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Fnatic has announced that Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg will be joining their ranks as a stand-in ahead of the 2022 Pinnacle Cup.
The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament is scheduled to commence on June 8 and run through to June 11.
With the event drawing closer, Fnatic were the only team without a complete roster and had to act fast. Fortunately, the CSGO esports oufit successfully acquired the service veteran.
The British team made the announcement via their official Twitter page. They also thanked his current team Dignitas for making it happen.
More: Pinnacle Cup tips for June 8
“We’re beyond excited to welcome back f0rest to the Black & Orange as a stand-in for our upcoming appearance at the PinnacleCup! Patrik last served under Fnatic from 2006-2010, helping us cement our historic legacy in 1.6.”
“We’d like to thank Dignitas for allowing this loan to happen, and we can’t wait to see Patrik back in action tomorrow. We’ll update you regarding our plan to lock in a permanent fifth in the coming weeks, and thank you for your support & patience as we navigate these changes.”
We'd like to thank @dignitas for allowing this loan to happen, and we can't wait to see Patrik back in action tomorrow.
We'll update you regarding our plan to lock in a permanent fifth in the coming weeks, and thank you for your support & patience as we navigate these changes.
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) June 7, 2022
Although he currently plays for Dignitas, he has been inactive for a month, which was one of the reasons the loan deal pulled through. In May, Dignitas put their entire roster on the inactive list, stating that all players are available for transfer.
While having f0rest on the roster will be a big boost, he was not in the original plan. The team was currently testing players for the last slot on the roster but their first-choice fell ill at boot camp, hence f0rest’s acquisition.
That revelation was brought to light by the team’s co-owner Patrik “cArn” Sättermon. He stated that their search for a permanent fit is not completed.
“We’ve had a few busy days following the player we’ve been trialing falling ill at boot camp, and as a consequence not being able to compete. Standin for Pinnacle has been found, I’m sure it will excite some people out there. Work to finalize a permanent fifth continues.”
We've had a few busy days following the player we've been trialing falling ill at bootcamp, and as a consequence not being able to compete. Standin for Pinnacle has been found, I'm sure it will excite some people out there. Work to finalize a permanent fifth continues. #fncwin
— Patrik Sättermon (@cArn) June 7, 2022
Fnatic has had a slow start to the year and will be grateful for a do-over if given the opportunity. Their need for a player stems from the fact that they are undergoing a roster revamp.
The team failed to qualify for the Antwerp Major and did not make it out of the close qualifier for the 2022 Intel Extreme Master Dallas. These poor performances prompted the organization to consider making changes to the roster.
A few days ago, Fnatic acquired Fredrik “roeJ” Jørgensen and Nico “nicoodoz” Tamjid from Copenhagen Flames. Fnatic will be hopeful that their new-look team will have better results in tournaments.
Although F0rest will get the thrill of participating in a cup series once again, his future is uncertain. Four other players on the Dignitas roster, along with F0rest will be hoping for a strong Pinnacle Cup to claim a permanent roster position.
Perhaps a stellar display from f0rest, one of the best players in CS: GO history, will sway Fnatic to offer him a proper contract.
In his earlier days, f0rest spent four years with Fnatic (2006-2010), helping them win several events. A reunion might be in the cards, but first, he has to help them win the lion’s share of the $250,000 Pinnacle Cup prize fund.
Fnatic will open the Pinnacle Cup tournament with a best-of-1 match against Heroic. Subsequent fixtures will follow a best-of-3 format.
Fnatic is paying +1200 to win the Pinnacle Cup with esports betting sites, which looks decent value, given they are a great unknown with their new line-up.
