Team Heretics Qualify for Grand Finals of VCT Masters Shanghai
Team Heretics, in a dominant Bo5 series earlier today, took down G2 Esports in the Lower Finals of VCT Masters Shanghai. With this performance, they have secured their first ever international tournament finals appearance and will sit across the stage from returning runners-up from Madrid – Gen.G.
Clean Sweep
Heretics displayed absolute dominance in today’s series, winning 3-0 to secure their finals appearance. However, this was not the first time Heretics faced G2, nor was it the second. In fact, it took 3 tries at this tournament alone for Heretics to finally triumph over the NA side. But what’s the sentiment – 80% of success is showing up? And show up they did, peaking in strong form just in time to send G2 home in the Lower Bracket.
Heading into the series, anticipation was high. G2 had crushed Heretics in the first showing, mounted an incredible comeback in their second faceoff, and now faced them again for the final spot to the Grand Finals.
Read More: G2 comeback from 2-11 deficit to secure Masters Shanghai Finals Weekend
Heretics 3-0 G2 Esports
Starting off the series, G2 had first pick, bringing it to Bind. Despite being their map pick and historically showing a lot of comfort on the map, Heretics put them away 13-2 with little hesitation or signs of discomfort. Then the series came to Icebox. Now G2 has not looked convincing in the slightest on Icebox, so it was a surprise that they had let it through again.
Icebox was a similar story for G2, with Heretics again sending them packing 13-6. At this point, none of the stars on G2 had really gotten to warm up into the series. Heretics pacing and the quick fashion they were closing out maps, all led to a breakneck dash for the series endline.
On the 3rd map of Lotus, it was make or break and finally, G2 started looking a semblance of their usual selves. Much like the previous series, G2 really start getting into the game near the break point. Their individuals thrive under the immense pressure of being behind in series and it showed. So much so that for the first time in the series, Heretics called a timeout.
Perhaps the trauma of the last time they had a dominant lead was coming back to haunt them. Thankfully, Heretics was able to close out the series this time, finally capping their first win against G2 and more importantly, securing their first ever international showing.
Gen.G Await
Heretics will enter tomorrow’s Grand Finals series with a distinct disadvantage, that being the map veto. Gen.G will be allowed to ban both maps in the Bo5 series, as they came into the finals from the Upper Bracket.
Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on VCT Masters Shanghai. Subscribe to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more. You can also follow the VALORANT Champions Tour official X account for recent updates.
Credit: David Lee/Riot Games
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