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G2 Esports started their VALORANT Champions 2024 campaign with a decisive 2-0 (13-8, 13-9) victory over Paper Rex, securing a spot in the Group D winner’s match.
This victory marks the second time G2 has bested Paper Rex, the first being a 2-1 win at the VCT Masters Shanghai playoffs.
The current G2 roster, which previously played under The Guard, made their debut at this prestigious VALORANT Champions Tour tournament.
G2 opened with a 3-1 lead on Paper Rex’s pick of Icebox, thanks to a Gekko bait play.
Despite a mid-solo-play attempt from Jonah “JonahP” Pulice, Paper Rex initially equalised at 4-4 but struggled to maintain momentum.
G2 secured the half at 8-4 and went on to win the map 13-8.
G2 dominated the early rounds on Lotus with a strong defence led by JonahP, who achieved a 1.45 rating and a 327 average combat score (ACS) in the first half.
They took a massive 9-3 lead into halftime, and even though Paper Rex managed to close the gap, they ultimately fell 13-9.
G2’s performance was praised by Josh “JoshRT” Lee, while Paper Rex’s coach, Alexandre “alecks” Sallé, lamented his team’s inability to follow their game plan.
G2 kicks off their #VALORANTChampions campaign with a clean sweep! #G2WIN pic.twitter.com/Z0F2d87Xat
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 4, 2024
EDward Gaming (EDG) triumphed over FUT Esports 2-0 (13-9, 13-10), winning both maps and advancing to the Group D winner’s match against G2 Esports.
EDG, seeking redemption after a year of disappointing results, showcased a strong performance reminiscent of their peak in 2023.
EDG chose Lotus and FUT picked Bind, with both maps favouring the Chinese representatives, who held strong records on both maps throughout the year.
EDG secured an 8-4 lead in the first half of Lotus, propelled by the performances of Zhang “Smoggy” Zhao and Wan “CHICHOO” Shunzhi.
Although FUT rallied in the second half, the Smoggy and CHICHOO dominance continued, as they posted server-high ratings of 1.27 and 1.26, respectively.
Despite a close match on Bind, EDG stabilised their economy late and clinched the map, securing a 2-0 series victory.
Edward Gaming wins their first series at #VALORANTChampions Seoul! pic.twitter.com/RTZ5UrqkZZ
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 4, 2024
EDG’s strategic use of mixed buys and half-armor proved effective, contrasting with FUT’s preference for full buys.
Despite FUT’s efforts, including strong individual performances from Eray “yetujey” Budak and Mehmet “cNed” Yağız İpek, EDG’s coordinated play and economic management led them to victory.
The upcoming matches in Group D will see G2 Esports facing EDward Gaming in the winner’s match, while FUT Esports will take on Paper Rex in the lower bracket, fighting to stay in the tournament.
