VCT: nAts' exceptional gun control secures a four-kill spree, TL overturns to eliminate EDG after trailing 1-2

In the 2025 Valorant Champions Tour Global Championship group stage C group losers' bracket first round, TL overcame EDG 2-1, moving forward to face DRX for the second advancement slot from Group C.

Map One: Sunset City

Defending side EDG: Sova, Brimstone, Neon, Omen, Jett

Attacking side TL: Fade, Fade, Omen, Raze, Jett

In the first half, EDG won the pistol round. In round 3, Kangkang aggressively pushed A site, and with the help of teammates and utilities, secured a four-kill to claim TL’s bonus round. At round 9, TL called their second timeout and attempted A site, but Kangkang’s Fade secured another four-kill to defend. In round 11, paTiTek’s Omen teleported behind enemy lines and, with teammate support, eliminated EDG. EDG’s defense dominated with a 10-round winning streak in the first half, showing proactive defense and building a large lead, finishing the half with 11 points.

In the second half, EDG won the pistol round to reach match point, but TL fought back to recover two rounds. In round 16, Jieni7’s Brimstone ultimate secured B site, allowing EDG to accelerate and eliminate TL’s rotation, closing the map 13-3 in favor of EDG.

Map Two: Abyssal Caves

Defending side EDG: Sova, KAY/O, Fade, Omen, Astra

Attacking side TL: Jett, K/O, Sova, Omen, Jett

TL took the pistol round in the first half. Smoggy eliminated nats in a clutch during the bonus round, though their economy was shaky. TL continued scoring and built a five-round winning streak. In round 7, Kamo secured an ACE by breaking through A site. EDG finally held A site in round 9 for their second point. Nats pushed through mid to help TL gain two more rounds. In round 12, Jieni7 coordinated an A site push with teammates, quickly eliminating three TL players, but nobody rotated back to B site to stop nats, who secured a kill, resulting in TL leading 9-3 at halftime.

In the second half, EDG won the pistol round. In round 15, EDG rushed A site but TL defended inside to win the bonus round. In round 17, EDG planted the spike on A to delay, but QiuQiu’s double kill turned the tide for TL. In round 18, TL executed a pincer attack, trapping EDG at A entrance and winning the round, securing match point. TL then closed out the match decisively in round 19, winning 13-6 on map two.

Map Three: Origin Stronghold

Defending side EDG: Fade, Cypher, Fade, Phoenix, Viper

Attacking side TL: Fade, Fade, Phoenix, Raze, Viper

After EDG won the pistol round in the first half, TL countered with three consecutive rounds. In round 5, Jieni7’s Phoenix eliminated three enemies, and nobody finished off the remaining two in the showers, completing a comeback on an eco round. EDG then went on a four-round winning streak to retake the lead. In round 9, TL mixed up their play, using dual controllers to enter B site for a plant, where nats’ Viper ultimate secured the fourth round. In round 10, nats’ precise gun control and positioning led to a four-kill, guiding the team to victory. TL continued with three more rounds, but in round 12, Jieni7 stopped TL’s attack on A site. The half ended tied at 6-6.

In the second half, with triple kills from QiuQiu and Kangkang, EDG won the pistol round and followed with two more rounds. In round 16, a long gunfight saw EDG eliminate Kamo in the small room, then rotate to B site to take out four TL players, with Kangkang scoring a triple kill. After two more rounds for EDG, round 18 was lost to Kamo’s Fade rotation defense. In round 20, EDG entered A site and eliminated three TL players, while QiuQiu’s Viper ultimate spread toxic smoke; TL’s remaining two players opted to save their weapons. In round 22, EDG won a remarkable gunfight on B site to reach match point. TL pushed aggressively on B site in round 23, coordinating with portals to surround and win the fight. In round 24, EDG attacked A site but failed to maintain control and were eliminated by nats in a perfect team wipe, pushing the match into overtime.

In the overtime’s first round, EDG won defense but lost offense. In the second round, TL attacked A site, setting up a double flank in the small room and eliminating EDG’s rotation to claim the round. After switching sides, Kangkang was taken out at B site, and EDG attempted to enter B but were stopped by TL’s defense. TL secured the win on map three and advanced to the next round.