Cover-Credits:
After defeating Fnatic 2-0 in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 Tour 3: Division 1, BOOM Esports became the first SEA team to qualify for the PGL Arlington Major. The first game was an enthralling affair as both teams showcased their best teamfighting skills, but BOOM won the game, courtesy of just a slight advantage in execution in the crucial moments. Both teams put trust in their playstyles in the second game, but BOOM made a commanding start with Erin Jasper "Yopaj" Ferrer's masterful Ember Spirit, which led to a decisive victory. BOOM is the third team after OG and Royal Never Give Up to confirm a berth at the Major.
Despite losing this series, Fnatic remains a strong contender for the remaining two Major slots. T1 remains in the hunt as well thanks to the series outcome.
Fnatic vs BOOM Esports: Match recap and highlights
Recap
Game 1 was a riveting contest. BOOM used its last choice, Yopaj Batrider, to crank up the pace early and build a 4k lead in 16 minutes. The team was on the verge of snowballing out of control, as it has in many prior games, but some fantastic spellcasting from DJ and the presence of a carry Sniper stopped them. Fnatic performed so well in teamfighting that it took the networth lead at the 30 minute mark. However, the back and forth continued until BOOM was able to pull ahead and secure mega creeps. Fnatic clung on for a while, but a comeback was not in the cards, as it was defeated in 60 minutes.
In game 2, BOOM chose Yopaj's trademark Ember Spirit as well as a support Keeper of the Light to replenish his mana and reduce the cooldown on his skills. And, for the umpteenth time, Yopaj fared well in the lane and then made movements all over the place to pick up kill after kill. BOOM took advantage of this early lead and seized control of a huge chunk of the map. Fnatic's draft played slowly and lacked sustained damage to kill heroes in the middle stages. BOOM never dropped the ball and cruised to a 35-minute triumph.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of the series.
Although BOOM Esports looked rusty in the beginning, dropping games against Team SMG, Nigma Galaxy SEA, and even Talon Esports, the team seems to be finding its form again. Recently, it has focused more on the comfort in its drafts, while returning to the aggressive playstyle that was very successful in the early part of the year.
BOOM has now completed its quota for Tour 3 with six wins and one loss. However, Talon's win over RSG in its final series will force a tiebreaker between the two teams for the top seed.
As for Fnatic, it started off very well but it has lost two of its last three series. The team will play its final series of the league against T1 on 13th July.
