Leviatan and FPX become the first to fall to the Lower Brackets at Champions Istanbul

Both teams transitioned to Haven with different motives, Leviatan hoping to force decider and LOUD to close out the series. Once again, Leviatan earned themselves the head start by winning Pistol round but they couldn’t capitalize on the outcome as they let the opposition best them and take a 7-5 lead. When sides changed and LOUD went on Offense, the entire narrative switched. Leviatan’s defense fell through and LOUD walked to their victory with virtually no contest from the other team.

DRX vs FunPlus Phoenix

After managing to qualify from the Lower Brackets of Group C, the European Challengers were pitted against the Koreans who had yet to drop a map at the event. However, both teams were evenly matched and there weren’t any obvious favourites from the get-go.

Proceedings commenced on Ascent, and the more experienced DRX did not waste any time in establishing momentum early on as they started the half with a fascinating 6 round streak. Before the predicament worsened for FPX, they responded with five rounds of their own ending the half on a 7-5 lead to DRX.

A two-point deficit isn’t considered the end of the world, especially with Valorant being entirely momentum-based. FPX with their Championship DNA kept their composure and forced Overtime. Both teams wanted to close out the map on their terms but neither was willing to give up easily; therefore, a series of alternate wins ensued resulting in five unresolved Overtimes. Finally in round 36, DRX gained the map point and went up 1-0 in the series.

Losing after an excellent comeback in the second half was far from the optimal scenario FPX had imagined. To make matters worse, Breeze, the next map to host them was DRX’s pick. Although FPX came prepared on Defense, DRX’s Offense made them look like amateurs. [player= 2607] played the lead role in this destruction with a 1.94 Rating with 354 ACS.

A 9-3 score line seemed threatening considering the curse that has activated at several instances during the tournament. When teams left the gate for second half, DRX still continued their dominance going for three back-to-back rounds to reach game point. After a desperate attempt at comeback was rendered futile by DRX’s Defense, they closed out the Series.