HEROIC and fnatic punch their tickets to the CS Asia Championships playoffs

HEROIC and fnatic punch their tickets to the CS Asia Championships playoffs

After two intense group stages, HEROIC and fnatic have secured their spots in the CS Asia Championships 2025 playoff bracket. Both squads advanced from Group B, albeit via different paths, and will now face off in the upper bracket final, with the winner advancing directly to the semifinals and the loser falling to a quarterfinal match. 

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Path to playoff qualification

fnatic’s run

Fnatic booked their playoff berth with a solid performance in Group B. Their upper‐bracket victory guaranteed advancement. The team knocked out FUT (2–0), making clear their intention to contest for deep runs. 

As part of that run, fnatic’s form heading into the matchup looked favorable: they entered with strong momentum, winning multiple recent matches and being considered a bookmaker favorite in their clash with HEROIC. 

Their performance also came amid roster concerns—recently, fnatic captain fear confirmed that the team was still to decide between CYPHER or jackasmo for the Major roster, meaning the squad’s composition could shift. 

HEROIC’s route, with hades standing in

HEROIC’s path was more turbulent. The team is competing with Olek “hades” Miskiewicz as a substitute—due to Alkaren missing the event for visa reasons. 

Nonetheless, HEROIC handled their group matches well. Their 2–0 victory over FUT in the group secured their progression. In that match, hades stood out, delivering a top frag performance under pressure. 

Earlier in the tournament, HEROIC also took down TYLOO on the Chinese team’s home map Inferno, relying on 113 ADR from blameF—a highlight moment that underscored the team’s potential against local favorites. 

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What comes next: Upper bracket final showdown

With both teams advancing, the next match is the upper bracket final of Group B. The stakes are high:

• Winner → Semifinals

• Loser → Quarterfinals

This structure gives a cushion to the team that finishes second in that match—yet it’s still a high-pressure battle with implications for both momentum and seeding. 

Fnatic versus HEROIC is expected to be tightly contested. HEROIC has a slight edge in head-to-head, while fnatic’s recent form and sharp consistency build confidence on their side. 

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Strategic narrative & storylines to watch

1. HEROIC’s substitute integration
   With hades filling in for Alkaren, HEROIC must prove they can maintain cohesion under a stand-in. Hades’ early high performance will be tested further.

2. Fnatic’s roster flexibility
   As fnatic balances Major roster decisions (CYPHER vs. jackasmo), their consistency in this event could influence those choices.

3. Local map dynamics
   HEROIC’s victory over TYLOO on Inferno in China may give them morale and tactical insight against regional opponents.

4. Momentum & bracket pressure
   A win in the upper bracket final offers teams fewer matches to play and a psychological advantage. The loser still has a path, but through a more grueling bracket.

5. Adaptation under pressure
   Both teams will be tested in late-round situations, utility execution, and adapting to the evolving tournament meta.