VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai Playoffs: Opening Round Draws

The VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai Swiss stage concluded yesterday with FUT Esports and Team Heretics securing the Playoffs.

The opening round draws followed the final game of the day, setting the stage for the Playoffs.

VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs: Opening Round Draws

According to the new format, the higher seeds teams were allowed to choose their opponents in the sequence they were drawn. Paper Rex was the first team to be drawn, followed by 100 Thieves, EDward Gaming and Fnatic.

The resulting draws were as followed:

• 100 Thieves vs. FUT Esports [30th May  | 4pm CST | 1am PT]
• Fnatic vs. Gen.G [30th May  | 7pm CST | 4am PT]
• Paper Rex vs. G2 Esports [31st May  | 4pm CST | 1am PT]
• EDward Gaming vs. Team Heretics [31st May  | 7pm CST | 4am PT]

VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs: Opening Round Preview

Paper Rex vs. G2 Esports:

Coming into the tournament, G2 Esports was considered one of the weaker teams, but a win over Team Heretics and T1 helped them secure playoffs.

The team looks really strong and has heavy momentum backing them. Even during the VCT Americas Playoffs, G2 defeated multiple strong teams to secure the second seed.

But, playing Paper Rex is a different ball game altogether. The Pacific first seed is said to be the toughest opponent to face in any tournament. Especially now, the Paper Rex rejuvenated by the returning Jinggg will be a force to be reckoned with.

The game will definitely be the most interesting to watch.

100 Thieves vs. FUT Esports

FUT Esports hasn’t had the best time in Shanghai, they started with a loss to FPX and struggled against Dragon Ranger Gaming. But when it mattered the most, they were able to win over Leviatan, a stronger opponent on paper.

They look much better as a team and the individuals all shone brightly. Especially qRaxs, who has been the backbone for the team, helping them get out of multiple sticky situations.

100 Thieves themselves have been the best team out of the stacked Americas. The team has solid fundamentals and strong individuals who are led by a strong leader in Boostio.

100 Thieves dominated multiple strong teams in VCT Americas to secure the first seed and are the toughest Americas team to face. FUT has to play their A-game to stand a chance against 100 thieves.

EDward Gaming vs Team Heretics

Team Heretics has taken down the second and third seeded teams from VCT CN to qualify for the Playoffs. It’s only natural then that EDward Gaming chose Team Heretics to avenge their fallen comrades.

Team Heretics have been fighting an uphill battle, tackling less preparation time, a substitute and VISA issues, but they look much better after every game. WoOt, who has taken the ‘reiNs’ as a duelist has been impressive and has been helping Heretics secure their victories.

EDward Gaming are the best of the VCT CN bunch. The team has had amazing successes internationally and they have dominated their region coming into the tournament as the first seeds.

The game definitely will be a test for both the teams. Team Heretics have been getting better as the games progress and with the two day practice, they are sure to give EDward Gaming a tough time.

Fnatic vs. Gen.G

The Masters Madrid runner-ups have made it back to the Playoffs via the Swiss stage again and they look indomitable. Despite their slow starts to the games, Gen.G look very strong and have closed out games without breaking a sweat.

While t3xture is having a tough time in and out of the server, the team as a whole looks like a well-oiled machine and will be a safe horse to bet on for the long run.

Fnatic are the returning heroes for EMEA. The region as a whole is having a solid time, but if Fnatic can show strong VALORANT, EMEA will be the best region at the tournament.

After edging out the full force of Team Heretics in the VCT EMEA Split 1 Grand Finals, Fnatic secured the first seed, just to face another strong team in Gen.G.

While Fnatic does have experience in facing opponents like Gen.G, the sheer power of the Korean side will need addressing from Fnatic. They have to fight fire with fire or Gen.G might overwhelm them. Whichever side wins, the Gen.G - Fnatic game will be one of the most exciting games to watch.

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The VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs broadcasts start 30th May, 11 AM CST. Catch the games live on Twitch and YouTube.

Stay tuned on Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences and more. You can also follow the tournament on Strafe.

Featured Image Credits: Liu YiCun/Riot Games

Read More: Team Heretics and FUT qualify for VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs