The VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo 2023 Grand Finals Sets the stage for LOUD vs. Fnatic

After the Group Finals, which gave us the Group champions, the final day of VCT LOCK//IN will feature The Defending World Champions of LOUD taking on the EU superteam Fnatic. The final day of action will kick off with a showmatch to showcase the new agent featuring Tarik. Let's take a look at both grand finalists.

The Brazilian Gods - LOUD:

LOUD had some insane moments throughout the tournament and toppled some heavy favorites, including NRG and DRX. In the tournament, LOUD displayed some exceptional Valorant spearheaded by Aspas. Additionally, the new members of the LOUD squad, the young tuyz and cuanzin, display peak dexterity and come in crucial when LOUD needed the most. In the DRX series, LOUD dominated the first two maps, and a big part of the domination was Aspas. Aspas finished the series with an ACS of 265 with a 93/67/20 K/D/A.

VCT LOCK//IN stats for LOUD:

• Pistol Round Win rate: 62.5%
• 2nd Round Conversion rate:  93.33%
• Bonus win rate: 64.28%
• Attack win rate: 53.70%
• Defense win rate: 52.17%
• Round win rate: 53.00%
• Most banned Map/s: Haven

The EMEA Superteam: Fnatic:

Fnatic currently has a flawless record coming into the Grand Finals, and on their way, they took down Natus Vincere, who themselves were unbeaten, and Sentinels, the Americas superteam. In the Omega Group finals, Fnatic took on Natus Vincere, who displayed strength par none and overcame them in three maps. For Fnatic, the spearhead is Derke, but that's not all. The flexibility and fragging potential of Chronicle and Leo make Fnatic a strong force even when Derke dies. Fnatic has one of the highest win rates when it comes to 4v5. The team also boasts Alfajer, a turkish fragging prodigy. With so many moving pieces for Boaster, Fnatic looks like an unbeatable force.

VCT LOCK//IN Stats for Fnatic:

• Pistol Round Win Rate: 50.00%
• 2nd Round Conversion Rate: 100.00%
• Bonus Win Rate: 46.15%
• Attack Win Rate: 62.37%
• Defense Win Rate: 61.45%
• Round Win rate: 61.92%
• Most Banned Map/s: Pearl

Head to Head:

Despite attending all three international events in 2022, Fnatic and LOUD are yet to cross paths. Both teams have defeated some strong teams coming into the event. LOUD relies heavily on individual prowess and aiming. They have set executes, but it relies heavily on winning duels. It works for LOUD because it's LOUD and has immense talent.

On the other hand, Fnatic has some insane utility usage and trap plays. Fnatic's attacks are composed to the T, with every person assigned a duty. Fnatic encompasses aggression and passive hold and does not shy away from nerdy tactics to win the round. Additionally, the calls from Boaster help Fnatic secure sites for free. And find a gap in the Fnatic set plays takes a lot of work.

While Fnatic does seem to have an edge, with the Firepower and utility usage, LOUD is always the team to exceed expectations. Moreover, the crowd will support LOUD, which can help LOUD take down Fnatic.

Expected Map Veteos:

Both teams have one map they don't play, and their opponents play very well. LOUD has always avoided playing Haven; after tomorrow, they will continue to ban it. Fnatic banned Pearl against Natus Vincere and might do so again today. But it being Fnatic does mean they can always anti-strat to ban Ascent from LOUD. But likely, Pearl and Haven will be the two bans.

Agent Showcase Showmatch:

Before Fnatic and LOUD take the stage for the Grand finals, the stage will see Tarik and FRTT taking on each other in a showmatch. The showmatch will see both team captains playing upcoming Valorant agent Gekko. The map for the brawl is yet to be announced. The teams for the showmatch will be cNed, Paula, SirMaza, mimi, and Tarik, taking on Suygetsu, pANcada, FRTTTT, SkRossi, and vela. The broadcast starts at 09:00 AM PST/ 02:00 PM BRT/ 02:00 AM JST, and the main event will follow after the showmatch and will be broadcasted on Twitch and Youtube. You can follow the livestream and track the live scores for the match here.

Credits: Valorant Champions Tour

Follow Strafe for Live Scores, Streams and News of VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paulo 2023