The pride of Europe: Fnatic

Fnatic is defined by its adaptability. Most expected a period of weakness during the early days of the 2015 Spring Split, given that four of its star players left the team. The only remaining member, support YellOwStaR had a lot to take on.

But by making smart changes in playstyle, rapidly adjusting to the meta, and taking time to bond off the Rift, they cruised through the EU LCS Spring Split. Then, with the addition of Rekkles at AD carry, they went on a record-setting 18-0 tear through the regular season of the Summer Split, eventually winning the EU LCS Summer Championship.

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While YellOwStaR has the ability to lead his team, the true strength of the new Fnatic comes from combining his versatility, leadership, and experience with the confidence and talent of its young rookies. Top laner Huni and jungler Reignover make people pay attention with their strong decision-making and mechanical skill. Add in the high-powered AD carry Rekkles and the calculated mid laner Febiven and what you've got is a European team that's poised to challenge the might of Asia.

The Play

Fnatic have amassed a massive champion pool, and use it to their advantage when pressing the enemy with their staple aggressive, hard-engage style.

They've become incredibly coordinated over their first year together, as well, and are elevated when following up on the commanding shot calls of YellOwStaR. The trust within Fnatic is clear, and is most obviously seen when the team surgically dismantles an opponent during one of YellOwStaR's initiations.

"When I got the pick on Azir, I started to be really confident," says YellOwStaR.

Pulling the Strings

YellOwStaR may lead Fnatic to victory on the Rift, but it's their respected coach Deilor who sets them up for that success.

A fatherly figure to his young team of adept players, Deilor, the 2015 EU LCS Coach of the Split in Summer 2015, is a master of strategy and has helped Fnatic grow immensely.

"Deilor is the best coach I have ever had...Obviously, we need him for our drafts, picks and bans, but we also need him in our lives."

- ReignOver​, fnatic jungler

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Deilor's prompted his players to expand their champion pools in order to act on his new and thoughtful strategies in game, while out of game, he's emphasized the importance of his players' mentality. Together, that hard work has paid off. Fnatic's made strides to increase their communication and dedication to one another, in order to become the strongest team in Europe. And thus far, it's worked fabulously well.

Talk of the Rift

"YellOwStaR is one of the legends of this game."

- Vander, roccat support

Dependable, experienced, and a self-described big brother to his Fnatic teammates, YellOwStaR's contribution to the team cannot be underestimated. He brought home the 2015 Summer Split MVP for his stellar performance, yet he still remains humble about his role.

"I don't think I need to motivate my teammates, just look after them, care about them, be here when they need help," says YellOwStaR.

But it's not just YellOwStaR who other players have high praise for.

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"Looking at Fnatic, they have a really strong top, mid, and bot lane," says SoaZ, top laner of Origen.

"Febiven in Fnatic is often outshined by the other players because they have star players all over the line-up...His impact is really huge," says Froggen, mid laner of Elements.

Now, as Fnatic to the 2015 World Championship, they remain confident as they prepare for their next adventure.

"I want to play SKT again, and I would like to smash them."

- Huni, fnatic top laner

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Interested in learning more about the other teams competing at Worlds? Check out the whole lineup, now.