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The Group Stage of Valorant Champions 2022 came to a close on 8th September with Fnatic (FNC) getting its sweet revenge on 100 Thieves (100T) in the Group D decider match. Despite a shaky start to the tournament, Fnatic turned things around with a decisive 2-0 win over 100 Thieves and knocked the North American squad out of Valorant Champions 2022 contention. Following this victory, Fnatic will go up against XSET on 10th September in the upper bracket of the playoffs. Additionally, the EMEA squad rubbed lost on the wounds of 100 Thieves by raising “Justice for ec1s” signs after the series.
100 Thieves struggled on both the maps: Bind (5-13) and Ascent (7-13) and danced to the tunes of Fnatic in what was a complete turnaround series from the last time the two teams met.
What does the “Justice for ec1s” sign mean?
Adam "ec1s" Eccles is a Valorant pro player from the United Kingdom who previously played for teams including Team Liquid and Ninjas in Pyjamas. Notably, ec1s was signed by 100 Thieves in January but was not part of the team for long. The North American team released ec1s and Hunter “BabyJ” Schline in one of the fastest roster changes in the history of Valorant esports in February, after two weeks of play.
100 Thieves suffered a monumental loss against The Guard in the second week of Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Stage 1 Challegers Main Event where it went 13-0. It was swift to remove the two European pros right after this defeat.
In a video explaining the move, 100 Thieves CEO Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag later clarified the decision to remove ec1s and BabyJ was not based on their performance.
In a move that had the back of a fellow European player and at the same time pulled the leg of 100 Thieves, Fnatic players and coach showed “Justice for ec1s” signs after the series during their celebration.
After the series, Nadeshot tweeted, “Just want to express how proud I am of this team and all that they’ve accomplished these past few months. I believe they proved a lot of people wrong and I’m honored we got to watch them represent 100T on the international stage. More to come!”
Notably, all three EMEA teams – Fnatic, FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), and Team Liquid – have made it to the playoffs.
Click here to read more about Valorant Champions 2022 playoffs and to follow the scores and updates from the tournament.
