If you missed the action last weekend, catch up on the VCT Grand Finals from each region.
The VCT Stage 1 for all regions just concluded. The Grand Finals series from the Pacific, Americas, EMEA, and China were nothing short of a spectacle, bringing fans to the edge of their seats.
VCT Stage 1 brought out the best teams from each region and handed their golden tickets to the highly awaited VCT Masters Shanghai. If you missed the live action or want to relive the moments, here’s a recap of what went down from each region.
Pacific (Paper Rex vs. Gen.G Esports)
Paper Rex and Gen.G Esports showcased a neck-and-neck battle against the region’s top 2 teams. PRX was deemed to be the kings of the Pacific not until Gen.G unexpectedly snatched the title during VCT Masters Madrid. Gen.G’s second-place finish in Madrid proved that they are underdogs no more.
The Grand Finals series was a rematch for these two Pacific powerhouse teams. The score lead constantly shifted, as incredible plays and clutch moments from both sides kept coming. All five games were played. In the end, Paper Rex reclaimed their throne as king of the Pacific.
Americas (100 Thieves vs. G2 Esports)
VCT Americas Stage 1 Grand Finals saw a clean sweep. 100 Thieves and G2 Esports clashed against each other in an exhilarating series. It was a rematch for the two teams as they faced each other from the Upper Bracket Finals.
Although G2 Esports survived the bloodbath from the Lower Bracket Finals, they were unable to redeem themselves against 100 Thieves. From the very beginning, 100 Thieves set the tempo of the matches, executing flawless plays and consistently outmaneuvering their opponents. The game ended in a clean 3-0 fashion.
China (FunPlus Phoenix vs. EDward Gaming)
VCT China Stage 1 showcased the first tournament appearance of the new agent, Clove. FunPlus Phoenix was the first one to use Clove in the VCT Stage 1. The team added it to their draft during the Group Stage against Bilibili Gaming where they dominated the game with a 13-2 score.
However, they failed to replicate the same result in the Grand Finals. EDward Gaming was always one step ahead. The team’s synergy and communication were unparalleled, and it led to coordinated battles that left FunPlus Phoenix scrambling to keep up. EDward Gaming took the first seed of the region.
EMEA (Team Heretics vs. Fnatic)
Fnatic finally got redemption against Team Heretics in the Grand Finals series of VCT EMEA Stage 1. Team Heretics always dominated Fnatic every time they were pitted against each other in this tournament.
First was their Group Stage match which heavily favored Team Heretics and the second was the Upper Bracket Finals which ended in a clean sweep for the same team.
Fnatic crawled their way back after knocking off FUT Esports in the Lower Bracket Finals. The team faced Team Heretics once again, but they were prepared for the onslaught.
From the opening game, it was clear that both teams were bringing their A-game, matching each other blow for blow. Once again, Team Heretics asserted their dominance early on but Fnatic had enough of it. They were able to turn the tables around and snatch the victory from Team Heretics. Fnatic became the first seed of EMEA after a nail-biting series against Team Heretics.
Paper Rex, 100 Thieves, EDward Gaming, and Fnatic will play directly in the playoffs of VCT Masters Shanghai. They will also be able to choose their first opponent. The top 2 and 3 from each region will play in a Swiss stage format. The top 4 from the Swiss stage will advance to the playoffs.
