Cloud9 and NRG Esports still in Contention in VCT AMERICAS PLAYOFFS

AMERICAS teams Cloud9 and NRG Esports have both made a large leap in the lower bracket run after securing important wins in VCT AMERICAS.

Here's how they did it.

NRG Esports 2-0 FURIA

The first game saw FURIA go up against NRG Esports. FURIA fell short to NRG Esports in the regular season, and lost to Leviatan in an earlier game, which knocked them to the lower bracket. NRG Esports lost to Evil Geniuses earlier. And just like regular season, NRG Esports managed to win the battle once again.

The first map was Bind, NRG's own map pick. FURIA started the first half on attack, in which FURIA could put a proper fight against NRG. The Brazilian team, however, got two rounds to their name, leaving NRG to get away with an eight rounds advantage. The second half was a bit different for FURIA, who refused to back down and fought tooth and nail to take it to overtime, and although it was a valiant effort, NRG put them to bed in a 13-9 scoreline.

The second map was Split, FURIA's own map pick. NRG is known for choking Split, and FURIA might've picked Split just to use that against them. And for the most part, it looked as if the read was there, FURIA won the first half in a two rounds advantage. However, if we know anything about NRG, it's that this team refuses to let a team go too far with it. NRG managed to go even with FURIA and then beat them in the final rounds of the game. NRG ended the series with a 13-10 scoreline.

Leading NRG was Crashies, who had a KDA of 38-29-25 through both maps, and an ACS of 237. Leading FURIA was Quick, who had a KDA of 33-32-10 through both maps, and an ACS of 228.

With the win, NRG now advance further in the lower bracket, where they will face off against Cloud9 on May 26th.

With the loss, FURIA is eliminated from the competition.

Cloud9 2-1 Leviatan

The second game saw Cloud9 take on Leviatan. Cloud9 defeated Leviatan before in a comfortable fashion, not dropping a single map. Leviatan fell short to FURIA in an earlier game which knocked them to the lower bracket, while Cloud9 fell short to Evil Geniuses. This matchup ended in Cloud9's favour, once again.

The first map was Haven, Leviatan's own map pick. Cloud9 started the first half on attack, in which the North American team managed to upset the opposition in their own map pick, gaining a six rounds lead over them. The second half was more of the same, as Leviatan looked off shape, and Cloud9 didn't let that slide, using that against them and closing the first map in a comfortable fashion. The first game ended in a 13-8 scoreline.

The second map was Lotus, C9's own map pick. Leviatan started the first half on defence, in which the LATAM team managed to go toe to toe and end the first half on an even score. Leviatan went into the second half with determination, and it has shown, as despite C9's best efforts, Leviatan bested them on all fronts and put this game in their books, extending it to a third map. The second game ended in a 13-10 scoreline.

The third map, the decider, was Ascent. Leviatan started the first half on defence, in which Lev struggled to put the same polished game the team put in the previous game. Cloud9 got a comfortable four rounds lead on this half, and went into the second half with vengeance. Cloud9 didn't drop a single round in the second half, putting Leviatan out of the competition. The third game ended in a 13-4 scoreline.

Leading C9 was Jakee, who had a KDA of 51-42-23 through the three maps, as well as an ACS of 239. Leading Leviatan was Kingg, who had a KDA of 51-44-13 through the three maps, and an ACS of 252.

With the win, C9 now advance further in the lower bracket, where they will face off against NRG on May 26th.

With the loss, Leviatan is eliminated from the competition.