The dispute stems from Scout’s transfer to LNG at the start of the 2023 season, which led EDG to file a lawsuit.

After losing the first trial, EDG appealed the case, which has since escalated to a second trial.

As part of the legal proceedings, EDG reportedly requested a travel ban on Scout, complicating his ability to participate in the World Championship.

Scout had planned to return to South Korea for vacation but has been forced to remain in China while the case progresses.

If the court rules against him, the travel ban could extend into October, meaning Scout would miss the Swiss stage of Worlds, held in Berlin.

Source) Scouts may not be able to participate in Worlds 2024 #LoL #WORLDS2024 .@LNG_Esports pic.twitter.com/l1OSmbEhbQ

— kenzi (@kenzi131) September 12, 2024

This situation places LNG in a precarious position, as they currently lack a substitute mid-laner.

Their only substitute is Zhao “Shadow” Ziqiang, a former jungler who lacks Scout��s expertise in the mid-lane.

Although some teams have filled gaps by loaning players, Scout’s absence would severely impact LNG’s chances at Worlds due to his pivotal role in their success.

Scout has been instrumental in LNG��s performance, helping them secure a fourth-place finish in the 2024 LPL Summer Split playoffs and win the Regional Finals over Weibo Gaming.

His potential absence would disrupt LNG��s momentum, as they rely heavily on his individual skill to compete at the highest level.

SuperGent, the agency representing Scout, has issued a public plea to EDG, urging them to lift the travel ban for the sake of both the fans and LNG��s performance at Worlds.

However, without EDG��s cooperation, it seems unlikely that Scout will be able to attend.

Complicating matters further are rumours that Scout’s agency may have mishandled his contractual obligations, potentially breaching contracts while trying to secure his transfer to LNG.

As the 2024 World Championship approaches, Scout��s involvement remains uncertain.

If the legal battle doesn��t resolve in his favour, LNG will be forced to find a replacement and adapt quickly.

The esports community is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the case, knowing that Scout��s presence could be the key to LNG��s success at Worlds.

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Fast forward to today, and EDG has made history by winning VALORANT Champions 2024, defeating Team Heretics 3-2 in a thrilling grand final, solidifying their place as the first global champions from China.

THE 2024 WORLD CHAMPIONS OF VALORANT! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/VwcuXpB3uL

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 25, 2024

The grand final was an epic showdown, featuring five intense maps: Haven, Sunset, Lotus, Bind, and Abyss.

As upper bracket finalists, EDG used their double map ban to remove Ascent and Icebox.

The series began with Heretics taking Haven 13-6, but EDG swiftly responded by dominating Sunset 13-4 and winning Lotus 13-9.

Heretics, however, fought back on Bind, securing a narrow 13-11 victory to push the series to the final map.

In the end, EDG triumphed on Abyss 13-9, clinching the championship.

Both teams had experienced setbacks at VCT Masters Madrid and heartbreak at Masters Shanghai but returned stronger, blazing through Seoul to reach the grand final.

For EDG, this victory was about more than just winning��it was about breaking barriers for China and claiming their first international trophy after an undefeated playoff run.

The match was filled with standout performances.

EDG’s Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang broke the VCT best-of-five series kill record with 111 kills, 26 of which were first kills, earning him the MVP title.

MVP Performance from @zmjjkk pic.twitter.com/2NmJ4si2yz

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 25, 2024

His remarkable plays, including clutch Guardian kills in the final map, were crucial in securing EDG’s victory.

Wan “CHICHOO” Shunzhi, Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao, and rookie Hsieh “S1Mon” Meng-hsun also delivered stellar performances, with CHICHOO’s heroics on Lotus and S1Mon’s crucial plays on Abyss standing out.

Team Heretics, despite their loss, showcased incredible skill and determination, pushing EDG to their limits.

Players like Dominykas “MiniBoo” Luka?evi?ius and Benjy “benjyfishy” David Fish delivered key moments, particularly on Bind, where they were nearly forced into overtime.

This victory is monumental for EDG and the entire Chinese VALORANT scene.

Not only did they become the first Chinese team to win an international tournament, but they also claimed the Champions trophy in the inaugural season of VCT China as an official partner league.

As ZmjjKK declared after the win, “This is just the beginning,” hinting at China’s future dominance in the VALORANT scene.

EDward Gaming’s triumph at VALORANT Champions 2024 will be remembered as one of the most competitive and historic finals, a testament to their resilience, skill, and the rise of Chinese esports on the global stage.

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This victory sent the Americas top seed down to the lower bracket final.

THE VCT CN KINGS ARE MOVING ON!

EDWARD GAMING IS HEADED TO THEIR FIRST GRAND FINALS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/yEQFJbItxF

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 23, 2024

The series kicked off on Icebox, a map that LEVIAT��N had favoured, having won their last three matches on it, all in overtime.

LEVIAT��N, starting on defence, dominated the first half, taking nine rounds, largely thanks to Roberto “Mazino” Francisco Rivas Bugue?o��s strong performance on Harbor.

Despite EDG’s efforts, particularly in planting the spike seven times, they only secured one round in the first half.

However, EDG mounted a strong comeback in the second half, winning six consecutive rounds.

The teams were neck and neck until LEVIAT��N finally clinched a 16-14 victory in triple overtime, maintaining their unbeaten streak on Icebox.

EDG responded on their map pick, Lotus, with a dominant performance.

Starting on attack, they quickly established control, finishing the half with an 8-4 lead.

The second half saw more of the same, with EDG securing a 13-4 victory.

Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang, EDG��s star player, showcased his skills with Neon, while Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao led the server with 19 kills.

The final map, Abyss, was a nail-biter.

The first half ended in a 6-6 tie, and both teams fought fiercely in the second half.

EDG trailed 10-7 before calling their final timeout, after which they managed to tie the game at 11-11.

In the end, EDG closed out the map 13-11, earning their place in the grand finals, marking the first time a Chinese team has reached an international VALORANT grand final.

LEVIAT��N will now face the winner of the lower final between Team Heretics and Sentinels.

Team Heretics advanced to the lower finals by defeating Sentinels 2-1 in their elimination match at the INSPIRE Arena.

LOS NI?OS KEEP THEIR #VALORANTChampions DREAMS ALIVE IN SEOUL!

TEAM HERETICS TAKE DOWN SEN CITY! #VamosHeretics pic.twitter.com/k6EXebk6Wk

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 23, 2024

In the Heretics and Sentinels match, Sentinels started strong on Haven, with Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo leading the charge with 29 kills, securing a 13-8 victory.

Heretics bounced back on Icebox, winning 13-9 after a strong second half led by Ri?ardas “Boo” Luka?evi?ius.

The deciding map, Abyss, saw Heretics dominate with an 8-4 lead at halftime, eventually closing out the map 13-7.

Enes “RieNs” Ecirli and Dominykas “MiniBoo” Luka?evi?ius played crucial roles in securing Heretics�� victory and a spot in the lower finals against LEVIAT��N.

The lower final will determine who faces EDG in the grand final, with LEVIAT��N looking to avenge their earlier loss and Team Heretics aiming for a chance at the title.

The grand final is set for Sunday at 4pm KST.

VALORANT Champions lower final

• Leviatan ($2.00) vs Team Heretics ($1.72) @ 4pm KST

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Once again, EDward Gaming have exceeded expectations at the season-culminating event. Now guaranteed a top-three finish, the Chinese VALORANT team have looked solid with wins against FUT Esports, Paper Rex, Trace Esports, and Sentinels. Yet their most formidable challenge comes on Friday.

Leviatan were one of the favourites on the outright betting markets, and they have lived up to that tag. The VCT Americas champions had a few close calls in the group stage, but they have found more consistency as the tournament has progressed.

EDward Gaming are no pushovers, with a strong map pool, and are more than capable of putting up a fight against any VALORANT team. That might not be enough to surpass the surging Leviatan, but we can expect a close series.

Team Heretics and Sentinels made it to the VALORANT Champions 2024 lower-bracket semifinals with a few close calls. Heretics have dropped five maps over five series played, while Sentinels have let four slip.

However, both sides have put in solid performances, beating some of the tournament favourites. The North Americans, in particular, have exceeded expectations, proving how much damage an experienced lineup can do. Yet the best VALORANT betting sites still have Sentinels priced as outsiders for this series.

Team Heretics have a stronger win rate on Abyss, Lotus, and Haven, whereas Sentinels have proved more efficient on Split, Icebox, and Sunset. And as there is no significant difference in the players’ stats this tournament, another tight fixture is to be expected.

Depending on the map picks, Sentinels might be worth a look at plus money.

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This match marked the first-ever showdown between the two regional giants, both of whom had won their previous playoff matches with a 2-0 scoreline.

The winner would clinch their first top-three finish at a Champions event.

HISTORY FOR EDWARD GAMING!

THEY DEFEAT SENTINELS AND EARN THEIR HIGHEST PLACEMENT IN GLOBAL COMPETITION! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/yYLthQu7gK

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 17, 2024

EDG kicked off the series on Haven with a pistol-round win but quickly fell behind as Sentinels responded with a dominant seven-round streak.

Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo spearheaded Sentinels’ attack with a stunning 17 kills in the first half, propelling his team to an 8-4 lead.

Although EDG showed signs of life, including a strong showing by Hsieh “S1mon” Meng-hsun, Sentinels closed out Haven 13�C9.

While both Zachary “zekken” Jude Patrone and Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang recorded 23 kills, zekken��s 9-1 first blood record had a greater impact.

The momentum shifted on Lotus, where Sentinels took an early lead, but EDG clawed back to tie the half 6-6.

EDG gained control in the second half, leading 10-6 after securing the pistol and bonus rounds.

Although Sentinels fought back, EDG’s strong A-site defence helped them take the map 13�C9, forcing a decider on Sunset.

Sunset turned out to be the most lopsided map of the series, with EDG dominating the first half 10-2, focusing heavily on B post-plants.

They closed out the map 13-6, thanks to Wan “CHICHOO” Shunzhi��s impressive 23 kills, 333 ACS, and a 1.72 rating.

EDG��s victory secured them the first-ever top-three placement for a Chinese team at a global VALORANT event.

Sentinels now face FNATIC in the lower bracket in a rematch of their VCT Masters Reykjavik grand final.

LEVIAT��N CLAIMS THEIR SPOT IN THE UPPER BRACKET FINALS BY DEFEATING TEAM HERETICS! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/PdD6ddSutj

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 17, 2024

In the second upper semifinal, Americas’ top seed, LEVIAT��N, swept Team Heretics 2-0 to advance to the upper final against EDG.

LEVIAT��N started strong on Icebox with a 7-1 lead but had to fend off a fierce comeback from Heretics to win the map 15-13 in overtime.

On Lotus, Heretics led 8-4 at halftime, but LEVIAT��N stormed back, winning seven straight rounds to secure a 13-10 victory.

LEVIAT��N will face EDward Gaming in the upper final, while Team Heretics drops to the lower bracket to face DRX.

Sunday’s VALORANT Champions fixtures

• Sentinels ($2.10) vs Fnatic ($1.66) @ 5pm KST
• Team Heretics ($1.53) vs DRX ($2.37) @ 8pm KST

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The two-map series was contested on Sunset and Haven, with Sentinels picking Sunset, DRX picking Haven, and Icebox as the decider, which wasn’t needed.

SENTINELS WIN THEIR FIRST PLAYOFF MATCH OF #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! pic.twitter.com/1brgBzRMIc

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 14, 2024

Sunset, the first map, was a nail-biter, ending 15�C13 in Sentinels’ favour.

DRX found a five-round streak to reach map point at 12-11 after being down 11-7, but Sentinels narrowly clinched the map in overtime.

One of the standout moments was Zachary “Zekken” Jude Patrone’s VALORANT Champions Tour debut on Neon, where he delivered a stunning ace in the first half, his first in international competition this year.

Zekken dominated the map with a 27-23 scoreline and eight first-bloods, outdueling DRX’s Yu “BuZz” Byung-chul, who also played Neon.

Despite the victory, DRX head coach Pyeon “termi” Seon-ho noted that his team could have won if they had remained calm in key moments.

The loss of a 5v3 in the final rounds of regulation highlighted the tense nature of the match.

Haven, the second map, saw Zekken again on Neon.

DRX’s defence initially held strong, winning six rounds on a map typically considered attack-sided.

However, Sentinels’ defensive reads proved crucial, particularly in their ability to hold A site.

A flawless Round 19, featuring a triple kill from Zekken, brought Sentinels to match point.

They quickly closed out the map 13-8, with DRX’s Jung “Foxy9” Jae-sung admitting that hopes faded when they were down 7-12 with only one player remaining against Sentinels’ four.

Sentinels’ head coach kaplan commented on the similarities between Gen.G and DRX, noting their structured playstyles and preference for repeating strategies.

Zekken finished with a server-leading 54 kills across the two maps, while DRX’s Cho “Flashback” Min-hyuk led his team with 39.

When asked about his Neon pick, Zekken jokingly attributed it to “feeling really Filipino today,” adding that the team had been preparing Neon for some time and was confident in using her.

EDWARD IS GAMING!

EDG WINS THE BATTLE OF CN AT #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! pic.twitter.com/yJP3p0XHem

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 14, 2024

EDward Gaming, after defeating Trace Esports 2-0, joined Sentinels in the next stage of the VALORANT event.

EDG’s victory was powered by standout performances from Wang “nobody” Senxu, Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao, and Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang, with each player securing over 30 kills across the two maps.

EDG’s dominance on Bind and Sunset, including ZmjjKK’s ace on Sunset, led to comfortable halftime leads of 10-2 on both maps.

Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Trace Esports on both maps, EDG closed out Bind 13-7 and Sunset 13-10.

EDG’s standout performances included nobody’s 1.60 rating and 206 ADR on Bind and ZmjjKK’s 28-kill showing on Sunset.

Now, EDward Gaming and Sentinels will face off in the upper semifinals on August 17.

EDG, aiming to break past the top six for the first time in their history, will be looking to overcome Sentinels, who are on a three-match win streak, including victories over both of Korea’s representatives, Gen.G and DRX.

Thursday’s VALORANT Champions fixtures

• G2 Esports ($1.72) vs Leviatan ($2.00) @ 5pm KST
• Team Heretics ($1.66) vs Fnatic ($2.10) @ 8pm KST

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Sentinels enter the VALORANT Champions 2024 playoffs with a huge target on their back after the North American squad eliminated the tournament favourites, Gen.G, on Saturday. Like Sentinels, DRX also exceeded expectations by beating KRU Esports and Fnatic in Group A.

VALORANT betting sites have priced Sentinels as favourites for this series. That may be down to their humiliation of Gen.G, who DRX have not beaten once since VCT Pacific 2024 Stage 1.

However, while Sentinels performed well in the previous round, it was more Gen.G not playing as well as they should have. Moreover, DRX are better on Abyss and Sunset and usually do well on Sentinels’ best maps. So, unless we see a complete blunder from one of the two sides, this has the potential to be a close affair.

EDward Gaming and Trace Esports both shocked the world by reaching the VALORANT Champions 2024 playoffs. Yet the spotlight is on VCT China’s fourth seed, who were prime candidates to crash out of the group stage but instead placed first with wins against Leviatan and Team Vitality.

Like Trace, EDward Gaming made a massive splash by beating FUT Esports and Paper Rex. And according to the latest betting odds, they should win this series without major issues.

Wang “nobody” Senxu and his crew are 3-0 in the head-to-head with Trace Esports, which plays into the odds on this match. Still, the underdogs have shown immense improvement over the last couple of weeks, so it is hard to justify fading them at the offered price.

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Leviat��n faced off against Team Vitality in the Group C decider match, with both teams having suffered 2-1 losses to Trace Esports and secured 2-0 wins over Talon Esports.

Leviat��n, aiming for their first international VALORANT tournament playoff berth since Champions 2022, showed determination from the start.

Their pick of Icebox was a closely contested battle, with Leviat��n edging out a 7-5 lead at the half.

Vitality’s efforts, led by standout performances from Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel and Nikita “trexx” Cherednichenko, brought them to a 12-10 lead.

However, Leviat��n, driven by Francisco “kiNgg” Alberto Aravena and Erick “aspas” Santos, rallied to take the map 14�C12 in overtime.

kiNgg led the scoreboard with 22 kills and a 229 average combat score (ACS), while trexx delivered 22 kills and 225 ACS for Vitality.

Sunset was a different story, with Leviat��n dominating from the start.

A 10-2 first half, bolstered by strong defensive setups and individual plays from Corbin “C0M” Daniel Lee and aspas, set the tone.

Vitality managed to win the second pistol round, but Leviat��n quickly closed out the map 13-4, securing a 2-0 series victory.

Roberto “Mazino” Francisco Rivas Bugue?o topped the ratings on Sunset with a 1.45 rating, 169 ADR, and 15 kills, while C0M followed closely with a 1.43 rating and 16 kills.

When asked about their upcoming playoff opponent, C0M confidently stated, “Give us anyone. We’ll beat them.”

Leviat��n will look to back up this bold claim when the playoffs begin on August 14 and they clash with G2 Esports.

LEVIAT��N SECURES THEIR PLAYOFF SPOT AT #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! pic.twitter.com/NkGd41hAPe

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 11, 2024

In a dramatic clash, EDward Gaming (EDG) overcame Paper Rex 2-1 to secure their place in the playoffs, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the knockout stage since China’s inclusion in the VALORANT Champions Tour circuit.

This match was the sixth time these two squads faced off, with Paper Rex having won four of the previous five encounters.

The series began on Icebox, where Paper Rex started strong, taking the first map 13-3, thanks to an outstanding performance from Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto, who recorded a massive 1.76 rating and 235 ADR.

However, EDG adjusted swiftly on Sunset, rallying to a 13-8 victory thanks to impressive performances from Wang “nobody” Senxu and Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao, who combined for 34 kills and over 300 ADR.

The decider map, Lotus, saw EDG take control early, punishing Paper Rex’s defensive mistakes and securing a commanding 9-3 lead at halftime.

Despite a brief resurgence from Paper Rex, EDG closed out the map 13-4, sending Paper Rex home and advancing to the playoffs.

Wan “CHICHOO” Shunzhi, reflecting on the victory, noted their ability to quickly adapt after the first map.

“We’ve played Paper Rex so many times that we were able to fix our mistakes on the last two maps,” he said.

Despite expressing a desire to avoid facing fellow Chinese squad Trace Esports, EDward Gaming will now face them in the playoffs.

EDWARD GAMING ELIMINATES PAPER REX TO CLAIM THE FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/dwIKvoC3xf

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 11, 2024

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UPSETS ARE IN THEIR DNA

TRACE ESPORTS TAKES DOWN LEV TO ADVANCE TO THE PLAYOFFS. #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/zGYHoZpFGX

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 7, 2024

Trace picked Bind and ran a double sentinel composition with Deadlock, while Leviat��n used a Gekko variation with Viper, Skye, Raze, and Brimstone.

Starting on attack, Trace won the first pistol round, but Leviat��n prevented spike plants, leading to a 7-5 half-time score in favour of Trace.

A classic 3K from Li “Kai” Zhinan confirmed Trace’s second pistol round win, making it difficult for Leviat��n to plant the spike.

Despite Leviat��n’s late comeback attempt, a fumbled post-plant and a clutch defuse from Zhang “LuoK1ng” Zhanpeng secured the map for Trace.

Leviat��n needed to win on their map pick (Sunset) to stay alive, and despite Trace’s strong start with a 5-1 lead, Leviat��n adapted quickly, ending the half up 7-5.

Leviat��n’s aggressive push into spawn on the second half pistol round didn’t work, but Erick “aspas” Santos’ Neon and a clutch from Ian “tex” Botsch helped them close out the map.

For the decider map (Ascent), Leviat��n opted for a double sentinel composition with Deadlock and Cypher, while Trace went with a Killjoy.

Leviat��n won the first pistol round but immediately lost the anti-eco.

Kai, playing on Jett, used the operator effectively, pulling Trace ahead to a 10-2 lead at the half.

Despite Leviat��n winning the second pistol round, Kai’s operator sealed the map and series for Trace.

Leviat��n will now face the winner of Talon Esports vs. Team Vitality for their final chance to qualify for the playoff stage.

G2 Esports defeated EDward Gaming 2-1 (8-13, 13-11 13-11) to advance to the playoffs at the season-ending VALORANT event.

They will now wait for the group stage to finish, with knockouts beginning next week.

This victory guarantees one team from each VALORANT Champions Tour region in the playoffs, with DRX representing Pacific, Team Heretics from EMEA, and Trace Esports redeeming China.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE

G2 IS PLAYOFFS BOUND AT #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! #G2WIN pic.twitter.com/U1JGBLCmTZ

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 7, 2024

G2’s map pick of Icebox began with EDG taking an early lead.

G2 showed resilience in rounds 7 and 8 but couldn’t maintain momentum.

EDG adapted quickly, with Hsieh “S1Mon” Meng-hsun’s quadruple kill anchoring the map win for EDG.

EDG started strong on Haven with a pistol win, but G2 dominated the early half.

EDG stabilised with Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang’s Neon plays, ending the half tied at 6-6.

G2 regained their lead post-break, but EDG responded with a five-round streak.

A clutch from Trent “trent” Cairns and back-to-back triple kills from G2 secured the map win to tie the series.

G2 remained dominant on Bind, starting with a pistol round win on the third and deciding map.

Despite EDG’s efforts, including a well-timed timeout and key plays from S1Mon and Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao, G2’s coordinated defence ended the map and clinched the series.

EDward Gaming will next play on August 11 in the group D decider match for their second chance at playoffs, determining the final team to reach the top eight.

Check out ESB’s free preview and best bets for Thursday’s VALORANT Champions fixtures.

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This victory marks the second time G2 has bested Paper Rex, the first being a 2-1 win at the VCT Masters Shanghai playoffs.

The current G2 roster, which previously played under The Guard, made their debut at this prestigious VALORANT Champions Tour tournament.

G2 opened with a 3-1 lead on Paper Rex’s pick of Icebox, thanks to a Gekko bait play.

Despite a mid-solo-play attempt from Jonah “JonahP” Pulice, Paper Rex initially equalised at 4-4 but struggled to maintain momentum.

G2 secured the half at 8-4 and went on to win the map 13-8.

G2 dominated the early rounds on Lotus with a strong defence led by JonahP, who achieved a 1.45 rating and a 327 average combat score (ACS) in the first half.

They took a massive 9-3 lead into halftime, and even though Paper Rex managed to close the gap, they ultimately fell 13-9.

G2’s performance was praised by Josh “JoshRT” Lee, while Paper Rex’s coach, Alexandre “alecks” Sall��, lamented his team’s inability to follow their game plan.

G2 kicks off their #VALORANTChampions campaign with a clean sweep! #G2WIN pic.twitter.com/Z0F2d87Xat

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 4, 2024

EDward Gaming (EDG) triumphed over FUT Esports 2-0 (13-9, 13-10), winning both maps and advancing to the Group D winner’s match against G2 Esports.

EDG, seeking redemption after a year of disappointing results, showcased a strong performance reminiscent of their peak in 2023.

EDG chose Lotus and FUT picked Bind, with both maps favouring the Chinese representatives, who held strong records on both maps throughout the year.

EDG secured an 8-4 lead in the first half of Lotus, propelled by the performances of Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao and Wan “CHICHOO” Shunzhi.

Although FUT rallied in the second half, the Smoggy and CHICHOO dominance continued, as they posted server-high ratings of 1.27 and 1.26, respectively.

Despite a close match on Bind, EDG stabilised their economy late and clinched the map, securing a 2-0 series victory.

Edward Gaming wins their first series at #VALORANTChampions Seoul! pic.twitter.com/RTZ5UrqkZZ

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 4, 2024

EDG’s strategic use of mixed buys and half-armor proved effective, contrasting with FUT’s preference for full buys.

Despite FUT’s efforts, including strong individual performances from Eray “yetujey” Budak and Mehmet “cNed” Ya??z ?pek, EDG’s coordinated play and economic management led them to victory.

The upcoming matches in Group D will see G2 Esports facing EDward Gaming in the winner’s match, while FUT Esports will take on Paper Rex in the lower bracket, fighting to stay in the tournament.

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