Fnatic’s Hard Support Jabz Released, Replaced by Free Agent eyyou
Fnatic has announced that their hard support player, Jabz, will be immediately released from the team. He will be replaced by free agent Nico “eyyou” Barcelon. This is the second player change for Fnatic in just two months. Previously, they replaced rookie Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon with Filipino carry Raven.
Fnatic cited a “severe lack of commanding” without offlaner iceiceice, who is currently on a break until the restart of the Dota Pro Circuit. For the latest tournament, ESL One Thailand, Fnatic had been playing DJ in the hard support and captaining role to compensate.
Since both Jabz and DJ performed better in the four role, Fnatic had to decide between the two. Ultimately, DJ was chosen to retain his soft support position. Jabz and Fnatic’s management decided to “mutually part ways” while the organization took the opportunity to work with a player that excels at position five.
Eyyou was recommended to Fnatic by DJ, Raven, and coach SunBhie. He previously played with Raven on TNC and Lotac, and was briefly a stand-in for Team Secret in the MegaFon Winter Clash.
The decision to seek out a capable captain while iceiceice is away may seem strange, as he has expressed admiration for Jabz on stream and they have played together for four years. However, Jabz has preferred the position four throughout his short playing career.
Despite this change, Fnatic has been performing well. They had a strong season prior to a disappointing exit at The International 2019, establishing themselves as one of the top teams in Southeast Asia alongside TNC Predator.
Jabz has now become a free agent, as he announced on his Facebook page.
Fnatic, Jabz, eyyou, player change, Dota Pro Circuit, ESL One Thailand, position five, Southeast Asia, TNC Predator.