VCT Champions Day 4: Delays in Group A, COVID drama and two great matches

Written By Aashir Ahmed Writer
Last UpdatedDecember 5, 2021 at 12:25AM
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Apart from a few hiccups, VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021 has managed to surpass the expectations of the entire community. The intensity of each match played out, and the interesting storylines they produce have resulted in a viewing experience better than anyone could have asked for. Day 4 was no exception to this rule, especially since the outcome of today’s matches decided the first seed placements from the three groups.

VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021 VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021
M3 Champions
M3 Champions
2
X
1
Team Vikings
Team Vikings
Group C - Winners Match, Best of 3 - December 4, 2021 - 3:00PM
M3 Champions13
Split
Team Vikings6
M3 Champions5
Bind
Team Vikings13
M3 Champions14
Icebox
Team Vikings12
M3 ChampionsM3 Champions
player
Rating
ACS
K/D/A
+/-
K/D
KAST
ADR
HS%
FBSR
FB
FD
SkyeReyna
1.18
227
57/43/9
+14
1.33
68.6%
157.4
33%
50%
5
5
Jett
1.11
241
50/49/15
+1
1.02
75.8%
153.2
24%
60%
18
12
KilljoySova
1.02
222
46/45/15
+1
1.02
67.1%
154.5
21%
57%
4
3
AstraSage
1.00
187
41/45/19
-4
0.91
73.1%
116.2
27%
44%
4
5
Viper
0.80
167
36/48/20
-12
0.75
64.4%
130.1
26%
14%
1
6
Team VikingsTeam Vikings
player
Rating
ACS
K/D/A
+/-
K/D
KAST
ADR
HS%
FBSR
FB
FD
BreachSova
1.43
266
60/43/29
+17
1.40
78.7%
177.2
31%
71%
5
2
KilljoyViperSage
1.20
242
48/46/29
+2
1.04
66.8%
151.7
17%
50%
10
10
AstraViper
1.01
182
44/42/18
+2
1.05
71.1%
119.0
29%
55%
6
5
RazeJett
0.87
185
43/47/8
-4
0.91
69.9%
122.0
17%
58%
7
5
SageSkyeReyna
0.67
150
34/52/14
-18
0.65
75.1%
105.7
23%
23%
3
10

This series did not fail to disappoint. Even though it might’ve seemed like a one-sided competition on paper considering Gambit’s latest achievement at VCT 2021 - Stage 3 - Masters Berlin - Playoffs, Team Vikings’ form was dominant on the last two maps and Gambit barely managed to take the victory. The map picks for this matchup were Split (Gambit), Blind (Team Vikings), Icebox (Decider). Team Vikings maintain a formidable defense for the first four rounds on Split, but that was just enough time for Gambit to understand their playstyle and devise a strategy to counter it effectively. Following Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov’s amazing resistance to the stun, Gambit secured six consecutive rounds and then went on to finish the half at a 7:5 score. Team Vikings desperately needed a strong start to the second half to attempt a comeback, but Gambit’s defense didn’t budge and except for the 15th round, it was a walk in the park for them ending split on 13:6.

Bind, being Team Vikings’ map pick, presented a renewed sense of hope and they used all the tricks up their sleeves to capitalize on this opportunity. With almost six back-to-back rounds and an ace to start the map, Team Vikings clearly had the upper hand, but Gambit insisted on finding a way to turn this map around and they were successful – only briefly though. An 8:4 score rounded up the first half, and the latter half wasn’t any better for Gambit to make a strong case, as Team Vikings closed the map with a 13:5 score.

The way this series was shaping up had already turned the heads of many. However, if the previous two maps weren’t enough to get adrenaline coursing through your veins, Icebox – at least its second half -- will surely complete the task. When the proceedings commenced on Icebox, Team Vikings overpowered their opposition by taking 9 rounds to Gambit’s 3 at the end of the first half courtesy of stunning plays from Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi. At this point, all hopes for the winners of Masters Berlin seemed to be lost and Team Vikings thought their path to the playoffs would be free of any obstacles. Nonetheless, Gambit believed they could still comeback and despite being 12-5 on round 17th, they managed to force overtime with seven consecutive wins rounds on defense. Team Vikings were taken by surprise and had no time to react, and even with the map going to overtime, they couldn’t stop Gambit from defusing their spike losing Icebox with a 14:12 score to Gambit.

Although Team Vikings couldn’t win, Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi was named the series MVP with a 1.46 rating, 266 ACS, and 177.2 ADR.

VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021 VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021
Sentinels
Sentinels
1
X
2
Team Liquid
Team Liquid
Group B - Winners Match, Best of 3 - December 4, 2021 - 7:00PM
Sentinels12
Breeze
Team Liquid14
Sentinels13
Bind
Team Liquid2
Sentinels10
Split
Team Liquid13
SentinelsSentinels
player
Rating
ACS
K/D/A
+/-
K/D
KAST
ADR
HS%
FBSR
FB
FD
SovaSkye
1.20
224
53/44/14
+9
1.20
70.0%
133.3
20%
67%
4
2
SkyeSage
1.12
195
48/39/22
+9
1.23
76.9%
133.6
18%
64%
7
4
Jett
1.09
224
47/47/8
0
1.00
66.5%
130.8
19%
58%
15
11
KilljoyViper
0.95
202
42/46/20
-4
0.91
67.6%
130.9
16%
47%
7
8
ViperAstra
0.80
148
28/42/32
-14
0.67
76.4%
94.8
12%
50%
3
3
Team LiquidTeam Liquid
player
Rating
ACS
K/D/A
+/-
K/D
KAST
ADR
HS%
FBSR
FB
FD
SovaAstra
0.99
199
43/44/24
-1
0.98
68.4%
129.7
19%
63%
12
7
KAY/ORaze
0.96
195
49/48/16
+1
1.02
67.7%
137.7
35%
27%
4
11
JettReyna
0.91
207
46/46/9
0
1.00
70.0%
131.7
28%
39%
7
11
CypherAstraBreach
0.85
182
40/42/14
-2
0.95
64.6%
127.7
31%
57%
4
3
Viper
0.84
176
40/38/17
+2
1.05
63.9%
130.1
34%
20%
1
4

The series termed by many as the preview of the grand finals certainly lived up to its name. But before we dive into the specifics of the matchup, the maps played included Breeze (Team Liquid), Bind (Sentinels), Split (decider).

Breeze witnessed a strong defensive position from Sentinels, which was an improvement compared to their previous match against FURIA. At the half, the scoreboard read 8:4 to Sentinels as Team Liquid managed to secure a few rounds by elimination since all their plants were negated by Sentinels. In one of these rounds, Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen flexed his Sova utility usage by securing three kills with hunter fury. While Sentinels did have the advantage going into the second half, Team Liquid was determined to turn the tables around and subject Sentinels to their defense strategy. After an intense second half, the map went into overtime. Fans of both teams were able to experience the intense drama they were hoping this series would produce. Overtime was dominated by Team Liquid, as they eliminated the NA roster in both rounds.

Sentinels were adamant to seek revenge and didn’t hold back on Bind for even a moment. It was Sentinels, rather Tyson "TenZ" Ngo’s supremacy throughout that forced Team Liquid to only take 2 rounds while Sentinels took the other 13 to close out Bind.

With another match to go the distance, the community was getting hyped up. The decider map would finalize the first seed in the group, and there was no better a rivalry in the competitive scene than there was between the EU and NA regions. Carrying the hopes of respective regions, each team started Split by alternating two rounds apiece till the 7th round from where the pattern got distorted. Nevertheless, at the half, both teams were tied with a 6:6 score. There was nervousness and excitement in the air, so much so that the audience could feel it even through their devices. As soon as the second half commenced, Sentinels wasted no time taking the first two rounds. Team Liquid secured the following couple of rounds, only to be restricted by this mind-blowing play in the 17th round.

With a 10-8 score, Sentinels seemed confident to have cleared the danger and planned to close the map as soon as they could. Team Liquid wasn’t done yet. They channeled their inner strengths and attempted a risky offensive strategy coupled with tactical utility usage. As Team Liquid started securing round after round, NA fans were at the edge of their seats hoping for a final comeback but Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom, the series MVP with a 1.53 rating and a stunning 321 ACS, didn’t allow that to happen. With an impressive team performance, Team Liquid closed the map with a 13:10 score and was crowned the #1 seed of Group B.

Group A Ruling

Although Envy was scheduled to compete against Acend after the ruling yesterday, the VALORANT Champions Tour released a statement on Twitter reading: “Upon further deliberation, matches in Group A will be delayed to provide additional time to review the ruling against Vivo Keyd. Today’s matches will feature Team Vikings vs Gambit and Team Liquid vs Sentinels. The broadcast will begin 1 hour later than initially scheduled.”

COVID Drama

VALORANT Champions was on the verge of being suspended after a spike of alleged positive COVID-19 results. But before today, COVID had already compromised Nabil "Nivera" Benrlitom of Team Liquid and Victor "Victor" Wong of Envy, with both players competing from isolation. Riot Games released a statement with an update on the COVID-19 scenario which mentions that all players are required to participate in daily fast antigen testing and bi-weekly PCR, tests as a precaution. Several players had a positive test result in rapid-fire testing causing the initial scare amongst players who expressed their concerns via several tweets.

As a dedicated Behavioral Neuroscience student, I have immersed myself in the world of esports writing for the past five years. My journey began with a deep-seated fascination for the inherent dynamics of esports, coupled with a burning passion for professional writing. From humble beginnings crafting small blogs dedicated to League of Legends, I gradually expanded my horizons to cover diverse realms, including CSGO and Minecraft guides, and staying on top of Fortnite updates.

Throughout this adventure, my evolving interests ultimately converged on the captivating world of VALORANT of esports and embracing this challenge wholeheartedly, I've strived to provide comprehensive coverage at the highest level, delving into the intricate nuances of the game.

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