Gambit Secures Spot in VCT Champions Semifinals After Intense Battle Against X10 CRIT
Gambit has advanced to the semifinals of VCT Champions after a thrilling quarterfinal match against X10 CRIT. Although X10 is now out of the tournament, they put up an impressive fight with a victory over Envy and a strong performance against Gambit in Berlin.
Gambit and X10 began the series on VALORANT’s newest map, Fracture. It was the first time both teams played on this map at Champions. Gambit showcased their versatility by picking Brimstone, who made only his second appearance in the tournament. The match started with intense gunfights all over the map, leading to a closely contested first half. However, Gambit switched to their methodical playstyle, executing strategic site takeovers and making it difficult for X10 to retake. Gambit secured a 9-3 lead after winning six consecutive rounds.
In the second half, Gambit displayed a stunning retake during the pistol round, which forced X10 to go for a force buy. X10 made a blitzkrieg play into the B site, catching Gambit off guard. Despite Gambit’s 11-5 lead, X10 managed to keep close by executing exceptional post-plant flanks. However, Gambit’s minor defensive adjustments caught X10 by surprise, and a strong hold from d3ffo proved to be the deciding factor. Gambit sealed the victory on Fracture with a 13-7 score.
On their defensive half of Ascent, X10 showed resilience by using deep lurks that caught Gambit off guard. Gambit adapted by taking more aggressive mid control and overpowering X10 in their B site takeovers. In response, X10 increased their mid presence, creating a pinch situation for Gambit during site attacks. X10 secured a 7-5 lead going into halftime.
X10 adopted an aggressive strategy during their attacking side, securing an anti-eco round victory and expanding their lead by punishing the Gambit economy. X10 reached an 11-7 lead before an impressive hold from nAts on A gave Gambit a crucial round. However, X10 quickly responded with a hyper-aggressive Jett knife dash from Patiphan, breaking open the A site and sealing the victory for X10 on Ascent with a score of 13-7.
Gambit opted for a more aggressive composition on Breeze, featuring Reyna and Skye alongside Jett, Viper, and Sova. They started off with a flawless pistol round on defense. The open areas on Breeze provided ample opportunities for Gambit to set up crossfires and traps, but their aggressiveness allowed X10 to save their utility for post-plants. Gambit adjusted their strategy by playing defensively in the sites, forcing X10 to use their utility early. Gambit secured a 7-5 lead at halftime.
X10 won the following pistol round, tying the score at 7-7. However, Chronicle’s incredible triple kill in the bonus round preserved Gambit’s lead. Later, d3ffo secured another triple kill on the B site, extending Gambit’s lead to 10-7. Gambit further increased their advantage by utilizing mid control to pinch the A site. Chronicle’s decisive triple kill ultimately secured a 13-7 victory for Gambit, winning the series 2-1.
Gambit becomes the third team from the EMEA region to secure a spot in the semifinals, following Acend and Team Liquid’s victories. If Fnatic defeats LATAM’s KRU, we will have an all-EMEA semifinal, guaranteeing a European champion.
Gambit will face either Fnatic or KRU on Saturday, December 11 at 2pm CT.
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