FunPlus Phoenix vs. RNG: NEST 2020 betting analysis

NEST 2020 is entering the playoffs stage, starting out with four exciting quarterfinals. 

The first quarterfinal will be between two LPL giants in the former world champions FunPlus Phoenix, and famed championship team RNG. Both teams are fighting for the 2020 NEST trophy with rosters full of young talent ready to prove themselves. 

FPX had the best performance in the group stage, as they topped group B above Edward Gaming and eStar Gaming. The former world champions are fielding a starting bot lane with Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang and Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song, while the rest of the map is occupied by rookies from FunPlus Blaze. 

RNG has a few players from the main squad in bot laner Chen “GALA” Wei, mid laner Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao, and jungler Li “XLB” Xiao-Long. All players have experience in the LPL and are trying to guide young top laner Tian “New” Zhi-Peng through his first NEST tournament alongside support Dang “Lele” Bo-Lin. 

RNG barely got out of group D after losing its first match to Vici Gaming. The squad then picked it up against Invictus Gaming and managed to secure the final spot in the playoffs. 

FPX has shown the most consistency in the tournament so far, but RNG should still be considered the favorite. Looking at the lineups, RNG has an edge in experience, while FPX is relying on its young solo laners to perform. FPX does have a lifeline with their experienced bot lane, but the meta doesn’t necessarily allow them to carry the rest of the team. 

RNG will be looking to bring aggression to the map through jungler XLB, while FPX will likely try to play a more controlled stule towards team fights. FPX has found success with this strategy, but RNG might be the ones to interrupt their plans. 

RNG is favored to beat FPX at NEST 2020

The first quarterfinal of NEST 2020 can go in either direction, but RNG seems to be favored according to the bookmakers. While the team only advanced as a second seed, they do have some unrealized potential. 

Betting on an RNG win gives odds 1.62, while a win for FPX gives a little more in odds 2.15. 

The quarterfinal between FPX and RNG will kick off on November 20.