Battle for the Americas : VCT Americas Week 1 Preview
VCT Americas is about to kick off today. The 8-week long bonanza starts off with Sentinels taking on 100T, in what can only be described as one of the most hyped matches of the League. Week 1 will feature a total of 5 matches between the American Powerhouses.
Match 1: Sentinels vs 100T
Sentinels have struggled to show their full potential since making changes to their roster, suffering a recent defeat to FNATIC. However, fans are hopeful that they will improve with practice. Despite finishing 5th-8th at a recent event in São Paulo, 100 Thieves are seen as a promising team with potential to grow and reach new heights. While they still have work to do in establishing clear roles, they are viewed as a solid team with a high ceiling.
Match 2: KRU vs Furia
KRÜ Esports made it to semi-finals in Red Bull Home Ground #3 and FITCHIN The Final Series. But suffered a quick defeat to NAVI in the first round of VCT 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo, not showcasing their full potential. FURIA Esports lost to the eventual champions Fnatic in a closely contested match in the second round of VCT 2023: LOCK//IN, so their seemingly underwhelming placement should not be overreacted to.
Match 3: LOUD vs MIBR
LOUD, the top team in the Brazilian rankings at the end of last season, performed well in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo. Defeating several teams before losing in the final. Despite changes to their squad, they are now considered one of the strongest teams in the scene. MIBR, the sixth-ranked team, reached the final of Valorant LATAM Gods during the off-season. But they had a disappointing performance in VALORANT Champions Tour 2023: LOCK//IN, losing in the first round to Talon Esports, suggesting they may not achieve anything special.
Match 4: Evil Geniuses vs Cloud9
Evil Geniuses, with a few additions, beat Team Heretics but played toothlessly against Talon Esports. And got eliminated in the second round of VALORANT Champions Tour 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo. Cloud9 reached the Red Bull Home Ground #3 finals. But they only managed one win over Paper Rex and lost to DRX in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo. They parted ways with vanity and yay, making their future uncertain. The twelfth team in the North American rankings retained its weak former core, showing a weak game last season.
Match 5: Leviatan vs NRG
Leviatan recently strengthened their roster by acquiring the two star players, Roberto "Mazino" Bugueño and Angelo "keznit" Mori, from KRU Esports. The team showed some impressive performances during their time in Brazil. However, when faced with top-tier opponents, they struggled and fell short. NRG Esports went relatively unnoticed, but made a strong statement in the VCT 2023 LOCK//IN tournament. Only suffering one defeat against LOUD in a closely contested match. They are proving that their potential and impressive display should not be overlooked.