China no. 1: EDward Gaming secures VCT Masters Tokyo playoffs

The final game of VCT Masters Tokyo had the Chinese representatives EDward Gaming taking on the Pacific #3 T1. In an intense stomp, EDward Gaming, spearheaded by ZmjjKK, took down T1 to secure the VCT Masters Tokyo playoffs. 

Starting on Fracture, EDG's attack annihilated the T1 defence. With unrivalled aggression, EDG repeatedly took down the T1 defence to secure an 8-4 half. In the second half, EDG used the first-half momentum to shut down the T1 attack securing the first map with a 13-4 scoreline.

The momentum still favoured EDG; they continued to dominate T1. EDG secured a strong 10-2 half on Haven. T1 won four rounds on the attack in the second half, but EDG held strong and won the series 2-0.

Following the game, Both teams attended the press conference. Strafe was present at the conference and had an opportunity to interact with the teams. The transcript of the interaction is as follows: 

Q. What do you think was different about EDG today compared to their first game?

T1 Autumn: "To answer your question, I ranked EDG as the strongest of eight teams in Group A and B combined. But I feel like the first time around, they seemed like they were under pressure, so even though ZmjKK delivered, the other four players were underperforming. But they were coming in hot from the NaVi series with their first win on an international stage. So they performed like the EDG I knew and they performed as expected."

Q. What was the biggest struggle for T1 at VCT Masters Tokyo that you'd want to improve on before Valorant Champions?

T1 Xeta: "I think we should look into the efficiency of our comp more from now on. And then which team we can duel and which team we cannot. And we should review our limits, as I said, and we can learn more about the retake protocols and stuff. "

Q. Congratulations on your win and performance. Is there any team/player you'd want to face in the playoffs?

EDG ZmjjKK: "First of all, I think the first step for us is to win against Team Liquid, and then we'd see because after the draw show, that was the first thing coming to my eyes. And I'd try my best to help Chichoo to take his idol down."

Q. What were the main issues you faced against T1 in the first game that you solved to come back and win against Natus Vincere and now T1?

EDG AfteR: "I felt like we didn't play our own strategies or familiar strategies or our own strength in the previous international tournaments, including our synergy as a team, including playstyles as well, how we approach the game. But after losing to T1, we fixed that and presented what EDG is and what we are capable of."

We'd see T1 again at Valorant Champions. EDG will face Team Liquid at the playoffs. After their performance in the group stage, everyone had high expectations from the team, and they'd come at Team Liquid with a vengeance for the Valorant Champions 2022 loss. You can follow the VCT Twitter for all the updates regarding VCT Masters Tokyo.

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

You can also followVCT Masters Tokyo on Strafe.