VALORANT Champions is the last tournament this year in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). It’s slated to take place from August 1 to 25. It’s the biggest VALORANT tournament of the year, consisting of the top 16 teams in the world. Day one consisted of two of the most awaited rematches in VALORANT history. It was none other than the game between Sentinels and Gen G and the match between FunPlus Phoenix and Team Heretics. In this article, let us look at some essential highlights from the tournament’s first day.
A clean sweep victory for Gen G against Sentinels in the VALORANT Champions
Image Credits: Riot Games
When the groups of VALORANT Champions 2024 were announced, group B was termed as the group of death. This was because both the winners of the VCT Masters – Madrid and Shanghai – were in the same group. Not only that, but they would also face off against each other in the first match of the VALORANT Champions 2024.
The last time Gen G faced off against Sentinels was during the VCT Masters Madrid Grand Finale. Sentinels is the only team to defeat Gen G during an international VALORANT tournament this season. Going into this match, Gen G was the favorite to win due to their recent wins in VCT Masters Shanghai and VCT Pacific Stage Two.
Game 1 was played on the map of Haven, which was Sentinels’ map pick. During the first round of the match, Meteor secured a 1v3 clutch on defense, setting the tone for the fixture. The game ended with a score of 13-8. The MVP of the game was none other than t3xture, who ended the game with a KDA of 24/12/4.
Image Credits: Riot Games
Gen G continued this momentum into the second game on the map of Ascent. Sentinels on this map tried an unorthodox team composition consisting of Deadlock and Cypher. This time, Karon, the best player to have a rookie season in VALORANT, stepped up and left his mark while playing Omen. He secured an incredible 4K on a sheriff during the second round. Gen G won the map with a score of 13-7, getting their revenge on Sentinels.
“I am trying to remember the last time I got an Ace. Lakia should apologize for stealing my Ace opportunity during the first map,” said t3xture after the match.
FunPlus Phoenix And Team Heretics Is Another Unforgettable B03 Series
Image Credits: Riot Games
During the VCT Masters Shanghai, Team Heretics faced off against FunPlus Phoenix in the group stages. The team that won that game would have qualified for the playoffs phase of the event. Team Heretics won that series, which ended in multiple overtime rounds. From this game, Team Heretics went on to the Grand Final of VCT Masters Shanghai against Gen G.
For many viewers, this was one of the best B03 series of VALORANT ever played during an international tournament. The first game during their match was on the map of Abyss. FunPlus Phoenix started the match strong on their map pick, taking the lead during the first half 8-4. Team Heretics pulled the game in their favor, taking the lead to 12-9 and securing the game with a score of 14-12.
History repeated itself on the map of Bind, with FunPlus Phoenix taking the lead again 8-4. The only difference was that FunPlus Phoenix could hold the lead and secure the map with a score of 13-9. The only player in the tournament from the Oceania region, Autumn, on this map picked Chamber and demolished the server, securing six first-bloods.
Image Credits: Riot Games
Game 3 was played on a map of Lotus. The decider proved why this series is a cult classic for VALORANT fans. During the second half, the score went from 8-8 to 11-11, making fans believe the game could go overtime again.
The back and forth between these two teams was incredible as they went to overtime, scoring 13-13. Finally, Team Heretics secured the win, winning the series 15-13.
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