T1 vs EDG: T1 close out series in Overtime

The first match of Group A at the VCT Tokyo Masters will see EDG take on T1 esports.

Representing China is EDward Gaming, a well-known esports organization in the country. There are two Chinese teams at this year’s VCT Tokyo Masters. While VALORANT has not yet been officially released in China, the two invited teams are amongst the best in the country and will compete in the International event to prove their position in the world ranking. 

T1 esports, on the other hand, has players who are proven in other FPS titles. While T1 has not had success on the international VALORANT stage, the team’s performance has been nothing short of impressive. The team has been constantly improving in their strategies and approach to the game.

EDG came into this match with a game plan and true to the style of most Chinese VALORANT teams, EDG had no shortage of aggression. However, while the aggression was expected, not many expected this match to go so close.

EDG's aggression meant that T1 were often left trying to adapt to the opponent. There were multiple instances when T1's individual performances helped them go through the match with some ease.

The second half started slow for EDG. They seemed to lack the same level of aggression and pace that got them to a 6-6 first half score. They ended up losing a big chunk of the first few rounds of the second half. When they returned to their aggression, they managed to string a few rounds together. But the momentum was lost and the slight lead that T1 managed for themselves early in the second half was more than enough to see them through.

The second map saw some incredible performances and courageous plays by players from both teams. Within the first few rounds, we saw players sticking the defuse with 25 Hp and an enemy in his face, contant flanks and hyper-aggressive play.

The first half ended in a dead-even 6-6 score, but throughout the first half it felt EDG had the reins of the map. Unfortunately for them, multiple clutch performances by Sayaplayer allowed T1 to steal back quite a few rounds.

But Haven was also the map where individual performances by EDG players, especially Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang were responsible for turning the tide. Here are a couple as EDG cruised to a 13-7 victory.

EDG came out in full form on the third map. The Chinese players earned the respect of the fans, their opponents, and viewers at home.

The third map saw EDG continue its momentum from Map 2. They took the lead early in the first half, but the two sides traded rounds to end up in a 6-6.

The map went into overtime where T1's experience helped them close out the series.

VALORANT fans can catch the action live on the official VALORANT Stream. We have also embedded the stream below for you to stay tuned.

EDG VALORANT roster:

T1 VALORANT roster

The winner of this match inches closer to the VCT Tokyo Masters playoffs. The loser, on the other hand, will face elimination in their next match.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest VALORANT news and updates.