The VCT Masters Bangkok 2025 showcased some intense action on its second day as top seeded teams G2 Esports and Team Vitality steamrolled their opponents, securing 2-0 victories against Trace Esports and T1, respectively. With dominant strategies and standout players, these victories solidified each team's place as serious contenders for the championship.
Team Vitality's match against T1 was particularly thrilling, with the EMEA Kickoff winners showcasing their prowess. T1, having performed well as the Pacific runners-up, entered the match aiming to make waves. Despite the absence of their main player Sylvan, who was replaced by the capable Carpe, T1 put up a fight on Fracture, the first map. Both teams favored utility-heavy compositions composed of Breach, Tejo, and Raze, which led to tightly contested rounds.
During the first half, Vitality found themselves trailing 5-7 after T1 managed to close out significant rounds, especially with Carpe's impressive 4K. But the second half was where Vitality turned the tables. They rallied back, unleashing their defenses, and went on to clinch the map 13-10, with Less being named the MVP with 23 kills and exceptional performance metrics.
The second map, Binding, proved to be another showcase of Vitality’s skill. They jumped off with an explosive start, dominating the early game and finishing the first half with 7-5. After the sides swapped, Vitality maintained their momentum by winning the next four consecutive rounds, closing out the match with a final score of 13-9. Vitality now prepares to face DRX, with the winner of this upcoming showdown qualifying for playoffs.
“Having Sayf as IGL, an ex-duelist, he gives me more freedom and lets me do my own thing, which makes my life more easier,” commented Vitality’s Derke, highlighting how positive team dynamics are integral to their success.
On the other side of the tournament, G2 Esports, the Americas Kickoff winners, took on Trace Esports, China’s second seed. This matchup marked the first encounter between the two teams. G2 demonstrated why they are considered front-runners, starting with Lotus—a map where Trace had shown remarkable strength. Initially, Trace claimed the pistol round, but G2 quickly found their rhythm, leading with strategic plays from their Viper, leaf, who executed surprising offensive openings.
After establishing early dominance, G2 finished the first half with a 7-5 lead and then continued their aggressive plays to eventually win 13-8 on the first map. The second map, G2’s choice of Abyss, experienced even less resistance, as they surged to victory with nothing less than brilliance, finishing at 13-3 and emphasizing their skill across the maps.
With these impressive victories, G2 moves on to face EDG, where another collision of heavyweights will determine who advances to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the pressure mounts on Trace and T1 as they prepare for elimination matches, fighting for survival.
The overall results from this round indicated one glaring trend: all four first seeds clinched their matches with identical 2-0 scorelines, showcasing the difference between the higher-seeded teams and their competitors. EDward Gaming secured their place with a hard-fought victory over Team Liquid, earning theirs through excruciations and narrow margins. Similarly, DRX overcame Sentinels, but not without challenges, as the latter narrowly lost their second map.
G2 was the only team exhibiting overwhelming dominance with their matches against Trace, reflecting their strategic superiority. Such record-breaking performances may set the stage for future encounters, with upcoming rounds promising to bring more thrill as the tournament progresses.
With the group stages continuing and elimination rounds on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher. Teams will need to rely on teamwork, strategy, and individual brilliance if they are to emerge as champions of VCT Masters Bangkok 2025 and be the first to seize glory.