Karmine Corp takes down Team Heretics to secure VCT EMEA Kickoff

After a devastating inaugural season of VCT EMEA in 2023, Karmine Corp turned the tables in 2024 to secure the VCT EMEA Kickoff, defeating Team Heretics.

On their way to the finals, Karmine Corp also took down Fnatic, the best team of 2023, to secure entry to the first international VCT tournament of 2024.

Karmine Corp’s Comeback

In 2023, Karmine Corp was amongst the worst teams of the year. Despite the massive fan base, the team’s roster wasn’t up to the mark and failed to qualify for any international tournaments.

During the off-season, they dropped the entire roster barring sh1n and added MAGNUM, marteen, tomaszy and N4RRATE. 

While the pieces were good, it was hard to root for the team, especially because they are an international roster and it was MAGNUM’s first time IGL’ing. There were a lot of question marks on the team.

ENGH’s coaching was definitely a plus point for the squad but it was still the team’s first tournament. But, with the tournament starting, Karmine Corp exceeded expectations, first qualifying for the Play-in stage and then playoffs over Vitality and KOI and took down Fnatic to secure a Madrid spot.

Team Heretics vs Karmine Corp - The VCT EMEA Kickoff Grand Finals

Team Heretics had already taken down Karmine Corp previously in the group stage. They had not lost a single map during their run and were heavily favored to qualify for Madrid after their first game.

Karmine though, had just put down Fnatic in an unbelievable fashion. They had the confidence and momentum favoring them.

Starting on Sunset, Team Heretics completely dominated Karmine Corp and secured a strong 9-3 lead on their defensive half. Despite the heavy opposition, they converted the advantage into a map win to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.

Karmine’s Lotus A-site attack completely overwhelmed Heretics’ defense and they won the map 13-7 to equalize the series.

Icebox and Split both saw Karmine’s defense completely shutting down Team Heretics. Karmine won both maps to take down Heretics and secure the VCT EMEA Kickoff title.

The victory was especially sweet for sh1n and ZE1SH, the remnants of Karmine’s 2023 squad, as they had just become one of the top teams of EMEA after a disappointing season.

With VCT EMEA Kickoff concluding, the community’s eyes will be set on the Americas as we get the final two teams for Madrid.

You can find the list of qualified teams here.

Follow Valorant Champions Tour X/Twitter for VCT Masters Madrid updates. You can also follow the tournament on Strafe.

Featured Image Credits: Photo by Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games

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