.
24:25Now the Viper's pit on top.
24:27Kayak.
24:28Holding on here.
24:29But it's Scuba again.
24:30The guy who was the downfall.
24:32Only a moment ago.
24:34He's going to take a gamble.
24:35Take a glance and finds nothing.
24:36Pit has dropped.
24:38First tap on the spike here.
24:40Not going to draw anything out from Fnatic.
24:42But Kayak.
24:43Going to go forward.
24:44Just made a confirmation note.
24:45Yep.
24:46Another tap.
24:47Scuba waiting.
24:48Trying to toy with him.
24:49Checked again.
24:50Spots another.
24:51I think he might have noted both now.
24:52My chance of this.
24:54And he somehow mentally worked this out though.
24:57A little bit of a difference in possession.
24:58But what a shot.
24:59He's got the half.
25:00Oh.
25:01My God.
25:02Scuba.
25:03Outrageous Red Bull Clutch.
25:07How is this guy a rookie?
25:09Daylight robbery.
25:11Scuba with so many clutches the other day.
25:14Versus Fnatic here.
25:16And absolutely ice cold once more.
25:19Right under their noses.
25:21He's so damn good man.
25:23So.
25:24And he's outplayed Croc.
25:25Can we talk about that?
25:26You don't win those sort of scenarios against Chronicle.
25:28The guy's one of the greats out there.
25:30But Scuba understanding every aspect.
25:34Look at this.
25:36Oh.
25:37Oh.
25:38This is where things, well the sort of round where things spiraled out of control for Fnatic previously.
25:49No surprises to see.
25:51Effectively the panic button hit once more ahead of round 10.
25:55And this is surely a mental check in.
25:59Oh it has to be.
26:00It has to be.
26:01I was seeing earlier someone saying, oh there's no villains anymore.
26:05In this arena I'll tell you there's one team they're cheering for a little bit louder.
26:09But right now they are being silenced.
26:12It's turning into a library out here.
26:15It's unreal.
26:16God and it's.
26:17I mean Scuba making a case for being.
26:19Yeah take it on.
26:20The villain on that stage today.
26:21Do it.
26:22Do it to him.
26:23Like.
26:24Again the fact that.
26:25He's hitting this level here.
26:27He was the one who's played enough of some in that smoke.
26:29Now he's doing this.
26:30Making those sort of confident plays.
26:32At the highest level possible.
26:34Yeah.
26:35Against Fnatic.
26:36It's like they've just turned off any aspect of respecting who they are up against.
26:40And playing genuinely their own game.
26:44Really really looking for an answer here in the.
26:47Last few rounds from Fnatic.
26:50And no time out for the second half now.
26:52Some.
26:53Once more toying with aggression.
26:55Fnatic.
26:56Seem to be.
26:57Aware of the possibility.
26:59A little bit of a switch up here.
27:02It's Brock over towards A instead of Scuba this time.
27:05Go.
27:06Kayak's got to find some sort of tangibles.
27:09For Fnatic to act upon.
27:10Yeah.
27:11Really really does.
27:12But Sob's been slippery.
27:13Right.
27:14He's been really hard to deal with.
27:15And look at this.
27:16The Hinder.
27:17The Odin spam.
27:18It's all there.
27:19The poster.
27:20Does find one back.
27:21But it's all being traded.
27:22And again.
27:23NRG.
27:24Able to find stability in even all of this chaos.
27:28See Chronicle.
27:29Disconnected from this.
27:30Hasn't found anything in the lurk.
27:32Tag will come through.
27:33Alpha.
27:34Punished.
27:35There.
27:36By the Odin once more.
27:38Fnatic just left in tatters.
27:41Another 2v4.
27:43And look at the discipline.
27:45I love this as well.
27:46Right.
27:47If you are Fnatic.
27:48You want to get a pick.
27:49You want to try and bring it to maybe a 2v3.
27:50Get some security on the plant.
27:52They sit deep.
27:53They make them work for this.
27:54And look at the position that NRG sit in.
27:5630 seconds left.
27:57Welcoming it almost with a smile.
27:58You want something in this?
27:59You want any win con?
28:00Come find us.
28:02There they are.
28:03Standing guard.
28:04Standing duty.
28:05Chron the first to be absolutely melted.
28:07And Boaster looking like he's going to face a similar fate.
28:10What are you meant to do here Fnatic?
28:12NRG surrounding you.
28:14Boaster.
28:15The ultimate showman right now.
28:17With not much to say.
28:19It's just stunning from NRG Mike.
28:21I mean we often talk about the 6th man in Valorant.
28:24But the clock is the 6th man for NRG here.
28:27And they are tapping into that advantage.
28:29So many times.
28:30Like you said.
28:31Trim the fat.
28:32They're able to reset.
28:33Play so deep on the map.
28:35Alexei.
28:36You never want to be forcing the issue onto some of these unknown angles.
28:39Versus an Odin.
28:40And these second waves.
28:42I mean the darts.
28:43Saving the drone so late on in the round.
28:45Rourke is pivotal.
28:47He just got so tilted when you killed him Brock.
28:49He got so tilted.
28:50Rightfully so.
28:51Again.
28:52You are brute forcing.
28:54Into a position where you don't even get an engagement.
28:58High flash.
28:59Big swing like this.
29:00Show some versatility.
29:01However.
29:02Chronicle this time going to get his man.
29:04I'm going to dodge this though.
29:05That's a connection.
29:06It's got Kron down.
29:07So it's always traded.
29:08It feels like.
29:09In the most unorthodox of ways.
29:11Ethan going to be on one kind of steadfast towards B.
29:14And Fnatic do like their reclears.
29:16They like their refights.
29:17I was going to say.
29:18Ethan's still got a knife though.
29:19So.
29:20It's all on timing here.
29:21Whoa.
29:22Yeah.
29:23That's big hip poke.
29:24That's still three.
29:25Potentially four.
29:26My alpha is ready.
29:27Just the three.
29:28That alpha was just outside of it.
29:29But it's already caused the reaction.
29:30You can see it.
29:31But a lot of faith put into Ethan to hold this down.
29:33There's no need to really offset this.
29:36I think maybe anticipating Fnatic's rotation.
29:39But we'll be able to effectively mitigate.
29:42Most of Crashy's ultimate.
29:44I like that.
29:46Most of them having a bit of a glance early.
29:48We're going to go back up.
29:5045 seconds.
29:51Face your fear.
29:52This has been red.
29:53You can already see Ethan's positioning on this.
29:56Kayak has managed to slip the net though.
29:59Hold on.
30:00And I think that penny just dropped there.
30:02A fight on two fronts now.
30:03On the site it's going to be.
30:04Well.
30:05Already posted going down.
30:06Alpha now.
30:07Already considered.
30:08Great shot at one.
30:09But a better trade.
30:10NRG don't fight alone.
30:11There are layers to this.
30:12But Kayak.
30:13Crashys this time.
30:14But look who's against him.
30:15Before it was Chronicle and Kayak.
30:18Now Crashys has to deal with Scuba.
30:22Tagged up down to 52 HP though.
30:24So this one will be even more impressive for Crashys.
30:28The one to shut it down.
30:33And Odin and an operator here.
30:35Trying to get some energy going on stage here.
30:39After a drought in terms of rounds.
30:45Finally find a response.
30:47That it will be nothing short of a miracle.
30:50To find a fourth.
30:51In this opening half.
30:53They need it.
30:54I know we talk about best of five.
30:55Rock is 16 and 6 man.
30:58You talk about confidence.
30:59And the knock on effect.
31:00Of having a great start here.
31:02NRG will lap that up.
31:07Vanatic give us another though.
31:09Make it up to four.
31:10Toxins going up.
31:13Alpha and Boast are both.
31:14In ults in here.
31:15But Boast are only down on a bulldog.
31:16Toxin screen down.
31:18The byproduct of.
31:20String of rounds.
31:22Scuba once more to hold down the fort of B.
31:25This time around does have Ethan.
31:27Nada again going to explore mid.
31:29He's been in control of mid so many times.
31:32Early round.
31:33Ahead of some of the retakes.
31:35Fnatic unable to find.
31:39Even a glimpse.
31:40Oh the timing of this.
31:42Uh oh.
31:43That's going to be a problem.
31:45He's going for this one.
31:46Kayak's on the corner though.
31:48How far are you willing to really go for that?
31:50Called to cancel.
31:51Okay cancelled on this.
31:54Might even see a bloodbath outside the site here.
31:57But again it's 40 seconds.
31:59Fnatic haven't seen anyone yet.
32:01The tension is now getting palpable.
32:03They're trying to send a fake.
32:05Trying to send Crash.
32:06The first confirmation.
32:07Yeah.
32:08That's it.
32:09They're just putting a prowler up towards A.
32:10Gonna pop the ult on this.
32:11And then send Kayak in.
32:12Switch out of the weapon.
32:13And he goes on in first.
32:14Light from the line to take the space.
32:16Can't really get away from this either.
32:18But look what's waiting inside that smoke.
32:20It could be the death of him.
32:21He has no idea what's waiting.
32:23But he finds Ethan.
32:25And again gives him that foothold towards the site.
32:28Who's actually playing off the judge here.
32:30Mata going to shut down Crashies on that mid lurk.
32:32Ten seconds.
32:33And Brock's got you found.
32:35The second that outline hits.
32:37And being toyed with Kayak.
32:39There's just a heat-seeking missile flying above you.
32:41Oh he's found a body.
32:42And another Mata is out of this world.
32:47What a turnaround for NRG.
32:49Again Fnatic waiting.
32:51What feels like an eternity.
32:54And they walk into an absolute slaughter.
32:57NRG just absolutely channeling into the Odin.
33:02And it's ability to have impact.
33:04God damn.
33:06From such safe positions.
33:08Yes.
33:09I just can't believe what Mata just did as well man.
33:12Oh.
33:15That's a brutal one to try and deal with.
33:18But what a statement from NRG.
33:21Fnatic left down in the doldrums on three rounds.
33:24But Lou is checking in with a special fanatic guest in the audience.
33:31And bonjour Paris Angelina, la femme de Chronicle.
33:34It's with me at L'Accor Arena.
33:36The beautiful Angelina.
33:38Just join me here in Paris.
33:39For those who don't know, she's Chronicle's wife.
33:42And Angelina, the first question I wanted to ask you is.
33:44Since the beginning of France's career environment, you've been together.
33:48So you've witnessed his success with Gambit.
33:51Now he's Matic.
33:52So long story short, why does every team he gets on does so well?
33:56I do think that he's one of the best teammates you can have ever.
34:01Like, people don't know how much he sacrifice.
34:05I think, yes, for the people you know behind the scenes and stuff, they might know, but not for everyone.
34:10So yes, why?
34:11Is-ce that each team in which Chronicle is a success?
34:14Well, I think he's one of the best teammates.
34:16You can't imagine the number of things he's ready to sacrifice for his co-equipiers.
34:19And of course, it's true.
34:21And on a more personal level, I wanted to ask you, how does he make you proud every day?
34:25And what do you really want him to know, especially in tough times like this?
34:29I mean, not gonna lie.
34:31He's the best man I've ever met in my life.
34:34So I just want him to know that he should never doubt himself.
34:39Never doubt himself?
34:40He is the best, yeah.
34:42He is the very best.
34:43So yeah, what I want to know, Chronicle is an incredible man.
34:47I've never met a man like him in my life.
34:50He won't doubt him.
34:51Il va y arriver.
34:52Those are very sweet words from you, Angelina.
34:55And he's very lucky to have you too.
34:56Now hold my hand and we're going to try to handle the stress together on Corot.
35:06Easier said than done.
35:079-3.
35:08It's a stressful start if you're on the fanatic side.
35:11Yes, exceptionally.
35:12And I think just to touch here, we're obviously going to take a look at the Coinbase Econ report very, very shortly.
35:17But Brock again, it's just undeniable value.
35:22Yeah.
35:23And the fact that NRG have just such a robust plan to deal with Fnatic.
35:28Like I said, embrace the pressure of the clock.
35:31And then they walk into these sites that there's no safety whatsoever.
35:34And the other side there is, Marder's happy to now go forward, take these same risks that we saw him doing on Ascent,
35:39that he was punished for time and time again.
35:42They're able to satisfy both sides of the coin here.
35:45Fnatic left scrambling for an answer.
35:48It's quite impressive to watch.
35:52Three rounds is all Fnatic got here.
35:55Nine for NRG.
35:57And to put it into context, two of Fnatic's rounds were in the pistol.
36:02It's been one since.
36:04This is NRG looking unfazed, unbothered.
36:08Really untouchable.
36:11So let's see if this continues this way.
36:13It starts with the pistol, goes across the board for Fnatic.
36:16On the other side, a couple of sheriffs here and there.
36:18And it's simplistic and a start.
36:20Direct in approach.
36:22Now Crashies.
36:23And Alpha.
36:25Trying to play around that wall.
36:26Yeah.
36:27Gonna be able to really find much on the back of that.
36:28It's gonna drop it.
36:29Look at the pressure, they're wrapping through site already.
36:30There's so many bodies on this site here.
36:31And Marder comes out swinging NRG.
36:35Once again, sending a potent message here.
36:39There is no fear on this side.
36:41There is no respect to be given.
36:43It has to be earned.
36:45And Brock right now is just outrageously good.
36:49I mean, they know that a player has passed and it's just, it's so quick.
36:54NRG just aren't even stopping to hard clear around.
36:58They are just bulldozing their way through.
37:01Crashies and Alpha are just caught completely off guard by this.
37:07I gotta say as well, NRG are gunners.
37:09They're doing this to like, Alpha, Kayak, Kron.
37:13Who all had upswings in this tournament too.
37:15Like every one of them is hitting.
37:17I mean Crashies has come off arguably one of his best series ever.
37:21It's loaded in round two, it's already here.
37:24Oh dear.
37:26Off we go.
37:28Marder flying in head first.
37:30And there's no stopping.
37:31Look at this.
37:32They're so confident.
37:33And that's what you get though.
37:35Kayak.
37:36Hey.
37:37Brings them back down to earth.
37:39Playing on that corner.
37:40Joined by Alpha trying to take the fight to NRG, but.
37:44Just fell flat.
37:45Boaster with a classic.
37:47Not gonna win against that gun.
37:50NRG up to 11 in the blink of an eye.
37:55Fnatic with very few positives again to string together.
37:58Other than Kayak finding two here.
38:00Torks 21 to 6.
38:01Yeah.
38:02It's just.
38:03Oh.
38:04Oh wow.
38:05Okay.
38:06There's your positive.
38:07Take some of that.
38:09Need a bit more but you'll take it.
38:11Spike down A.
38:13But yeah.
38:14I mean.
38:15NRG just riding the wave.
38:18Of confidence.
38:19Of.
38:20I mean.
38:21Just absolute trust in each other as well.
38:24Nobody's letting their foot off the gas.
38:26They are moving as a death ball.
38:28And Fnatic trying to stand against it.
38:29Trying to play out from connector.
38:30But Marder doesn't care.
38:31Just straight up has a goal in mind.
38:32And he catches Boaster.
38:33Completely otherwise.
38:34Crop was in the corner.
38:35It is a massacre.
38:36And Fnatic looking absolutely flustered here.
38:37Hang on though.
38:38The spike is still down.
38:39Over towards bottom mid here.
38:40And Fnatic.
38:41They're not gonna spot it though.
38:42Is the issue.
38:43Yeah.
38:44They have no idea.
38:45Scuba can get the backstab on this.
38:46But I think Scuba's only going to get the backstab on this.
38:47But I think Scuba's only going to get the backstab on this.
38:48Yeah.
38:49Yeah.
38:50They have no idea.
38:51They have no idea.
38:52Yeah.
38:53They have no idea.
38:54Scuba can get the backstab on this.
38:55But I think Scuba's only got the Stinger.
38:58So what do you really do about it?
39:00Alpha's looking this way.
39:01Oh.
39:02Now they're not.
39:03Now they're not.
39:04Scuba you don't get two with the Stinger.
39:05They think the spike's already in sight.
39:06There's no way.
39:07There's no way you think this.
39:08And Marder's coming back out just to make sure.
39:10Just to check.
39:11Just.
39:12To make.
39:13Certain.
39:14Good kill from Crashies.
39:15But Scuba.
39:16The hit and run.
39:17They know there's another player there.
39:19Maybe even expecting Kayak nearby.
39:21Doubling down.
39:22Do you go back to face Alpha?
39:24Any day of the week.
39:25He's still nasty.
39:26But Som.
39:27Standing.
39:28On the site here.
39:29Securing it.
39:30But Kayak a chance.
39:31Need another 2k from Kayak.
39:33He's got.
39:34Oh.
39:35He's got nothing.
39:36NRG.
39:38They have a date with Destiny.
39:41It seems like 12 to 3.
39:43This is one of the most commanding performances.
39:46I have ever seen.
39:47Yeah.
39:48And we were discussing ahead of this series started.
39:49It's like.
39:50Yeah.
39:51How many times have Fnatic lost to a team twice.
39:53Let alone.
39:54At all.
39:55But in the same event.
39:56NRG have just come back.
39:57And here.
39:58The key for me.
39:59In the second half.
40:00Is tapping into the tempo shift.
40:02Again.
40:03Fnatic.
40:04They're scared.
40:05They're not going forwards.
40:06They're constantly backpedaling.
40:08And Som.
40:09Oh.
40:10Actually.
40:11On his feet here.
40:12It's just that the value of that mental game.
40:17Paying dividends.
40:18For NRG.
40:19We're about to make another statement.
40:22In this opening map.
40:23Versus Fnatic.
40:25Regardless of outcome almost.
40:27Yeah.
40:28It.
40:29That is irrelevant almost at this point.
40:30Yeah.
40:31At 12 to 3.
40:32We do.
40:33You know.
40:34Comebacks and all of this.
40:35But.
40:36NRG man.
40:37This is something different.
40:41Spam.
40:42Yeah.
40:43Trying to find a spam.
40:44This time we've seen NRG really slow down here.
40:47Take flight.
40:48The respect shown.
40:49The possibility of the purchase.
40:51But I mean.
40:52Fnatic.
40:53It's.
40:54Hideous.
40:55To say the least.
40:56Shaky buy man.
40:57Judge.
40:58Guardians.
40:59Look at this rotation bite as well.
41:01Four players now on the A site.
41:03Toysons off.
41:04Chronicle coming across.
41:05He's just going to leave Boaster.
41:06With a judge in hand.
41:07Has to.
41:08Find an absolute miracle here.
41:09Touching towards the corner.
41:10He's hoping.
41:11He's calling for some help here.
41:12There's no signs of life on A.
41:13It's all coming towards B.
41:14Boaster.
41:15Is there anything you can do to deny this?
41:16He takes the stab.
41:17But he only takes one.
41:18The floodgates open.
41:19The B site's theirs.
41:20And Somm is not stopped.
41:21He's not stopped.
41:22He's not stopped.
41:23He's not stopped.
41:24He's not stopped.
41:25He's not stopped.
41:26He's not stopped.
41:27He's not stopped.
41:28He's not stopped.
41:29The B site's theirs.
41:30And Somm is not stopping.
41:31Up towards heaven.
41:32And they look none the wiser.
41:33He's done so well there.
41:35Breaking even the closest rotations.
41:38Somm is absolutely on it.
41:41And just Alper and Kayak.
41:43The last two to find.
41:45And this is a different beast.
41:48I don't think Fnatic ever thought they'd face someone like this.
41:51But NRG are looking like a cut above the rest.
41:55Just Kayak has to try and stand.
41:58It is a blowout.
42:0113 to 3.
42:03NRG look at home under the brightest lights.
42:078.
42:088.
42:21Verse 26.
42:226.
42:237.
42:246.
42:258.
42:266.
42:277.
42:287.
42:297.
42:308.
42:318.
42:3211.
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