Fnatic Attributes Early Exit at VALORANT Champions 2023 to Packed Schedule Impacting Preparation

Fnatic, a prominent name in competitive VALORANT, entered VALORANT Champions with high expectations after their strong international performances this year. However, their journey at the event took an unexpected turn as they secured a fourth-place finish. Their elimination came on Thursday following their second defeat to LOUD during the playoffs.

Although players like Boaster and Chronicle maintained a positive demeanour during the post-match press conference, it was evident to those present that the Fnatic team was grappling with frustration. This marked the third consecutive year where their promising season start didn’t translate into success at the Champions event. Despite their accomplishments in Brazil, Berlin, and Japan earlier in the year, their run in Los Angeles fell short of their aspirations.

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Fnatic’s VALORANT Champions Experience Sparks Discussion on Busy Schedules and Player Well-being

The press conference shed light on the players’ concerns about the limited preparation time they had throughout the year and particularly for the Champions event. Boaster highlighted the rigorous cycle of continuous competition without sufficient breaks for recovery. He suggested that having an early exit might provide an opportunity for recuperation, but their consistent qualification for events meant they were immediately thrust back into the fray without adequate time to regroup.

Chronicle echoed this sentiment by pointing out that the demanding schedule left little room for stability. The team’s frustration seemed to be rooted in a sense of burnout and the associated risks it poses.

While Fnatic acknowledged that their losses at Champions couldn’t be solely attributed to their busy schedule, they did recognize LOUD’s strategic preparation against their compositions on Haven. Chronicle admitted that the team made some mistakes in their overall event preparation that needed addressing internally.

Looking ahead, the Chronicle’s concerns about burnout seem pertinent for the upcoming year. Riot’s plans for 2024 include two splits for each VCT league, two Masters events, and a two-week tournament to kick off the year. The condensed schedule, though aimed at providing players with a longer break eventually, could potentially lead to a more intense and busier season.

In essence, Fnatic’s experience at VALORANT Champions highlights the challenges posed by a packed competitive calendar and raises important discussions about player well-being and performance sustainability moving forward.