The group stage of VCT Masters Tokyo continues this week, and day three saw a major upset: Chinese VALORANT team Edward Gaming (EDG) eliminated NAVI from the tournament.
The match between EDG and NAVI was closely contested, with both teams showcasing excellent play. However, EDG emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in the lower bracket. This defeat leaves NAVI with an 0-2 record at Masters, making them the second team to be eliminated from the tournament. Despite the loss, NAVI’s veteran players like Shao and SUYGETSU put up a strong fight, keeping the match extremely close until the final round.
Shao was a standout performer for EDG, finishing the match with nearly 60 kills and an impressive +22 KDA across two maps. His exceptional performance on Astra and Brimstone, controller agents not known for fragging, highlights one of NAVI’s main weaknesses throughout the match – their lack of cohesive teamwork.
NAVI’s struggles were evident from the beginning of the match on Pearl, where their composition failed to adapt to the current meta. While EDG opted for the Viper and Harbor composition that has been successful in other regions, NAVI stuck to a standard single-controller composition. Despite Shao’s individual efforts, NAVI lost Pearl in overtime with a score of 17-15.
On Bind, the story continued in a similar fashion. EDG introduced a composition featuring Harbor and Viper, inspired by Korean team T1, while NAVI once again used a composition with agents that debuted in 2021. NAVI had a slow start, but their veteran players managed to send the map into overtime. However, EDG dominated the extra rounds, winning Bind 14-12.
This upset holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the first time a Chinese team invited to an international VCT event has secured a victory. Secondly, it means that NAVI will not only be eliminated from Masters but also have to compete in the EMEA League’s Last-Chance Qualifier. Only the EMEA region has this qualification requirement due to an additional slot earned by FNATIC’s LOCK//IN victory.
Surprisingly, NAVI finished last among the EMEA teams and went 0-2 in the group stage. Each member of the NAVI roster has previously won a VCT trophy on stage, making their underperformance even more unexpected. To succeed in the EMEA LCQ and on the international stage, NAVI will need to adapt their strategies to the current meta, even if it’s uncomfortable.
As for EDG, they will face Korea’s T1 tomorrow, June 14, in another elimination match. The rematch against T1 presents an opportunity for EDG to continue their winning streak.