The true Alphas: VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo 2023 Day 6 recap
The Alpha Group concluded last night with the Semifinals of VCT LOCK//IN. The Semifinals featured the old rivalry in a new skin, with NRG taking on LOUD. The brawl of Pacific followed the NRG vs. LOUD in DRX vs. Talon Esports. The day featured two Bo3s and one of the best matches of VCT LOCK//IN.
VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo Day 6 Recap:
NRG 1-2 LOUD:
Optic vs. LOUD was the best rivalry of Valorant 2022. Starting the 2023 season, the VCT LOCK//IN set the stage for another year of rivalry between FNS and Saadhak's teams. LOUD came into the fixture as the underdog but with the LOUD'est crowd support.
Starting on Split, picked by NRG, LOUD's attack with Jett and Raze helped them secure a strong start. NRG had difficulty keeping off LOUD's attack, but they scraped three rounds by the end of the half. LOUD carried forward the momentum from the first half into the second and won the NRG's map pick 13-3.
NRG was now a map down and facing LOUD on their best map. Pearl started with LOUD securing an early lead, but NRG answered back to close the half 7-5. NRG extended their lead to five and got closer to closing the half. LOUD is on the verge of losing the map, attacks with full force, and forced OT after close three rounds. In the first OT, NRG, and LOUD exchanged defense halves. NRG secured the second OT to secure the map forcing a third.
Fracture was another all-out brawl starting with LOUD attacking to secure a strong 4-0 lead. NRG answered back to close the half 5-7. LOUD extended their lead to five rounds in the second half. NRG, on the deficit, found multiple ways to take down the LOUD defense and secured a map point in the second last round. LOUD's perfect retake helped them win the last round and force overtime.
With overtime, started the rounds exchange. Both teams played four sets of OT to exchange rounds. In the fifth OT, LOUD got two early picks to secure the attack round and retook the site taking down the attackers to win the game and the series 2-1.
NRG's new team looked as strong as the Optic and has much room to improve. Despite losing the two important pieces, LOUD still looks like a strong team. The match-up set the stage for the rivalry in the VCT Americas.
DRX 2-1 Talon Esports:
After defeating EG yesterday, Talon seemed to be a force to be reckoned with. Similarly, DRX, with their dominant victory over Cloud9, proved that they are one of the strongest teams to play the VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo.
The clash between the pacific teams started on Fracture, picked by Talon. Starting on the attack, DRX started strong and planted the spike multiple time, but Talon retook the site and closed the first half with a strong six-round lead. DRX shortened the lead in the second half to three, but Talon stayed strong and closed the map 13-10.
The first half of DRX's pick of Ascent was a brawl, with both teams fighting for control. The rounds went back and forth, leading to a tied score after the dust settled. DRX's defense was a different matter altogether, starting with Zest acing the first round, DRX defense shut down all of the Talon attacks and strung together seven rounds to win the map 13-6, forcing Icebox.
Talon again secured an early lead on Icebox, but DRX's attack pierced through the Talon defense to secure a two-round lead at the end of the half. DRX extended the lead to four in the second half. Talon won five out of the next six rounds and seemed to control the DRX defense. But DRX answered back, regaining control to win the required three rounds, securing the second seat from the Alpha group.
With their amazing performance, Talon, especially JitBoys and GarnetS, surprised everyone and are now in a contest for one of the best Pacific teams alongside PaperRex and DRX. DRX will now face LOUD for the Grand Finals spot.
The VCT LOCK//IN action will resume after two days with the Omega Group. Starting 22nd February, The Omega Group battle royale will start.
Image Source: Valorant Champions Tour Twitter
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