Boaster Takes Inspiration From Dev1ce And Caps To Make Sure Fnatic Bounce Back

Fnatic's rise through VALORANT was epitomised in the Stage 2 Masters in Reykjavik, where the team with hardly any tactical FPS experience under their belts managed to but on a showcase worthy of their silver medal. 

Whilst breezing effortlessly past some of their opponents, the off-field antics of IGL Jake "Boaster" Howlett had fans tuning in to every second of their journey, as they rose to the second-best team in the world.

However, with the rapidly growing nature of VALORANT, Fnatic has since struggled to keep their momentum. Losses in the first Stage 3 Challengers round to both Guild Esports and G2 have their qualification for the Berlin Masters in serious jeopardy. 

Ahead of their Challengers 2 run for a place in the EMEA Playoffs, Boaster has now discussed how CS:GO dynamo Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz and League of Legends mid-lane maestro Rasmus "Caps" Borregaard Winther inspire him to bounce back from their losses and lead Fnatic back to greatness.

Boaster Explains How To Bounce Back From Losing

Speaking in a podcast alongside VALORANT caster, journalist, and girlfriend Yinsu Collins, Boaster explained that one of dev1ce's well known quotes always sticks in his head after a loss.

Referring to the Danish CS legend, Boaster explained "a wise man once said 'if you can only play at 50% [performance levels] keep working at 100% [effort], it's enough.' Generally if you're not feeling great and you're moping and don't have that buzz in you when playing because of the losses, you just have to keep giving 100% of whatever you can give."

He continued to discuss hope Caps' recent G2 form is eye-opening, especially the way he has bounced back in the past few games. 

Boaster said: "It's such a mentally stressful environment, it's hard to stay on your top form. If I look at Caps now, I think he spent a few weeks being 'Craps'. For me, that was really weird to hear and think about, as I always thought Caps was 'Claps'."

"It kind of brings it into reality that people's mentality can affect them."

The young IGL succeeded to admit his own mentality can sometimes waver, which was a factor in the recent loss versus Guild. However, identifying the problems can only be the start of the process back to the top.

Fnatic and boaster now go into the second EU Challengers against Alliance, with the winners moving on to face either Rix.GG Thunder or Giants Gaming. Team Liquid and Team Vitality are also facing a shock exit from Stage 3, with only four slots left for the EMEA Playoffs.

With all eyes on Berlin, EU VALORANT is beginning to heat up, and Fnatic will be looking to get back on their perch.