In a thrilling showdown that had esports fans on the edge of their seats, Gen.G Esports etched their name into the annals of VCT Masters Madrid by becoming the first team to secure a spot in the grand finals. This historic victory over the Sentinels in a nail-biting best-of-three series not only showcased the formidable prowess of the VCT Pacific Kickoff champions but also ignited the possibility of the team being the first from the VCT Pacific to hoist an international VCT trophy.
The Sentinels, despite the setback, aren't out of the running yet. The structure of the VCT Masters Madrid's double-elimination bracket offers them a lifeline through the lower bracket final. Here, they're poised for a clash against the victor of the Paper Rex and LOUD match. A win in this best-of-five series would grant them a rematch against Gen.G in the grand showdown.
The Electric Showdown
The anticipation was palpable as both teams, known for their aggressive playstyles, locked horns. The series kicked off on the Sentinels' chosen battlefield, Split, where, despite their historical dominance, Gen.G flipped the script with a mix of strategic brilliance and sheer tenacity. Sang-beom “Munchkin” Byeon’s clutch plays in the early rounds paved the way for Gen.G's initial dominance, setting the tone for the match.
HUGE round from @t3xture_kr! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/4rSokYRelV
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 22, 2024
The second map, Lotus, saw the Sentinels briefly regaining their footing, thanks in part to Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi's and Zachary “Zekken” Patrone's heroic clutches. However, Gen.G's resilience shone through in the second half, marking a comeback that culminated in a victory that would lead them to the deciding map, Breeze.
BACK-TO-BACK CLUTCHES FOR SENTINELS! @zekkenVAL WITH THE 4K! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/UvTFdDL5Jj
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 22, 2024
On Breeze, Gen.G’s strategic mastery and individual heroics, particularly from Jong-Min “Lakia” Kim, Kim "Meteor" Tae-o, and Kim “Karon” Won-tae, left the Sentinels scrambling to find answers. Each round built upon the momentum for Gen.G, with Kim "t3xture" Na-ra delivering the coup de grâce that sealed their grand final berth.
3K with the Op ? @t3xture_kr #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/nGOBjG5FRV
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 22, 2024
A Grand Finale Awaits
Gen.G's triumph is more than just a win; it's a testament to their growth, strategy, and execution on the international stage. As they await their final challenger, the esports world buzzes with anticipation for what promises to be an epic conclusion to the VCT Masters Madrid. Will Gen.G etch their name as the first VCT Pacific team to win an international VCT trophy, or will the Sentinels fight their way back for a dramatic finale? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the grand finals of VCT Masters Madrid are not to be missed.