VALORANT Champions group stage: NAVI outshined Liquid, DRX defeats LOUD

The prestigious VALORANT Champions 2023 has concluded its first day of the group stage. In today’s matchups, we saw intense clashes, perfectly what we anticipate from the highly awaited championship. NAVI defeated the top seed from their region Team Liquid to advance further into the winner’s bracket. Meanwhile, a representative from Asia Pacific DRX surprised the South American powerhouse LOUD.

Here is the recap of VALORANT Champions group stage day 1:

Day 1 of #VALORANTChampions gave us two epic matchups! Relive the biggest moments. pic.twitter.com/tP6CwkUWrN

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

NAVI crushes Team Liquid

The very first match of the highly anticipated VALORANT Champions took place between European titans – Team Liquid and NAVI. Although Team Liquid was a clear favorite considering their past encounters, it was NAVI who emerged victorious with a comfortable 2-0 score.

The following maps roster were picked by both teams:

• Fracture (NAVI)
• Bind (Team Liquid)
• Split (Decider)

Fracture

Both teams opted for defensive rosters, each choosing a double-controller setup. Team Liquid secured a strong and stable start; however, they struggled to capitalize on the momentum throughout the first half, resulting in a 6-6 score.

In the second half, Team Liquid once again claimed victory in the pistol round but faltered as the match progressed. Following a series of back-and-forth exchanges, NAVI ultimately clinched the first map with a closely contested score of 13-11. Pontus “Zyppan” Eek stood out as the MVP, amassing 18 kills with an impressive 223 ACS.

Bind

Following a map deficit, Team Liquid transitioned to their chosen map. Once more, they kicked off the match by securing victory in the pistol round, swiftly followed by the subsequent round. While NAVI launched a strong counterattack, Team Liquid’s offensive prowess shone through in the first half, culminating in a 7-5 scoreline.

As the second half commenced, NAVI executed a complete turnaround during their offensive play. Both teams displayed a determined reluctance to yield, propelling the map into overtime.

This extension witnessed a flurry of round exchanges, sustaining the intense back-and-forth. Ultimately, in the 32nd round, NAVI maintained their composure, clinching two consecutive rounds to emerge victorious. Dmitry “SUYGETSU” Ilyushin was crowned MVP with 24 kills at 204 ACS.

WE’RE GOING TO OVERTIME! @nAts__ss gets the defuse. #VALORANTChampions

GET IN HERE: https://t.co/io2c23u0BL pic.twitter.com/Fad1qJdiRg

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 6, 2023

DRX outshines LOUD

We were hardly come over with the first map NAVI’s intense comeback, DRX vs LOUD proved to be another unexpected outcome. DRX defeated raining champions LOUD 2-1 to raise the Pacific flag on the opening day. Following were the map veto for this matchups:

• Lotus (LOUD)
• Split (DRX)
• Ascent (Decider)

Lotus

The initial map of the match unfolded on Lotus, where LOUD gained an early advantage, claiming four consecutive rounds in their favor. However, DRX responded with an impressive counterattack, seizing a remarkable 7 rounds in their own favor. As the match progressed into the second half, a relentless exchange of rounds took place. Eventually, LOUD succeeded in clinching the first map with a narrow 15-13 score in an overtime showdown.

Star player from LOUD Erick “aspas” Santos emerged as MVP with 29 kills at 297 ACS.

Split

Moving onto the second map, which was DRX’s own strategic choice, the initial half showcased DRX’s complete dominance, culminating in an impressive 8-4 score. This commanding lead was maintained as the match progressed into the second half, with DRX firmly in control, ultimately securing the map with an authoritative 13-6 scoreline.

This time around Kim “MaKo” Myeong-gwan was crowned as the top fragger with 17 kills and 223 ACS.

Ascent

Header: VCT Champions/ Riot Games