VCT Masters: XLG Overwhelmed in One-Sided Defeat, Falls to NRG

During the opening Swiss round of the Valorant San Diego Masters, NRG secured a 2-0 victory over XLG, moving into the 1-0 bracket.

Map 1: Haven

Defending side XLG: Viper, Omen, Sova, Killjoy, Neon

Attacking side NRG: Killjoy, Sova, Omen, Viper, Neon

NRG started with a frenzied offensive, taking six consecutive rounds. XLG's defense lacked rhythm, with NoMan's Killjoy utility yielding minimal value. In round 7, happywei held Site C with a 4k, giving XLG their first round.

happywei continued to perform, leading the team to two more rounds. However, NRG quickly stabilized. In round 10, NRG executed a silent approach to control A Long, then sped into the site to defeat XLG.

NRG's varied attack pace in the first half made it difficult for XLG to find opportunities, resulting in NRG securing 11 rounds on their attack.

Moving to the second half, NRG won the pistol round. In round 14, XLG's force buy and rush onto B site failed, giving NRG match point.

In round 15, mada held A Short, while an A Long push was swiftly countered by NRG's retake, allowing NRG to close out Haven.

Map 2: Split

Defending side XLG: Yoru, Sova, Astra, Omen, Skye

Attacking side NRG: Chamber, Astra, Omen, Sova, Viper

NRG established an early lead in the first half, with XLG only securing one bonus round. By round 7, XLG purchased an Operator but critical mistakes cost them the round.

In round 9, XLG's save round, happywei won a clutch with a Sheriff for a triple kill, finally giving XLG their second round.

In round 11, Rarga's position was discovered, drawing heavy fire and allowing XLG to pick off NRG's push for their third round.

Round 12 saw NRG successfully delay the spike with extensive utility, leaving XLG helpless as NRG extended their lead to 9 rounds by halftime.

Starting the second half, XLG won the pistol round. The following round, NRG attempted a retake without dropping down ropes but lost, with Rarga's Vandal securing a triple kill.

Ethan secured a crucial kill in the bonus round from B Heaven, giving NRG the win. In a subsequent key rifle round, XLG executed a fast B hit with WsLeo holding mid, successfully taking the round to stabilize their economy.

XLG won three rounds in a row. In round 19, mada's aggressive push eliminated Lysoar, but XLG's coordinated double ultimate failed to secure kills, allowing NRG to retake and win.

In round 20, XLG attacked B site but lost the fight in Heaven; the spike dropped there and NRG held the angle to win.

XLG rallied back for three rounds. In round 23, NRG tightened their defense, eliminating four XLG players in mid. With the spike dropped mid, NoMan was left in a hopeless 1vX, and NRG secured Split 13-10.