Magnet: “LeStream seems like the team to watch out for this tournament”

With the Milan Finals quickly approaching, Fnatic have been in boot camp mode preparing for their upcoming matchup against NORA-Rengo and the rest of the teams they may come up against.

Players and fans are displeased with the matchup between the two APAC region teams in the quarterfinals. But Fnatic’s team captain and in-game leader (IGL) Etienne “Magnet” Rousseau thinks he and the team are ready heading into the finals.

Following Fnatic’s loss to NORA-Rengo at the Six Invitational, the team rallied to defeat Nora in the APAC Finals. “The biggest change I’ve noticed was how much my team stepped up and took initiative in game,” Magnet said about what changed between the two matchups. “Rather than just relying on the IGL to do the work the team has been able to make calls and plays with one another. Also, we have been able to make big changes in our mentality before and during the game which has a positive effect on how we play.”

As Fnatic coach Jayden “Dizzle” Saunders told Dot Esports, they’ve clashed with Nora more than any other team has played another in the history of R6 LANs. Given the displeasure surrounding the matchup, it isn’t a surprise that Magnet believes it’s a negative for the APAC region. “We see it as a really good chance to prepare for the second game as we know Nora so well,” Magnet said.

The fact that both teams have played each other so many times over the course of APAC history proves how tightly knit the region is and it doesn’t go unnoticed by the teams in the region.

Magnet talked with Dot Esports about the APAC region and the upcoming Milan Finals.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Going off of the close-knit nature of APAC, would you say there’s a sense of comradery between the teams—specifically when it comes to Fnatic and NORA-Rengo?

Magnet: We definitely do have a close relationship with Nora. For a year now it has seemed that it was us (FNC and Nora) vs. the world. We also see each other a lot both overseas or at home, so we’ve gotten plenty of time to get to know each other.

Divisions have a certain degree of variation between them. How do you and the team approach preparing to face other divisions?

Overall we understand the main differences between regions by watching the Pro League. However, the best way to understand how different regions play is to study their VODs. Also, boot camping allows us to play against other regions so we get a first-hand experience of how the other regions play.

What’s your main concern as team captain/IGL heading into the Milan Finals?

My main concern is making sure that everyone is mentally ready and prepared to play leading up to and on game day. As long as everyone is in the right headspace on game day, we will play well.

Over the past season, what has been your most challenging moment as team captain/IGL?

Trying to make sure we are practicing something different or new in every scrim has been the most challenging this season. It is important to always improve and to not get stuck just going through the motions in scrims.

Lastly, is there any team that stands out as a direct threat, and why?

LeStream seems like the team to watch out for this tournament. They are a great team that are yet to prove themselves on game day. I’m sure they can do it this time.

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