The VCT Américas 2025 Kickoff has already seen high-stakes drama unfold as the first round of elimination matches determined which teams would remain in contention for a spot at VALORANT Masters Bangkok.
After intense battles, FURIA and Cloud9 have been sent home, while Evil Geniuses (EG) and MIBR stay alive in the tournament.
Evil Geniuses Outplay FURIA in Dominant Fashion
In a dominant performance, Evil Geniuses eliminated FURIA with a clean 2-0 victory. Both maps ended with 13-7 scorelines, showcasing EG’s control throughout the series.
The win was especially significant for Jaccob ‘Yay’ Whiteaker, who returned to the North American VALORANT scene after a nearly two-year hiatus. His performance and emotional return made waves within the community, as he expressed his excitement about playing for his home crowd:
“Honestly, it feels great to be back. There was a long period of time when I didn’t play for an NA crowd. So, I’m super excited to be back and play for all the people who support me at home.”
EG’s success has set the stage for an important matchup against MIBR in Lower Bracket Round 2 on February 1st, with both teams now fighting for survival in the tournament.
MIBR Triumphs Over Cloud9 in Thrilling Reverse Sweep
In another thrilling encounter, MIBR overcame Cloud9 after an intense reverse sweep. Cloud9 took the lead by winning the first map, Lotus, 13-7. However, MIBR showed resilience, securing victories on Abyss and Pearl with 13-10 and 13-7 scorelines, respectively.
The series was defined by the standout performances of Erick ‘Aspas’ Santos and Francis ‘OXY’ Hoang, each registering 57 kills.
After the victory, Arthur ‘artzin’ Araujo shared his optimistic mindset on the importance of experience rather than pressure:
“I don’t think like that. I’m just grateful to be here. Every loss is not a loss; it’s just experience. So, that doesn’t bother me at all, and we just keep working.”
MIBR’s next challenge is Evil Geniuses, and with both teams still in the hunt for a Masters Bangkok spot, this matchup promises to be another nail-biter.
What’s Next for the Teams in VCT Américas 2025?
As FURIA and Cloud9 exit the competition, the focus now shifts to the Lower Bracket and the teams still vying for the ultimate prize. The Evil Geniuses and MIBR showdown will be crucial for both teams, as only one will continue its journey towards the VALORANT Masters Bangkok.
Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks:
- Evil Geniuses will aim to continue their dominant form and build on the momentum of their convincing win against FURIA.
- MIBR will look to maintain their composure after their dramatic comeback against Cloud9.
- Masters Bangkok qualification is at stake, and every match from here on out is critical.
- Trace Esports from China has already secured a spot in the Masters, but the race is far from over for the remaining teams.
Conclusion
The VCT Américas 2025 Kickoff has already provided thrilling moments, with FURIA and Cloud9 eliminated, and Evil Geniuses and MIBR advancing to keep their hopes alive for Masters Bangkok.
The coming matches promise more exciting gameplay as the remaining teams battle for their place on the global stage. Fans can expect high-stakes action as the journey to VALORANT Masters continues.
VCT: Trace Esports Becomes the First Team to Qualify for Masters Bangkok