Against their South American neighbors, TL Brazil secured a convincing victory, and daiki reflected on her return to the international stage.
Team Liquid Brazil's Natália "daiki" Vilela is not just any leader. She is a captain and an inspiration to many young players aspiring to reach the highest level of VALORANT. A Brazilian star, she embodies the confidence that talent can bring, shining a spotlight on her country.
In her first match at the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 against KRÜ Blaze, Team Liquid Brazil's captain demonstrated why she deserved a return to the international stage after her absence in 2024. During the press conference, daiki reflected on her own performance, the team’s strength, and expressed their confidence heading further into the tournament.
TL daiki: Leading, inspiring, and shaping the game
"We are a good team, and I think as well for MIBR, both teams could be in the Grand Finals," said TL daiki. For her, the team is confident and well prepared for what is coming next. The daiki of 2022 might not have been ready to lift a trophy, but the 2025 version is a completely different player, and this Team Liquid Brazil looks more than prepared to bring the golden trophy home.
We’ve been through both good and bad moments together, and because of that, I feel we’re prepared to lift the trophy.
In 2024, daiki couldn't even watch the whole tournament. "When I was watching from the outside, I felt sad. So being back here means a lot to me. I need to prove to myself that I can do it, that I’m still growing and improving, both as a person and as a professional."
For coach Caio "napz" Sousa, this patch is excellent for Team Liquid Brazil, allowing them to control the pace of the match and maximize their resources and strategic strengths. And that was clear on display, as the Brazilian squad secured its first victory of the tournament.
When asked to describe daiki, TL Vitoria "Bizerra" Vieira reminded everybody how much of a pillar the captain is for the team. "Since the very beginning of this team, I believe that daiki is one of the people, if not the person, who has grown the most. She has evolved in every way: as a person, as a player, and as our in-game leader," she said. "I think the team is what it is today largely because of her."
Julia "Jelly" Iris added that daiki was crucial in boosting her confidence at the start of her career and that she is one of the most important figures in the entire circuit.
South American battle
Team Liquid Brazil and KRÜ Blaze are well-acquainted with each other. The South American teams came prepared to demonstrate their skills, but things were not looking favorable for the LATAM team. Team Liquid's dominance, map control, and patience in every situation made them a difficult opponent to overcome. It felt like Liquid dictated every move on the map, down to the timer.
Corrode was all about pure domination, led by IGL daiki and the aggressive Jelly. Clutch queen daiki proved why she belongs back on the international stage, while Jelly’s Waylay entries brought relentless aggression and control, putting the team in command.
On Bind, KRÜ Blaze would rather forget the game. After a strong start from Liquid, even with KRÜ securing the bonus round, the Brazilian side’s confidence was unmatched. Still, the LATAM team refused to give the match away. They fought relentlessly until the very end.
What comes next for Team Liquid Brazil?
Team Liquid Brazil will now face the winner of G2 Gozen versus NOVA Esports. Neither matchup will be easy. G2 brings years of tournament experience, while NOVA has been lighting up the stage with their unmatched talent.
KRÜ Blaze will need to defeat GIANTX to stay alive in the lower bracket. With everything on the line in this elimination match, only one team will advance while the other’s tournament run comes to an end.
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