by Trace Esports qualified for the playoff stage of VALORANT Champions 2024, following another upset victory, this time against Leviatán 2-1 (13-11, 9-13, 13-5) to earn the first spot from Group C.
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 Leviatán used a Gekko variation with Viper, Skye, Raze, and Brimstone.
Starting on attack, Trace won the first pistol round, but Leviatán 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 Leviatán to plant the spike.
Despite Leviatán’s late comeback attempt, a fumbled post-plant and a clutch defuse from Zhang “LuoK1ng” Zhanpeng secured the map for Trace.
Leviatán needed to win on their map pick (Sunset) to stay alive, and despite Trace’s strong start with a 5-1 lead, Leviatán adapted quickly, ending the half up 7-5.
Leviatán’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), Leviatán opted for a double sentinel composition with Deadlock and Cypher, while Trace went with a Killjoy.
Leviatán 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 Leviatán winning the second pistol round, Kai’s operator sealed the map and series for Trace.
Leviatán 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.
