BIG and fnatic meet in the upper-bracket quarter-final of Stake Ranked Episode 4. BIG enter as the stronger team on paper, but their recent results leave fnatic with a chance of making this a competitive series.

BIG need a response

BIG have faced strong opponents in recent weeks, but the results have been mixed. They lost against G2 and Spirit before suffering more disappointing defeats against BETBOOM and magic.

A 2–0 victory over paiN showed what this team can produce when everything works. With blameF, tabseN, JDC, faveN and gr1ks, BIG have more experience and individual quality than fnatic. They are also ranked 27th in the world and 24th in the VRS standings.

The concern is consistency. BIG have struggled to maintain the same level across an entire series, and their map pool has not always given them enough room for mistakes. They cannot afford another slow start against a fnatic side that earned its place at this event through the qualifiers.

Fnatic arrive with confidence

Fnatic qualified for Stake Ranked Episode 4 alongside Nemiga. Their route included victories over teams such as BBL and Ninjas in Pyjamas, giving this young lineup valuable experience before travelling to the LAN event.

The team has shown clear potential, but the results have remained inconsistent. Fnatic have beaten several teams around their own level, while matches against stronger opposition have been more difficult.

Players such as jambo, jackasmo and cairne are capable of producing good individual performances. Fnatic should also be confident enough to challenge BIG on at least one map if their opponents continue to make the same mistakes seen in recent matches.

BIG have the stronger lineup

This is a best-of-three series on LAN, which should favour the more experienced team. BIG have several players who are used to competing at a higher level, while fnatic are still trying to establish themselves with their current lineup.

BIG should also have the advantage when the series reaches the later stages of a map. TabseN brings plenty of experience as a caller, while blameF can take control of rounds when BIG need an individual play.

Fnatic may be able to punish BIG if they begin slowly, but winning two maps should be a more difficult task. BIG have faced stronger opposition in recent weeks, and this is a good opportunity for them to return to winning ways.

The possibility of fnatic taking a map makes BIG 2–0 difficult to trust. A straight BIG victory is the safer option and does not require them to dominate the entire series.

Verdict

BIG have not been at their best recently, but they remain the stronger team. Their experience, individual quality and deeper map pool should be enough to win this series.

Fnatic can keep the match competitive, but BIG should find a way to take two maps and move into the upper-bracket semi-final.

Tip

BIG to win