The VCT 2023 LOCK//IN tournament has officially begun in Brazil, featuring 32 teams competing for the championship title and a share of the $100,000 USD prize pool. The first matches saw KOI facing off against NRG, and Detonation FM playing against Giants. The matches were played on LAN and followed a single-elimination format, resulting in NRG and Giants advancing to the Round of 16, while KOI and Detonation FM were eliminated.
NRG vs. KOI
NRG and KOI played a Best of 3 matches, with NRG banning Ascent and KOI banning Split. NRG picked Icebox, and KOI chose Haven, while NRG banned Fracture and KOI banned Lotus. Pearl was left over.
On Icebox, KOI dominated early on, thanks to Nikita “trexx” Cherednichenko's impressive Sova performance. But NRG mounted a comeback, and the match ended with NRG winning 13-11.
On Haven, NRG took the lead in the first half, with Ardis “ardiss” Svarenieks standing out on his Jett pick. KOI attempted a comeback in the second half but was shut down by NRG, who won the match 13-9.
The first matchup of #VCTLOCKIN goes to @NRGgg! pic.twitter.com/B94l7Gh2pn
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) February 13, 2023
Detonation FM vs. Giants
Detonation FM and Giants played a Best of 3 match, with DFM banning Split and Giants banning Fracture. DFM picked Haven, and Giants picked Icebox. DFM then banned Lotus, and Giants banned Ascent. Pearl was left over.
Giants dominated both maps, winning Haven 13-4 and Icebox 13-7, eliminating Detonation FM from the tournament.
.@GiantsGaming picks up their first win of #VCTLOCKIN pic.twitter.com/JLoVWVQ4l8
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) February 13, 2023
The VCT 2023 LOCK//IN tournament promises to deliver exciting matches and upsets. On the second day of the tournament, FunPlus Phoenix faced Karmine Cops, BBL Esports took on DRX, and Cloud9 played against Paper Rex. The single-elimination format of the tournament makes it brutal, leaving no room for error.
As the tournament continues, the teams will be giving their all to secure the championship title and a share of the prize pool. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who will come out on top and make their mark in the world of Valorant.
