Image credit: VALORANT Esports APAC
SCARZ knocked off NAOS Esports in the semifinals and secured the first seat at the grand finals
NAOS Esports were eliminated after its first series at VCT Ascension Pacific 2023. Unlike SCARZ, NAOS was granted a semifinal slot after placing first in the group stage bracket.
Fans were on the edge of their seats during the first game of the semifinals. NAOS made lightwork in the first half of the game and did not let SCARZ score until round eight. SCARZ tried to regain control but was only able to take three rounds in the first half.
It looked like the 9-3 curse was real when SCARZ took the lead in the second half. The Japanese team tied up the score at 11-11 with NAOS playing at an economy disadvantage. SCARZ quashed the dreams of NAOS to push the game to overtime and closed the game.
NAOS picked Ascent for the second map. However, SCARZ got the better of them in the first half of the game and chalked eight rounds on the board. NAOS bounced back from the onslaught with tactical defensive gameplays.
In round 15, NAOS stole the momentum from SCARZ and scored consecutive rounds. SCARZ tried to contest the game but failed, which allowed NAOS to successfully even out the series points and forced a game three.
Game faces were on for SCARZ during the deciding match. SCARZ charged calculated attacks and NAOS could not answer back. NAOS only scored in their first full-buy round the entire time SCARZ were attackers.
SCARZ were looking to close the game quickly as they score 10-1 versus NAOS. With Savva "Kr1stal" Fedorov winning almost all his duels, SCARZ put the final nail in the coffin and eliminated NAOS from the tournament.
SCARZ secured the first seat in the grand finals table. The grand winner of VCT Ascension Pacific 2023 will earn a slot a spot in the 2024 and 2025 Pacific Leagues along with $20,000 prize money.
