Last One Out: VCT EMEA LCQ Day 4 Recap

We have our final two.

In the second last day of the VCT EMEA LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier), we saw Natus Vincere go up against KOI for the final spot to Champions 2023. With the entire year’s efforts on the line, both teams faced off one final time this year in an epic clash of passion and sportsmanship.

Resurgence

In this Lower Finals, the first Bo5 of the tournament was used. Bind and Haven were banned, taking away both team’s comfort maps. KOI first took the series to Split, where previously NA’VI had shown serious weaknesses on. Despite that, NA’VI showed themselves to have remedied many of those weaknesses with a strong performance. KOI also showed why they picked the map, with a great 7-5 start on defense to kick things off. NA’VI pulled it back with 5 rounds of their own after the side swap, putting them ahead. Towards the end, KOI managed to pull back 2 rounds to force overtime, which they lost to NA’VI.

Heading into NA’VI own map pick now of Pearl, KOI were down a map and heading into enemy territory. Pearl started off incredibly rough for KOI, with NA’VI off to a 10-2 first half start. Despite that, they were able to pull it back with 8 more rounds, ending the map with a far more respectable score of 10-13. “cNed” especially, showed up with a dominant performance on the Jett, racking up 28 kills to put down KOI. “Wolfen” as well, delivered 25 kills, providing the most exciting Jett head-to-head of the season.

Back to KOI’s map pick, the series went to Fracture, where KOI set a great 7-5 start. However, they were unable to maintain that lead with NA’VI taking 8 rounds to win Fracture. KOI only managed to score 2 more rounds in the second half, securing Champions and the Grand Finals for NA’VI. This also marked the end of KOI’s 2023 season.

What Can We See Today?

With only two teams remaining, we have our final two VCT EMEA representatives for Champions 2023. NA’VI’s victory over KOI also booked them a Grand Finals showing against Giants. The winner will be playing for seeding and will be in Bo5 format as well. NA’VI’s resurgence in form has shown that they still have what it takes to be world beaters. As in their LOCK//IN performance earlier this year, they are a terrifying force to bear witness to when they show up in form.

Furthermore, their opponent is one that has garnered much respect from other EMEA teams as a sleeper contender for one of Europe’s best. Their roster is a mix of veteran expertise and upcoming talent, headed by journeyman IGL “rhyme”, who continues to deliver as a high-fragging IGL.

With both teams having qualified for Champions, the Grand Finals also does lose some of its luster. However, seeding is still a crucial component, especially heading into the toughest and most stacked Valorant tournament of the year.

The 5th day of VCT EMEA LCQ will begin at 1600 BST July 23rd. Catch all the games live on Twitch. Riot has also announced the tournament will be broadcasted in 14 different language. All streams will be available for access via valorantesports.com/live.

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Credit: Hara Amorós / Riot Games / LVP / lag