We took time to sit down with RizRaz, Lusty, Magnet, NeophyteR and Acez from the #2 seeded team in APAC, Fnatic. We asked them questions about preparation and mindset leading up to the Pro League Season 8 Finals.
**A year after the first appearance of APAC teams at the Pro League Finals, the scene saw a big improvement for the region. Which aspects have you been working on in order to be the first APAC team to reach the top four of a Pro League Finals?
** RizRaz: We've gone to work on our teamwork and coordination, we've always been skilled individually but lacked in the teamwork aspect in our attack and defence. We really believe if we can nail down and perfect these things we can take it to the bigger International stage and make a top four spot at minimum.
Pro League saw the rise of numerous APAC teams (NR, Mantis FPS, Team Xavier…) throughout the Season 8. What are your thoughts about the progress made by the region?
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NeophyteR:** Although APAC as a region has made a large amount of progress, there is still a lot to learn. Maturity and professionalism are still big issues within the region. Also, because most of the teams here lack international and lan experience, it is difficult to keep up with other the regions.
In an interview before the Altantic City Finals, Magnet stated that one of your biggest strengths were “your aggressive playstyle and trade fragging”. Have you kept your singular playstyle or has it evolved since then?
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Magnet:** Our playstyle has certainly developed since Atlantic City as Siege has now become a game that requires a lot more utility. We have also tried to improve on the teamwork aspect rather than just focusing on pure fragging power. In saying this however we are still not afraid to take gunfights with the enemy.
Both APAC teams will face off a North American team at the Finals. What are your thoughts heading into the quarterfinals against Evil Geniuses?
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Acez:** Coming into the quarterfinals against Evil Geniuses, we're feeling confident that we can come out on top and push through to the semifinals. They will be the toughest opponents that we've ever competed against and with their new line-up, they are looking even stronger. We've done all that we can do to prepare for EG and it's up to us to take what we've learned and deliver on game day.
The Season 8 Finals will be your fourth attendance in a row in a Rainbow Six global event. How will you use this maturity against an experienced team like EG?
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RizRaz:** I feel as if we are at a point where we have played so many International events that we no longer are nervous at these large scale events, although EG are more experienced we are still going into these games with confidence.
Which teams impress you the most in the global scene?
Lusty: G2 impresses me the most because they manage to stay on the top constantly, their flexibility allows them to dominate every different team playstyles.
At the Pro League Finals, there will be teams attending from all the regions. Whom would you pick from other teams (EU, NA, LATAM or APAC) to create your all-star roster?
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RizRaz:**
Fabian, due to his leadership.
Wokka, because of his extremely accurate and aggressive playstyle.
Aceez, for being a smart but an impressive fragger.
Goga, because "si si si I plant" and being all round an amazing support player.
Geo, because he is extremely talented with information operators such as Valk while still being a top fragger on other roles.
Good luck to Fnatic at the Season 8 Pro League finals this weekend, and make sure to follow RizRaz, Lusty, NeophyteR, Magnet, Acez, and Dizzle on social media.
