Fnatic sends KRU to lower bracket to open VCT Masters Reykjavik

Fariha Bhatti Published 24/05/2021

Valorant’s first LAN game between KRU esports and Europe’s powerhouse Fnatic was packed with unique Viper ultimates and impressive Jett plays.

Riot Games’ tactical shooter finally got its first LAN event in Iceland and it pitted the best teams of Latin America and Europe against each other in the upper bracket. Though KRU esports had its moments to shine, Fnatic ended up taking a smooth, one-sided win.

The first map, Bind, started in KRU’s favor with the players looking sharp with their pistols. The double-controller roster featuring Astra and Viper was both unexpected and promising on a map like Haven. However, the team’s heavy site blockage couldn’t stop Fnatic’s hard pushes on the attacker’s side. KRU sunk after winning two rounds as Fnatic’s Astra out-played the enemies. KRU looked to have strong gunslinging skills, but the team lacked weight in their strategies department and paid the price. The Jake “Boaster“ Howlett-led roster easily figured out KRU’s repetitive tactics and ended map one at 13-5.

The second map wasn’t much different. Both teams had identical agent picks, but only Fnatic managed to utilize its heroes effectively. KRU once again opened the game with a pistol round win but lost the third round to an economically damaged Fnatic. Thanks to Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev, Fnatic repeatedly hit KRU on their weaker B-site and bagged rounds. With the help of Derke’s aggressive Jett, Fnatic emerged as the stronger team in the first half.

killjoy ult isn’t stopping @derkeps ???????? pic.twitter.com/y19G2y2tvx
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) May 24, 2021

KRU’s chances of winning were shrinking rapidly and Fnatic didn’t let up. The European squad started cracking open the A site, and Derke’s Jett continued to be an omnipresent threat. They sealed the sweep victory with a 13-4 win.

Fnatic wins Valorant’s first LAN pro match against KRU

The first LAN game was lopsided, but was still a sight to behold thanks to its status as the first international Valorant esports match played in a LAN setting. While viewers had hoped for something more competitive, this was a fairly predictable outcome. Despite being the first match of the tournament, Fnatic vs. KRU reeled in over 500,000 viewers thanks to co-streaming deals with the likes of Michael “shroud” Grzesiek and Imane “Pokimane” Anys.

This opener win for Fnatic means another action-packed game between the two fan favourites at VCT. The European team will go up against North America’s Sentinels on May 25th. KRU has now moved to the lower bracket and will be in a do-or-die situation from here on out.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

View full profile