VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff — Fnatic secure a confident win over Team Liquid

Fnatic continued their run at VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff with a confident victory over Team Liquid in Mid Bracket Round 2. In the Best of 3 series, one of the region’s strongest teams demonstrated a clear level advantage, closing out the match 2:0 and reinforcing their status as tournament favorites.

The series was played almost entirely on Fnatic’s terms. They controlled the pace of the game, looked more composed in key rounds, and avoided critical mistakes, allowing them to maintain control from start to finish.

Corrode — 13:5 Fnatic

The opening map was one-sided. Fnatic were in full control on both attack and defense, repeatedly punishing Team Liquid’s mistakes and quickly building a decisive lead. Liquid were never able to impose their own game plan.

Split — 13:9 Fnatic

Split proved to be more competitive. Team Liquid showed more structure and managed to create several dangerous moments, but Fnatic remained composed in crucial rounds and closed the map without losing control.

Fnatic controlled the series from start to finish, with their dominance most clearly visible on Corrode, where the difference in level was evident from the very first rounds. Alfajer emerged as one of the standout performers of the match, finishing as the top fragger and consistently winning his duels in crucial situations. This victory allowed Fnatic to solidify their position in the main bracket of the tournament, while Team Liquid dropped to the lower bracket, where there is no longer any room for error.

VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff features 12 teams and serves as a crucial early-season event, with results directly impacting qualification for Masters Santiago. Fnatic entered the tournament as one of the clear title contenders, and this performance sent a strong message that the team is ready to fight for the top from the very beginning of the season.