Fnatic become enemy #1 as CS community reacts to Cypher benching
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) fans, particularly the UK community, are livid after Fnatic’s controversial decision over Cai ‘CYPHER’ Watson.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that Fnatic are benching CYPHER before the PGL Budapest major despite their unlikely qualification.
He has been replaced by Mykyta ‘jackasmo’ Skyba, who subbed in to help Fnatic qualify for the event along with CYPHER.
While the final roster for Budapest hasn’t been confirmed, fans feel CYPHER not playing after qualifying would be a massive injustice.
Fnatic clarify the CS2 roster decision
Fnatic have tried to further explain this decision.
Bizarrely, the organisation has confirmed that, so far, this change is only for the upcoming CS Asia Championship in Shanghai.
This is according to legendary Fnatic CS star Patrik ‘cArn’ Sättermon, who revealed more details Fnatic’s fan app.
cArn later clarified that Fnatic still haven’t decided their final line-up, saying:
“Cypher is not playing in China no… We have not made decisions for the rest of the year, but we want to try this path for now and will keep you posted.”
This decision means CYPHER could return to the line-up for the major, but would be desperately out of practice as a result.
CS2 community berates Fnatic for CYPHER’s unfair treatment
Fnatic’s qualified for the PGL Budapest major under very unlikely circumstances.
CYPHER played well during this surpirse run and did so having only joined the team a few months ago.
As a result, a lot of fans are fuming over the idea that CYPHER won’t get to play in the tournament he earned a spot for.
Some were quick to point out just how bad CYPHER’s luck has been, especially as he was days away from playing with Oleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyliev.
There was particularly a lot of anger from Heidi Darragh, CYPHER’s significant other, who slammed Fnatic, saying:
“Cai’s been f*cked over by every org he’s been on, we both thought Fnatic would be different.”
The cruel irony of CYPHER’s support
The saddest part about this saga is how supportive CYPHER was of his eventual replacement.
After qualifying for the major, CYPHER took to Twitter to beg teams to pick up Jackasmo, saying:
“Please someone pick him up, he’s so f*cking good. My GOAT.”
Unsurprisingly, the internet has had a lot of fun following this cruel irony…
CS2 fans called for KRIMZ’s head
During the major qualifier, it was Freddy ‘KRIMZ’ Johansson who was replaced by Jackasmo due to visa issues.
Considering CYPHER’s popularity, fans have quickly called for Fnatic to replace KRIMZ instead.
However, Fnatic are sticking to their guns as cArn confirmed they believe KRIMZ is the better option for the line-up.
Fnatic become public enemy no. 1 in CS2
With the community up in arms, many CS2 fans are now ready to ‘hatewatch’ Fnatic and hope for their downfall in Shanghai.
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