VALORANT Champions group stage: DRX, FUT and EG shined on day 2

The second day of the VALORANT Champions group stage has come to an end where DRX surprised everyone with the second impressive win of the tournament. Meanwhile, FUT and Evil Geniuese comfortably shuts down T1 and FunPlus Phoenix to secure the slot in a further bracket.

Here is the recap of the VALORANT Champions group stage day 2. Also, VCT Champions’ first-day recap is also available here.

Day 2 featured major debuts and a battle for the first Playoff spot.

Check out the highlights. #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/D4RirYV8ec

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 8, 2023

FUT shuts T1

In the very first match of the second day, the Pacific region suffered a crushing defeat over European representative FUT. FUT shut down T1 2-0 to send them into lower brackets. Here is the map pool for the following match:

• Pearl (T1)
• Ascent (FUT)
• Haven (Decider)

Commencing as attackers on their chosen map, T1 found themselves overshadowed by FUT’s formidable defense. Despite managing successful bomb plants, T1 struggled to withstand FUT’s vigorous counterattacks, complicating their hold on post-plant positions. The initial half concluded with a scoreline of 9-3.

The renowned “curse” scoreline failed to deter FUT, as they launched even more relentless attacks in the second half. Throughout this period, T1 could only secure a solitary round, resulting in a final map score of 13-4. Buğra “MOJJ” Kiraz earned the MVP distinction for his team, amassing 22 kills and an impressive 240 ACS.

Transitioning to Haven, T1 made a respectable start on their opponent’s map selection, securing a 7-5 lead in the first half. Unfortunately, T1’s struggles persisted in the second half, where they could only secure two rounds. FUT navigated the map with ease, concluding it with a comfortable 13-7 score. Doğukan “qRaxs” Balaban claimed the MVP title with 20 kills and a commendable 243 ACS.

DRX took down NAVI

DRX took down powerhouses from Europe 2-0 to secure the playoff spots. In the best of three clashes following was the map roster:

• Bind (NAVI)
• Split (DRX)
• Lotus (Decider)

On the Bind map, NAVI began with a strong defensive stance, leading comfortably at 8-4 by halftime. However, the tides shifted drastically in the latter half as DRX secured an impressive six-round streak, mounting a remarkable comeback and pushing the game into overtime. Ultimately, in the 28th round, DRX clinched the map victory. Kim “stax” Gu-taek emerged as the MVP, boasting 27 kills and 267 ACS.

Moving to the Split map, NAVI initiated with a controlled start, but their dominance intensified in the second half. DRX struggled to defend against NAVI’s relentless aggression. Ultimately, NAVI secured the second map with a 13-9 score, leveling the overall score at 1-1. This time, star player Mehmet “cNed” Yağız İpek showcased his prowess, amassing 27 kills and an impressive 312 ACS.

In the decisive Lotus map, both teams embarked with calculated strategies, ending the first half in a deadlocked 6-6 tie. The second half remained intense, marked by constant round exchanges. As the game reached overtime, DRX displayed exceptional skill, triumphing over NAVI with a hard-fought 14-12 score.

FLAWLESS finish for @DRX_VS! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/dORHaZdnpW

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 8, 2023

Evil Geniuses defeats FunPlus Phoenix

Evil Geniuses showcased their prowess with a commanding showing in their Group B debut match against FunPlus Phoenix. EG clinched triumphs on both the initial maps. The formidable VCT Masters Tokyo finalists appear to be an indomitable force, setting the stage for a showdown against FUT in the winner’s match on Tuesday.

• Ascent (EG)
• Pearl (FPX)
• Bind (Decider)

Evil Geniuses effortlessly claimed the first map, Ascent, with a balanced 6-6 scoreline in the initial half. However, it was Evil Geniuses’ aggressive attacks that proved more potent against FunPlus Phoenix. Max “Demon1” Mazanov stood out, earning the MVP accolade with 21 kills and 267 ACS.

nizhaoTZH comes up CLUTCH to end the half!

EG leads 9-3 on Pearl. #VALORANTChampions

Watch here: https://t.co/io2c23u0BL pic.twitter.com/255b3lZFB5

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 7, 2023

On the other hand, FunPlus Phoenix failed to exhibit anything exceptional. Evil Geniuses continued their dominance into the second half, leading with a commanding 9-3 score. Although FPX exhibited resilience by securing an impressive streak of five rounds, EG eventually quelled their efforts, concluding the map with a 13-8 score in their favor.

Header: VCT Champions/Riot Games