Leviatán take down G2 Esports to secure VCT Americas Grand Finals
After a powerful showing in the Grand Finals between G2 Esports and Leviatán, the latter team emerged victorious as the VCT Americas champion for Stage 2. With this victory, Leviatán has also secured the first seed for themselves heading into VCT Champions Seoul.
The completion of the VCT Americas Stage 2 Grand Finals also marks the end of the domestic season, and we now enter the final stage of the 2024 VCT calendar - Champions. Despite losing in the finals, G2 will also be attending the event along with Leviatán, KRU Esports, and Sentinels, representing the Americas region.
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The Bold International Superteam Bears Fruit
Leviatán emerged at the end of last year as a strong contender in the league - at least on paper. Their project was perhaps the most ambitious in the region, shifting a historically non-English speaking organization and support system into an international roster, assembling together some of the finest talents that the Americas region had to offer.
The biggest name to join their organization was without doubt 2022 Champions winner Erick “aspas” Santos. Widely considered one of the greatest players in VALORANT’s admittedly young history, aspas forged his name on the Brazilian organization LOUD but when he lent his services to Leviatán, joining forces with some notable names in the scene such as Francisco “kiNgg” Alberto Aravena, the project got a LOT more exciting.
Moreover, Leviatán assembled other super talents as well to round off their international roster, including seeking the employ of recently Ascended talent Ian “tex” Botsch and 2023 Champions winner Corbin “C0M” Daniel Lee.
A Clash of Powerhouses
On the other side of the stage was none other than recently Ascended (and formerly of The Guard) G2 Esports - and Tex’s former team. But what made this matchup particularly exciting was the form of both teams coming into this event.
G2 had made top 2 in the Stage 1 Playoffs, finished within the top 8 at Masters Shanghai, and continued to deliver as one of the best teams in the region, despite their ‘expected’ inexperience at the top end of competitive VALORANT.
In the end, Leviatán walked away with a 3-1 scoreline in Grand Finals. But make no mistake, a closer inspection of the scorelines tells of a hard fought battle with both teams fighting for every inch.
Leviatán's True Beginning?
While either team could have theoretically lifted the trophy, the victory particular carries meaning for Leviatán. A team that struggled with consistency throughout the year, showed some of the highest highs but also some of the lowest lows.
Moreover, for aspas, this victory helps cement assurance in his decision to depart from LOUD following a still fairly successful 2023 year with his long-time teammates.
Leviatán is now all set to play at Champions Seoul, where their mettle will truly be tested in their second ever international tournament as a roster. Does the team have what it takes to deliver as the best Americas team? Or will they falter when it truly matters most?
Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for all updates on VALORANT Champions 2024.
Also follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
Credit: VCT Americas // Riot Games
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