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In one of the most anticipated rivalries in VALORANT history, Sentinels eliminated Fnatic from VALORANT Champions 2024, winning a thrilling series 2-1.
This was the fourth international meeting between the two teams, with Sentinels leading the head-to-head record heading into the second round lower bracket clash.
The elimination match was played across Sunset, Bind, and Lotus.
Sentinels chose Sunset, Fnatic picked Bind, and Lotus served as the decider.
The opening map, Sunset, saw Fnatic take a commanding 8-4 lead at halftime, thanks to solid team play and superior post-plant setups.
However, Sentinels’ IGL, Mohamed “johnqt” Amine Ouarid, made pivotal mid-game adjustments, enabling a strong comeback.
They edged out Fnatic 13-11 on the back of johnqt’s standout performance, where he led the server with 23 kills.
Fnatic responded on Bind, their map pick, dominating their attack half to secure a 13-9 victory.
Their execution on the B site in Round 20 was particularly impressive, leaving Sentinels’ economy in shambles for the remainder of the map.
The decider on Lotus was a more one-sided affair, with Sentinels controlling both halves.
Their clean attack led to an 8-4 halftime lead, and they swiftly closed out the map 13-6.
Despite Fnatic’s attempts to mount a comeback, they couldn’t overcome Sentinels’ economic and strategic advantage.
Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev finished with the most kills in the series at 61, but it wasn’t enough to keep Fnatic’s Champions campaign alive.
Sentinels now advance to the lower bracket semifinals at INSPIRE Arena, where they will face Team Heretics, who stunned DRX in another intense elimination series.
THE LOWER BRACKET RUN IS ON FOR SEN CITY!
SENTINELS LOCK IN TOP 4 AT #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! pic.twitter.com/3QCr8mr0yF
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 18, 2024
Team Heretics vs. DRX was a clash of two teams undergoing roster turmoil throughout 2024.
Heretics entered Champions with momentum, despite their challenges, while DRX, on home soil, sought redemption.
The map veto slightly favoured Heretics, and the series began on Abyss, where DRX looked strong, winning 13-5 after a dominant defensive showing.
Heretics bounced back on Sunset, tying the series 1-1 with a commanding 13-5 victory of their own.
Their ability to suffocate DRX’s offence, combined with well-executed defensive strategies, set the stage for a thrilling decider on Icebox.
Icebox was a back-and-forth affair, but Heretics ultimately prevailed 13-10.
They capitalized on DRX’s weakened economy and used their ultimates effectively to secure the final rounds.
Heretics’ standout player, Dominykas “MiniBoo” Lukaševičius, topped the server in rating (1.30), kills (59), average combat score (260), and ADR (165), helping his team achieve a 2-1 victory and a top-four finish at their first Champions appearance.
TEAM HERETICS SURVIVES!
THEY ARE GOING TO THE INSPIRE AT #VALORANTChampions SEOUL! pic.twitter.com/HHy6nRYz41
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 18, 2024
Now, Heretics and Sentinels will face off in the lower semifinal.
Both teams have been Masters finalists this year, but only Sentinels have claimed an international title.
This rematch of their earlier clash at Masters sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown, with a spot in the lower bracket final on the line.
Meanwhile, DRX’s home tournament ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the top six, mirroring their previous Champions performance.
VALORANT Champions will continue on Friday, August 23, with EDward Gaming and Leviatan kicking off the day in the upper bracket final before Sentinels and Team Heretics play off for the right to take on the loser in the lower bracket final.
