An thrilling day of nationwide VALORANT rivalries kicked off in VCT Pacific, with two of the most important names in esports, T1 and Gen.G, going head-to-head.
Because the season started within the Pacific League, Gen.G had expectations on their shoulders. Although they weren’t anticipated to be Korea’s celebrity staff—that title clearly belongs to DRX—many have been predicting Gen.G may slide up into that second-place spot, notably after their efficiency at LOCK//IN, the opening match of the 2023 VCT.
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Regardless of T1’s star-studded roster that features some large names, particularly for followers of Overwatch, the staff struggled towards the coordination of Gen.G, which has turn out to be noticeably extra cohesive for the reason that roster’s debut in February. Gen.G secured a convincing 2-0 victory in Seoul immediately.
The groups started by loading into Ascent, the place they every locked in the identical composition, the one which has turn out to be commonplace on this map in Asia. DRX and Paper Rex additionally play this composition, that includes a Sova, Omen, Killjoy, KAY/O, and Jett.
This mirror composition technique set the stage for direct comparisons between gamers throughout each groups, as if the rivalry wasn’t heated sufficient already. Most notably, the battle between Sayaplayer and Meteor was about to start on Jett.
T1 began off robust by taking the pistol spherical, however regardless of investing in SMGs for the second spherical, they fell to Gen.G’s weaker weapons however superior technique.
It was clear proper from the start of the map that there was one other head-to-head matchup that was price maintaining a tally of: the KAY/O battle between Carpe and GodDead.
GodDead has already made a splash within the VCT after he was added to Gen.G’s roster in March, and he continued to point out his experience. Apart from his godlike intention, he additionally demonstrated his command over KAY/O’s utility with excellent knives and debilitating flashes.
Although Carpe didn’t have dangerous utility utilization both, with 13 assists tallied throughout the primary map, his influence wasn’t on the identical degree as GodDead’s.
So far as the matchup between Sayaplayer and Meteor went, each Jett gamers are clearly on the prime of their recreation. Sayaplayer, recognized for his glorious intention and response occasions, is a improbable Jett participant. However after an unimaginable play from Meteor on the tenth spherical of Ascent, it felt like there was nothing he may do to get even.
Even on protection, Meteor was completely on hearth. Trying assured and picked up, Gen.G took Ascent 13-5 in commanding trend.
After a brief break in between maps, the Gen.G gamers sat down on stage and continued to play like there was no break in any respect, working on their already-built momentum.
T1 struggled to get their footing on Haven, dropping 4 rounds in a row earlier than they may defuse the spike in spherical 5. Each Jett gamers struggled to get occurring this map and appeared awfully quiet in comparison with the thrilling performs they showcased on Ascent.
Although T1 have been capable of salvage a tough begin by ending simply two rounds down on the half, Gen.G held their floor as soon as once more on their defensive aspect, and T1 didn’t get a single spherical.
Haven was over in a flash, Gen.G profitable with an an identical scoreline of 13-5.
This dominant efficiency by Gen.G appears to have securely ordered the rating of the three Korean groups within the VCT. DRX nonetheless stands on prime, adopted by Gen.G after which T1. Although Gen.G hasn’t but instantly confronted off towards DRX, because of the latter staff’s unimaginable performances internationally, they’re thought-about by far the very best within the area.
The true check for Gen.G will come subsequent week after they face off towards DRX for the primary time. They is perhaps the one staff within the Pacific League with an opportunity of shattering their perfect map record, particularly after each Paper Rex and ZETA Division each went down 2-0 towards them.
In comparison with their preliminary displaying at LOCK//IN in São Paulo, Gen.G seems extra coordinated. The 2 new additions to the roster, Sylvan and GodDead, have each actually made an influence, nevertheless it additionally looks like the staff’s recreation plan and in-game management are far more stable.
Gen.G will play DRX subsequent week on Apr. 22 at 7 AM CT.
