VCT Masters Tokyo Playoffs: NRG eliminates EMEA top seed Team Liquid

VCT Masters Tokyo Playoffs has concluded its one more day. Today in the first match of the day America’s NRG Esports contested against VCT EMEA League winner Team Liquid. Here are the match recap and highlights.

NRG Esports vs Team Liquid

NRG Esports emerged victorious with a 2-1 score over Team Liquid in a closely contested match. Team Liquid, the top-seeded EMEA team, had previously defeated Fnatic in the grand finals. NRG Esports, the Americas league runner-up, showcased their strength. Notably, both winners of the Americas and EMEA leagues, LOUD, were eliminated. The match was filled with excitement on the following maps.

• Haven (NRG’s pick)
• Ascent (Team Liquid pick)
• Split (Decider)

Haven

It all started with NRG’s own map pick of Haven. Team Liquid dominated the first half of the map, securing an 8-4 score. However, after the sides swapped, NRG stabilized and found its footing in the match, particularly after winning the pistol round. Team Liquid also mounted a counterattack, winning a few rounds and reaching double digits, coming close to securing map point early on.

13-12! @NRGgg takes the lead in OT! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/Glowu4scHX

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 20, 2023

However, from the 19th round onwards, things began to stumble for Team Liquid. They completely lost momentum as NRG secured back-to-back rounds, forcing overtime and ultimately winning the map with a 14-12 score. This incredible comeback was led by Pujan “FiNESSE” Mehta, who claimed the match MVP title with 21 kills

Ascent

After enduring heartbreak and a close defeat on the map of Haven, despite a promising start, Team Liquid was determined to even the score on their chosen map. As the attackers on Ascent, Team Liquid managed to secure a 7-5 round advantage.

.@soulcas_ saves the round! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/E8Ouujg5aM

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 20, 2023

As the sides swapped, the match took a decisive turn in Team Liquid’s favor, as they asserted complete control over Ascent. NRG struggled to secure only three rounds during their own attack, while Team Liquid dominated, winning the map with a convincing 13-8 score. This victory leveled the overall score at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling decider. Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin was MVP with insane 26 Kills at 1.34 K/D.

Split

After tight two maps, both team fate depends on the decider Split. This map truly turned out to be a nightmare for Team Liquid. Initially, they failed to get a foothold in the first half as NRG completely took the attack side in their control.

MAP + SERIES POINT! @NRGgg #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/L4kEnJbW7U

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 20, 2023

The first half ended with an 8-4 score. No sign of a comeback from the TL side as NRG secured the map with a comfortable 13-5 score. NRG’s Victor “Victor” Wong emerges as MVP with 22 Kills.

NA IS HERE TO WIN 💪@NRGgg eliminate EMEA’s best to continue their journey through the Lower Bracket of #VALORANTMasters Tokyo!

Map 1 – Haven: NRG 14-12
Map 2 – Ascent: TL 8-13
Map 3 – Split: NRG 13-5 pic.twitter.com/PTegiCIf4G

— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) June 20, 2023

With this loss, Team Liquid’s journey in VCT Masters Tokyo has come to an end. Meanwhile, NRG will meet against Paper Rex next in the highly anticipated clash.

Header: VALORANT Esports