G2 Esports triumphed over T1 in a nail-biting series, while FPX finally secured their first win in Day 1 Masters Shanghai.
G2 Esports narrowly beat 
T1 in a nail-biting series in the first game of the day 1 swiss round of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2024: Masters Shanghai. In the other series, 
FunPlus Phoenix finally won their first win in an international series in 2024 after their disappointing run in Masters Madrid. This marks an impressive first day for the tournament so far.
The first map for G2 against T1 looked so bleak for the xccurate-led team. They could not mount a successful attempt to grab any long-duration momentum in the match because of a perfectly timed timeout from the American team. G2, on the other hand, was dominant in both halves and secured the first map.
The second match, however, was a total domination by T1. Every game was a mountain to climb for G2. T1 showed why Icebox was their most potent map, given their understanding of the timing on the map. Leaf could steal a point from T1 with his outstanding play, but it was just a flash in a moment.
The American representative won against T1, securing a crucial point for the second series of Masters Shanghai. They were able to mount a second wind after a crushing 13-1 loss in Icebox, taking the South Korean organisation into overtime in Lotus, the decider map.
In the other series, FPX finally got their first win on the international stage, completing a 2-1 score. FPX silenced their doubters and addressed their problems before the competition started. They will proceed with G2 Esports to the second day of the swiss round in the winning series.
FPX looked very comfortable with their picks in the first match against 
FUT Esports, donning a double controller setup with a Fade Initiator. This composition secured their domination while attacking using Fade as their point and enabled them to press their advantage in the second half.
The second series was much closer as both teams used the usual composition in Lotus. The highlight of the series was the battle of the duelists. Both were the high point of this series and pushed their team to overtime. FUT, however, get settled quicker after shutting down FPX’s momentum by taking the first point.
The last map was something to behold, as FunPlus Phoenix used a triple-controller composition on Icebox. At first, the composition looked nervy, as FUT could read the movement from the VCT China representative. However, things got more interesting when it was time for Life and the team to attack. They thoroughly dismantled FUT, turning an 8-4 half into a 10-13 win.
Masters Shanghai will return on Day 2 swiss round, stay tuned on GosuGamers for VALORANT Champions Tour 2024: Masters Shanghai coverage.
