The regional playoffs grand finals concluded yesterday, marking the groups’ selection for the World Championship in a few weeks. The VCT Master groups are impressive depending on your perspective. Group B is an absolute group of death. Another big potential group of death exists as well. The Sentinels, GenG, Heretics, and FPX group situation raises questions about being rigged for ratings and views. What do Zelsis and others say?
one more game G2 🙂https://t.co/gmraZQidwS pic.twitter.com/8SPAe2GzJN
— G2 ShahZaM (@ShahZaMk) July 21, 2024
Shahzam predicted everything in the Americas playoffs correctly until the finals. He had KRU beating Cloud9 and 100T beating Sentinels. Then, he predicted G2 and Lev making a run but losing. He had KRU making it all the way to the end, which was impressive. However, in the final match between G2 and Lev, Shahzam picked it to go the other way. It was difficult to call the grand finals winner, especially given the map advantage from the winners’ bracket side.
T1 Rossy now available? – VCT Masters Roster mania
The block party was well-attended and enjoyable. Danny, who goes by Rossy on his profile, is back in the US after being with T1 for the season. T1 allowed him to look for other teams heading into next season. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity T1 gave him and mentioned his contract will end soon. Rossy’s performance in APAC and his return to the US make him a serious contender for a spot in tier one, or at least tier two. T1’s decision to go in a different direction despite Rossy’s good performance is notable.
Grand Finals Recap
Comm secured the win again. Le entered the grand finals after losing to G2 earlier. Despite the map disadvantage, Le performed impressively. G2 had a map advantage, getting rid of Icebox and Sunset, and playing the five maps they wanted. However, Le had their number in the maps they won. Game one on Lotus went to overtime at 15-13, followed by Haven at 14-16. Lev won marginally but showed hard-fought efforts.
The grand finals were intense. Bind saw a big comeback from GT, but Lev secured the win on Ascent with a dominant attacking side. Ridiculous overtime games have become a theme, but Lev won in the end, advancing alongside other teams to the Valorant World Championship (VCT Masters).
VCT Masters Group Seedings
The nationalities attending the World Championship are diverse, with notable Chinese representation. Brazil’s representation is not as expected. Turkey and Korea have significant player representation. The group seeding for the World Championship has raised eyebrows. Zelsis gave his reaction, noting the deadly group Cals.
Stories of rigged group formations persist, with some teams placed in groups due to regional matchups. The chance of forming the current group was around 4%, but it happened. This group poses a tough challenge, with only two teams advancing from each of the four groups.
Player Reactions and Trash Talk
Player reactions to the group draw included some trash talk. Zelsis mentioned the rematch with Madrid, indicating the group’s difficulty. The format has 16 teams in four groups of four, playing a GSL style group. Only two teams advance, making the competition fierce.
Groups Overview
Group A: Fanatic, DRX, Crew, BLG. Fanatic and DRX are likely to advance, with Crew having a tough time historically at the Championship.
Group C: L, Vitality, Tracy Sports, Talon. L is likely comfortable in this group.
Group D: Paper Rex, G2, Foot Esports, Edward Gaming. This group is not clear cut but presents challenges.
Group B: The scariest group with tight competition.
