Fnatic Upset Will Join Squad for Opening Matches at Worlds 2022
Hylissang to Miss Day 1 of Play-in
Cover-Credits:
Fnatic shared some good news with its fans on 29th September as it revealed that both its bot-lane players were testing negative for COVID-19 before the start of the Worlds 2022 Play-in. Earlier on 23rd September, the organization stated that attack-damage carry (ADC) Elias "Upset" Lipp and support Zdravets "Hylissang" Iliev Galabov tested positive for the virus and that their journey to Mexico City would be delayed. The initial news meant that Fnatic would be facing issues that could hinder its performance at Worlds with everything on the line. However, the players have recovered quickly and are traveling to Mexico for the opening stage of Worlds 2022.
Fnatic’s statement on Upset and Hylissang
Fnatic was excited to share the news on Upset’s Worlds debut with the community. It wrote in a statement, “Upset will join the starting roster vs EG [Evil Geniuses] and The Chiefs tomorrow night after flying to Mexico City today, and we’re excited to finally witness his debut on the Worlds stage.”
It added that Hylissang is also testing negative. “He has only recently tested so, and as a result is flying out tomorrow morning. As such he will miss out [on] games tomorrow evening. Rhuckz will substitute, with Hyli hopefully rejoining us for Friday’s matchup vs DFM [DetonatioN FocusMe].”
Fnatic thanked the fans and the community for their continued patience and support, and requested faith in Rúben “Rhuckz” Barbosa’s ability. “As Fnatic, we thrive with our backs against the wall, and we aim to open this event with a bang.”
Following this, Hylissang wrote, “Finally I tested negative and I'm gonna miss only one day of worlds, I have full faith in the boys and I wish them best of luck. I have an early flight tomorrow morning and I'm super excited to play worlds! Thank you for all the nice messages and support. Good night.”
On 26th September, Riot Games granted League of Legends European Championship (LEC) squad Fnatic an emergency roster addition for the start of its Worlds 2022 run. Fnatic drafted Portuguese support player Rhuckz from its European Regional League (ERL) squad: Fnatic TQ lineup.
Notably, its ADC substitute is Louis "BEAN" Schmitz, who also subbed in at Worlds last year after Upset had to leave the tournament early to attend to an “urgent family matter.”
Currently, Fnatic’s roster for the first day of Play-in is as follows:
Martin "Wunder" Nordahl Hansen - Top
Iván "Razork" Martín Díaz - Jungle
Marek "Humanoid" Brázda - Mid lane
Upset - Attack-damage carry (ADC)
Rhuckz - Support
Fnatic is scheduled to take on North America’s Evil Geniuses in its first match of the tournament on 29th September, followed by a match against Chief Esports. Meanwhile, stay updated with the tournament by heading on to Worlds 2022 Play-in: Teams, Groups, Schedule & More.
