XSET Triumphs over FaZe Clan to Secure Spot at Masters Copenhagen
XSET emerged victorious in the lower bracket final against FaZe Clan, securing a top two finish in the NA VCT Stage Two playoffs. This win also grants XSET their first ever international VALORANT event appearance, as they will represent NA at Masters Copenhagen.
In the first map, Split, FaZe Clan gained early momentum with their favorite play in the second round force, consistently testing XSET’s defense with fast executes. Despite impressive performances from dicey and BcJ in the first half, the two teams had a back and forth battle, with XSET taking a 7-5 lead at half-time. FaZe Clan, known for struggling in the second half, came out strong on defense, led by supamen’s impactful rounds. Although XSET put up a good fight, they ultimately fell short with a 13-11 loss on one of their favored maps.
In the second map, Breeze, FaZe Clan took control of the A site repeatedly, although XSET’s rotations through mid prevented FaZe from establishing a significant lead. The first half ended in a 6-6 tie. XSET’s relentless attack, spearheaded by Cryocells’ exceptional Jett performance, allowed them to secure a 12-7 lead. FaZe Clan attempted a comeback, but XSET managed to secure a 13-10 victory and even the series with a series of ultimates in overtime.
On the third map, Icebox, XSET took an early lead by strategically using utility to clear out FaZe defenders and isolate babybay’s Chamber on the opposite side of the map. Cryocells excelled once again on Chamber, guiding XSET to a 9-3 advantage at half-time. Although FaZe Clan started to gain momentum in the second half, winning important rounds, they were only able to bring the score to an 11-11 tie. A deceptive A push allowed FaZe Clan to take a 12-11 lead, but a clever buy from XSET pushed the map into overtime. After two additional overtime periods, XSET secured a 16-14 victory on their chosen map, with their strong control of mid leading to a defensive round win.
Due to a technical issue, the start of the fourth map was delayed for over an hour and a half. Once the match resumed, XSET dominated on defense, particularly with Cryocells’ outstanding Jett play. XSET secured a 9-3 lead in the first half and continued their strong performance into the second half, reaching Masters point with a 12-4 lead. A clutch play by BcJ in a post-plant situation sealed the series for XSET with a dominant 13-4 win on Ascent.
Cryocells delivered an outstanding performance throughout the series, with an average +10 kill/death differential across all maps. However, the entire XSET team played exceptionally well, securing three consecutive map wins to close out the series. XSET’s journey is not yet over, as they have another important match against OpTic for the top seed from NA at Masters Copenhagen. Meanwhile, FaZe Clan will have to focus on the Last Chance Qualifier if they aim to make it to Champions.
XSET, FaZe Clan, NA VCT, VALORANT, Masters Copenhagen, Split, Breeze, Icebox, Ascent, Cryocells, Jett, Champions.