"This is just the beginning" EDward Gaming lift VALORANT Champions 2024 trophy
On the final day of VALORANT Champions 2024, the stage was set for an epic showdown between EDward Gaming and Team Heretics.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans roaring in anticipation of the intense battle that was about to unfold. Both teams had fought their way through the tournament with incredible performances.
But in the end, it was EDward Gaming who emerged as Champions.
EDward Gaming 3-2 Team Heretics
The series began on EDG's map pick, Haven, where Team Heretics came out swinging. Dominating the map with a 13-6 victory, Heretics set the tone early, putting EDG on the back foot.
However, EDG quickly regained their composure on Heretics' pick, Sunset. With a decisive 13-4 win, EDG made it clear that they were not going down without a fight.
The momentum continued to shift as the series progressed to Lotus. Despite it being a Heretics pick, EDG's strong attack side led them to a 13-9 victory, putting them in the lead. But Heretics were not ready to surrender just yet.
On Bind, they pushed EDG to their limits, narrowly securing a 13-12 win and forcing the series to a fifth and final map: Abyss.
Entering Abyss with a wave of momentum, EDward Gaming delivered a dominant performance on their attack side, gaining a crucial lead.
While Team Heretics managed to fight back and reach 9 rounds, EDG's resilience and skill proved too much to overcome. EDG closed out the map 13-9, securing a 3-2 series victory and etching their names in the history books.
A Historic Achievement for EDward Gaming
This victory marks a monumental achievement for EDward Gaming and the entire Chinese VALORANT scene. Not only is this the first time a Chinese team has won an international tournament, but it is also the first time a Chinese team has claimed the Champions trophy.
This triumph is even more significant as it comes in the inaugural season of VCT China as an official partner league.
“My brother in arms, Smoggy was crying after we won and he asked me ‘Why are you not crying’, and I replied, ‘Because we are more than this, this is just the beginning.” -ZmjjKK
Accolades and Standout Performances
Wang "nobody" Senxu, who stepped in as IGL after replacing Guo "Haodong" Haodong, led EDG and CN as a region to their first international trophy.
Alongside his teammates Wan "CHICHOO" Shunzhi, Zhang "Smoggy" Zhao, and Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang, they achieved their dream after being eliminated by LOUD in 2023.
ZmjjKK also set a new record with an astounding 111 kills across the five maps, the highest ever in a Bo5 series. And he was also named the MVP of the tournament.
Additionally, Hsieh "S1Mon" Meng-hsun, who joined the team before VCT CN Stage 2, celebrated his first international stage appearance with a Champions trophy.
EDward Gaming's victory at VALORANT Champions 2024 is a historic milestone for the team and their region.
While the official VCT 2024 season may be over, there's still plenty of VALORANT action ahead in the OFF//SEASON. So, stick around for more thrilling matches and unforgettable moments!
Stay tuned on Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conference and more.
Featured Image Source: Christina Oh/Riot Games
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