Apeks qualifies for VALORANT Challengers Ascension 2023: EMEA

After a perfect race in the VCL 2023 NE: Polaris Split 2, Apeks qualified for the upcoming VALORANT Challengers Ascension 2023: EMEA, where they will play for a direct place in the VCT EMEA League 2024 and 2025.

Apeks’ run throughout the tournament was spectacular, as the team never let their foot off the gas at any time. Furthermore, their level of play was a step above the rest of the participating teams, as they finished with a 7-0 record in the Group Stage.

Apeks joins CGN Esports as the only team so far qualified for the tournament that will define the team playing in the VCT EMEA League for the next two seasons.

WE HAVE QUALIFIED FOR ASCENSION!!! 💙

GGs to @FOKUSValorant, @LePetitBouffons and all the other teams we played this split. They were great opponents 🫡

Thank you as well to our amazing coaches and wonderful fans, we couldn’t have done it without you.

SEE YOU IN BERLIN! 😎 pic.twitter.com/4ZGSORD81V

— Apeks Valorant (@ApeksValorant) June 4, 2023

Apeks’ Road in the VCL 2023 NE: Polaris Split 2

As mentioned, Apeks demonstrated a truly spectacular level of play throughout the tournament, and there is no doubt that the Group Stage was just a taste of it. The team managed to win all seven matches they played, where they only lost two maps out of 14 played.

However, due to the tournament format, Apeks had to play the “Seeding Matches” to define the team qualifying directly to the grand final and the two playing in the semifinals. Nevertheless, Apeks took two comfortable 2-0 victories over FOKUS and Les Petits Bouffons to secure their place in the final.

On the other hand, FOKUS and Les Petits Bouffons met in the tournament’s semifinals, where FOKUS took a comfortable 13-6 (Fracture) and 13-8 (Haven) victory to qualify for the grand final.

Apeks vs. FOKUS – Grand Final Recap

The Grand Final between Apeks and FOKUS was emotional, especially considering that Apeks had to apply a reverse sweep to win. However, this gave a little more excitement to this series, as everyone was giving Apeks as the clear favorite to win.

The grand final was played in Bind (FOKUS), Pearl (Apeks), Lotus (FOKUS), and Haven (Apeks).

Bind

It all started at Bind, the FOKUS map pick, where we had a balanced match from start to finish. Both teams showed all their power on both sides of the map, and, as a result, the match ended with a 12-12 on the scoreboard, which sent them straight to Overtime.

However, FOKUS could win the first two rounds in a row to take the map victory by 14-12.

Pearl

In Pearl, things changed drastically, as Apeks came out all guns blazing to prevent FOKUS from gaining more confidence and jeopardizing their qualification to the VALORANT Challengers Ascension EMEA.

In the first half, Apeks managed a resounding 9-3 partial victory, which undoubtedly gave them the push to stay in the series. Afterward, FOKUS tried to come back in the game and got to 7-11 on the scoreboard. Finally, however, Apeks managed to win the last two rounds and even the series 1-1.

Lotus

In Lotus, we had a similar match to the first of the series, as FOKUS came out extremely confident in their map pick, Lotus. In the first half, Apeks struck first by taking a 7-5 partial victory. Undoubtedly, Apeks’ defense was exemplary in the first half.

Then, things changed at the change of sides, as FOKUS woke up completely and managed a spectacular comeback to send the game to Overtime. But, finally, Apeks struck twice in the first two rounds of Overtime to put the series 2-1 in their favor.

Haven

Finally, Apeks annihilated all FOKUS hopes in Haven, their second map pick of this series. After a resounding 9-3 first half, FOKUS could not get up from the floor and were crushed with a score of 13-3.

Now, Apeks will have to fight with nine other teams for two weeks starting June 30 to get the coveted berth for the VCT EMEA League 2024/2025.

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