With two weeks remaining and a few matches left to determine the Major slots, Boom Esports’ 5-1 record is ahead by one game over Fnatic who sits at 4-1. This is a really pivotal match for both teams as the top three teams are currently really close in the standings. First place would obtain 500 points while second and third places would receive 300 and 200 respectively. Since Talon Esports is currently tied with BOOM for first place, a loss is not an option for any of these three teams. With RSG trailing very close behind, no team is currently guaranteed a slot for the Arlington Major in August.
Despite Fnatic’s long standing reign in the Southeast Asian scene, Pinnacle odds favor a BOOM Esports win with the money-line skewed towards them at 1.531, opposite of Fnatic’s 2.540.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 7th, 8:00 A.M. (EST)
A trip to the major guarantees Fnatic and Boom Esports a spot at International. JaCkky coming in to replace Tino as the BOOM’s carry certainly did wonders for the team as they are now in prime position to become the best team in their region.
While JaCkky’s involvement is a major boost to the team, the key match-ups for this game are the mid-laners that feature two of the best mid in professional Dota 2 in Fnatic’s Armel and BOOM’s Yopaj. They are both super effective mid-laners that their teams heavily rely on to make strong impacts around the map. This match will also be a battle of the position 4s with Fnatic’s DJ going up against Tims from BOOM Esports. Perhaps two of the most decorated SEA players ever, they have been staples in region and have the skill and experience to help their team rise to the top of the standings.
Fnatic and BOOM are coming off the back of victories with the former eliminating Polaris from division 1 and BOOM winning over a struggling T1. While both emerged victorious against teams out of contention for a major slot, they should have the confidence coming into this game, especially Fnatic who dismembered Polaris in dominant fashion winning both games in under an hour of game time combined. However, it is worth noting that notching a decisive win against a team like T1 is a big deal as well.
There is certainly a lot on the line for both teams in this coming match-up. Only one team can survive. Who will it be? Fnatic or BOOM?
