Team Heretics and FUT qualify for VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs

On Day 5 of the Swiss Stage at VCT Masters Shanghai, the Round 3 matches saw intense competition as Team Heretics faced off against FunPlus Phoenix, while FUT Esports took on Leviatán. Both matches were critical in determining the final teams to qualify for the playoffs at VCT Masters Shanghai.

Team Heretics 2-1 FunPlus Phoenix

In the first matchup, Team Heretics faced home team FunPlus Phoenix. On Sunset, Heretics' pick, they dominated with a strong attack, leading 10-2 at half-time and quickly reaching Map Point. FPX only managed two more rounds before TH closed the map 13-4.

On talking to Team Heretics’ Enes "RieNs" Ecirli, he really enjoyed playing against Chinese teams on their home turf.

“Even though they’re not cheering for us, it gives you an adrenaline rush. Home crowd is always good, but obviously they’re not cheering for us. It’s fine.”

FPX retaliated on Lotus, starting strong on their attack side and ending the first half 8-4. They maintained their momentum on defense, eventually winning the map 13-6, evening the series.

The decisive map, Icebox, was a nail-biter. TH led 10-2 in the first half, but FPX responded, taking a 12-11 lead. TH forced overtime and, after intense back-and-forth rounds, won 17-15, clinching the series 2-1.

FPX’s Zhang "AAAAY" Yang had something he learned during the tournament that he wanted to share with everyone before parting ways.

“The only point is to be focused on the process. And not that the result wasn’t important at some point. All you have to do is enjoy the whole matchup, enjoy the stage.”

FUT Esports 2-1 Leviatán

In the second matchup, FUT Esports faced Leviatán. The series began on Sunset, Leviatán's pick, but FUT dominated from the start. They won 11 consecutive attack rounds before Leviatán claimed one in the final round of the first half. FUT continued their dominance in the second half, closing the map 13-1.

Lotus, picked by FUT, saw Leviatán perform better, leading 7-5 at half-time and reaching Map Point at 12-6. FUT nearly mounted a comeback but lost 13-11.

The deciding map, Bind, was evenly matched with a 6-6 first half. FUT gained momentum in the second half, reaching Map Point. Leviatán fought back to 11 rounds, but FUT clinched the final round, winning 13-11 and the series 2-1.

Although Leviatán came out on the losing side, their coach Alex "goked" Kie wants to focus on the future to improve the team.

“Now we actually have a bit more time to check the situations and to check how we want to play the situations as a team moving forward and to play them better. I think readjusting some of these things can really help us reach our peak again or [get] even better.”

Meanwhile, FUT Coach Eray "GAIS" Sarıkaya had only two words to say about their expectations for the upcoming matchup against 100 Thieves.

“To win.”

With these victories, Team Heretics and FUT Esports secured the last two spots in the VCT Masters Shanghai playoffs. They join Gen.G and G Esports, along with the top seeds from the Stage 1 Regional Leagues, marking an exciting lineup for the upcoming playoffs.

Meanwhile, the journeys for FunPlus Phoenix and Leviatán end here, but they'll have another chance in Stage 2.

Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on VCT Masters Shanghai.

Stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

You can also follow the VALORANT Champions Tour official X account for recent updates.

Featured Image Source: David Lee | Riot Games

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