VCT Masters Tokyo Playoffs: Evil Geniuses surprises LOUD, Team Liquid shuts EDward

The playoffs stage in VCT Masters Tokyo has finally kicked off with four teams in action today. Evil Geniuses emerged victorious over LOUD, while Team Liquid secured a win against EDG. EG and TL now advance to the Upper Semifinals, while EDG and LOUD find themselves in the lower bracket, where every match becomes a do-or-die situation. It was an exciting first day of the VCT Masters Tokyo Playoffs.

Evil Geniuses vs LOUD

The very first match of the day began with Brazil’s representative LOUD against North Americans Evil Geniuese. Although all odds were favoring LOUD and also they were looking like favorites from the start but EG manages to surprise them and pulled out a 2-0 victory. The maps were decided as follows:

• Fracture (Evil Geniuses)
• Ascent (LOUD)
• Lotus (Decider)

Fracture

EG dominated the game, applying relentless pressure to secure an impressive four-round lead. Although LOUD managed to fight back, winning three rounds, EG remained in control during the first half, ending with a commanding 9-3 score. Moving into the second half, LOUD displayed resilience by claiming the pistol round and showing signs of a potential comeback. However, EG swiftly halted their momentum, ultimately securing the map with a comfortable 13-7 score. EG’s Alexander “jawgemo” Mor shone as the MVP with an outstanding performance, recording 22 kills at a remarkable 1.34 KD ratio. LOUD’s star player, Erick “aspas” Santos, also exhibited commendable effort for his team.

Ascent

LOUD’s performance in the second match left fans utterly disappointed as they suffered a devastating defeat on their chosen map, Ascent. They appeared completely lost in their strategies and decision-making. A particular incident involving tuyz and Ethan exemplified this, as tuyz had a chance to eliminate Ethan but opted for disciplined play, only to be caught off-guard and miss the opportunity.

how does this happen bro 💀@oralcn | #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/KPU79mT1fL

— Valorant Updates (@ValorantUpdated) June 16, 2023

Despite a relatively close first half ending at 7-5, LOUD failed to secure a single map in the second half, resulting in a resounding 13-5 loss. Once again, Alexander “jawgemo” Mor showcased his exceptional skills as the top performer, tallying 21 kills with an impressive 1.76 KD ratio.

The dream continues for @EvilGeniuses at #VALORANTMasters Tokyo! #EGWIN pic.twitter.com/v4lTr0Vgr5

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 16, 2023

Team Liquid vs EDward Gaming

In the second match of the day, Team Liquid contested against China’s EDward Gaming. Team Liquid were on favoring side but EDward Gaming were also an unpredictable side considering their last match performance. However, after getting a close fight Team Liquid manages to get away with a 2-1 victory over Chinese counterparts. Follwoing were maps roster for this match:

• Haven (EDward Gaming)
• Split (Team Liquid)
• Lotus (Decider)

Haven

The first half of the intense battle between Team Liquid and EDG ended in a thrilling tie at 6-6. Given Haven’s reputation as an attacker-favored map, it seemed like a fair outcome for Team Liquid. As the second half commenced, Team Liquid clinched the pivotal pistol round, applying immediate pressure on EDG. Their attacking approach appeared more coordinated and purposeful. Notably, Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel delivered a phenomenal performance, amassing an impressive 26 kills with a remarkable 349 ACS, ultimately securing the match for Team Liquid with a solid 13-9 score.

Split

Despite Team Liquid’s strong track record on Split, EDG delivered a stunning performance, matching the first half score of 6-6 even while attacking. In the second half, EDG took control, repeatedly denying Team Liquid entry with precise utility usage. In the end, EDG secured a convincing 13-8 victory, with Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang emerging as the top performer, boasting 21 kills and an impressive 1.27 K/D ratio. It was an unexpected upset for Team Liquid and a remarkable display by EDG.

Lotus

The decider map of Lotus witnessed a closely contested battle between Team Liquid and EDG. The first half concluded with a slight advantage for Team Liquid, leading 7-5. Unfortunately for EDG, they couldn’t convert their first-half lead into a successful second half. Despite the valiant efforts of Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang, who delivered an impressive 30 kills, his team struggled to catch up. On the other side, Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel’s 23 kills proved vital for Team Liquid as they secured a hard-fought 13-11 victory, sealing the series in a closely contested fashion.

Team Liquid gets their first series win at #VALORANTMasters Tokyo! #LetsGoLiquid pic.twitter.com/TBqkUSQSEf

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 16, 2023

Header: Valorant Esports