DRX locks up the number one seed heading into the Pacific League playoffs following their 2 – 0 win over T1.
The League Play portion of VCT Pacific may be drawing to close here in week eight, but not before it gives one more huge matchup in the form of T1 vs DRX. Keep your eyes peeled on this page as we bring you all of the action from this monster matchup.
Team 1 | Team 2 | Map 1 | Map 2 | Map 3 | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T1 | DRX | DRX 13 - 10 (Bind) | DRX 13 - 9 (Pearl) | N/A (Ascent) | DRX (2 - 0) |
T1 look to put more pressure onto DRX
Week 8 has already delivered some incredible results in VCT Pacific, with DRX's shock defeat at the hands of Team Secret standing supreme. While DRX have long since secured their spot in the Playoffs, the manner of their loss has left many wondering if we are starting to see the same old pattern that has befallen this DRX roster time and time again.
They are coming up against a tough opponent in T1 who will certainly put them to the test. And while it is likely that DRX will be able to come out on top of this match, you have to wonder how much their loss to Team Secret will affect them.
T1 come into this match having already secured their spot in the playoffs. Their win over Zeta Division earlier in the Super Week has shown just how resilient this roster can be. But things didn't go so well for T1 the last time the faced Korean opposition, losing 2-0 against Gen.G back in week four.
Yet while both sides won't be feeling much in the way of pressure, given that they are both through to Playoffs, T1 find themselves coming up against the league's number one squad at the right time. And a win here would certainly bolster T1's confidence heading into Playoffs.
T1 VALORANT Roster:
- Byeon "Munchkin" Sang-beom (IGL)
- Lee "Carpe" Jae-hyeok
- Son "Xeta" Seon-ho
- Ha "Sayaplayer" Jeong-woo
- Joseph "Ban" Seungmin-ho
- Kang "iNTRO" Seung-gyun
DRX VALORANT Roster:
- Kim "stax" Gu-taek (IGL)
- Goo "Rb" Sang-min
- Kim "Zest" Ki-seok
- Yu "BuZz" Byung-chul
- Kim "MaKo" Myeong-gwan
- Jung "Foxy9" Jae-sung
Stax leads by example for DRX on Bind
The match begins with a trip to Bind curtesy of T1. Foxy9 starts for DRX for this map in place of Zest and the league leaders opt to use a double duellist composition. Whereas T1 goes for a double initiator setup with Carpe on Gekko and Munchkin on Skye.
DRX take the first four rounds of Bind to begin their attack half. Prompting a very early timeout from the side of T1. But the lead continues to build for DRX, with their economy flourishing to no end. T1 do manage to get their first round on the board thanks to a ridiculous 1v2 clutch from Carpe, but still find themselves staring down Mount Everest. With the duo of MaKo and RB proving to be a nuisance for them. T1 are able to get a couple more rounds on the board following a series of lengthy tech pauses. But it only serves to reduce the deficit as DRX takes a 9 - 3 lead into the second half.
DRX get the second pistol round to hit the double-digit mark at 11 - 3 on Bind. Forcing T1 to use their second timeout of the map as things continue to get out of hand for them. T1 are able to string together five rounds in a row to cut into the lead. Which prompts DRX to use their second timeout of the match. An Ace from DRX IGL Stax puts his side on map point, but T1 continue to cling on in this game at 12 - 9. They are able to reach the double digit mark but that is all they are able to muster. And with one final multi-kill from Stax, DRX are able to close out Bind 13 - 10 to take a 1 - 0 lead in the series.
DRX secure Pearl despite the efforts of Sayaplayer
After coming out on top on Bind DRX bring us to Pearl for Map 2 of the series. Both teams opt to go for the tried and true double-controller agent composition. DRX snatches the first pistol round away from T1 following a ninja defuse. And they are able to take their anti-eco before T1 answers back with a round win of their own. The teams trade blows in the first couple of rifle rounds, with DRX holding the narrow lead at 3 - 2.
The lead begins to grow for DRX following their first timeout of the map, but T1 continues to be a lingering presence. With T1's Sayaplayer being a constant nuisance for DRX with 11 kills and 4 deaths after 9 rounds. But his individual performances are not enough to trouble DRX who proceed to dance around their Korean rivals. With their efforts rewarding them with a 9 - 3 lead after the first half.
RB gets a 3k to give DRX the second pistol round as they hit the 10 point mark as the task becomes that much more daunting for their opponents. T1 are able to string three rounds in their favour, with a little assistance from Munchkin's turret. And this late flurry is enough to force DRX to call their second timeout of the map. The round streak continues for T1 as they draw nearer to DRX's lead. But DRX finally manages to disrupt this newfound momentum to put themselves on match point at 12 - 8.
T1 get their ninth round on the board as they try to mount one last push for Overtime. But despite their best efforts they are unable to halt their opponents progress any longer. Leaving DRX to take Pearl 13 - 9, the series 2 -0 and secure their position as the Number One seed heading into Playoffs.
How to watch T1 vs DRX VCT Pacific:
It is a new era for the VALORANT Champions Tour as we get set for the first season of Franchising. The VCT season will see 30 teams split into three region-based leagues of 10 teams, competing for the chance to secure a spot at both Masters Tokyo in June and Champions 2023 in August. Fans who wish to watch the T1 vs DRX match in the 2023 Pacific League may do so by heading to the VCT Pacific Twitch and Youtube Channels.
You can stay up to date with all of the action in the Pacific League by heading to our VALORANT Pacific hub.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and VALORANT coverage throughout the VCT 2023 Season.