Banjo Replaces KRIMZ on Fnatic's CS:GO Roster for ESL Pro League Season 15
Fnatic continues to struggle with its CS:GO roster.
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Fnatic has run into some trouble with its CS:GO roster yet again as Freddy "KRIMZ" Johansson has tested positive for COVID-19 right ahead of ESL Pro League Season 15. He will be replaced by Matias "Banjo" Kivistö from Fnatic's academy team (Fnatic Rising), until the senior rifler returns to the team.
KRIMZ faced travel restrictions due to which he will not be able to attend at least the first day of the tournament, today on 9th March, but the organization is hopeful that he might be able to join the team later in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Fnatic will be playing its opening match later tonight at 00:00 (IST) against their Swedish rivals Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), an organization with which it is reportedly in talks with for the potential signing of the talented rifler Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin.
Fnatic to kick off ESL Pro League Season 15 without KRIMZ as part of its CS:GO roster
Just when everyone assumed Fnatic to be finally over all of its setbacks, the organization announced that KRIMZ will not be a part of its opening match against NIP at the ESL Pro League Season 15.
This is a huge blow to the team who is already competing without its star rifler Brollan, reportedly in the midst of a potential transfer to (NIP) for about $838,000 USD.
The last-minute change left Fnatic with limited options, as it promoted its Fnatic Rising player Banjo to the main roster till KRIMZ returns. The 17-year-old Finn does not have any experience competing in top-tier CS:GO and this will surely be a quite the arduous trial for the young rifler.
It will be interesting to see how Fnatic manage to survive till KRIMZ returns, as the predicament pretty much hinges on how fast he is able to recover, test negative, and make his way to the studio where the tournament is taking place.
Fnatic is in a stacked 'Group-A' consisting of teams like G2 Esports, NIP, Entropiq, MOUZ, and LookingForOrg. Its group matches will be taking place from 9th to 13th March. Fnatic will need a top three finish in its group to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Fnatic's CS:GO roster for the ESL Pro League Season 15 till KRIMZ returns is as follows,
Alexander "ALEX" McMeekin - IGL
William "mezii" Merriman
Peppe "Peppzor" Borak
Valentin "poizon" Vasilev
Matias "Banjo" Kivistö
Jamie "keita" Hall - Strategic Coach
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