VCT: s0m precisely holds position and eliminates four opponents, NRG sweeps GX 2-0

In the opening round of the 2025 Valorant Champions global playoffs, NRG swept GX 2-0 and will meet MIBR in the winners' semifinal.

Map one: Hideout

Defending team GX: Omen, Sova, Reyna, Neon, Brimstone

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

In the first half, NRG took the pistol round; in round 3, GX retook site C using coordinated utility to win the defense. Round 4 saw NRG rush quickly to site C and secure the round; after two GX players inside the site were eliminated, they opted to save their weapons. NRG then went on a three-round winning streak. In round 7, ara’s Cypher held A short for the first kill, but the defense still couldn’t hold. NRG built a huge lead with 11 points in the first half, while GX managed only 1 point.

In the second half, NRG defended site B to win the pistol round. In round 14, match point, s0m used smokes in the garage to sneak behind and held position, defending against four enemies to secure the round. NRG took the map decisively with a 13-1 score over GX.

Map two: Lotus

Defending team GX: Omen, Yoru, Reyna, Raze, Viper

Attacking team NRG: Viper, Viper, Yoru, Omen, Raze

In the first half, GX won the pistol round; after NRG took the bonus round, they went on a three-round streak. In round 6, GX held firm at A main and successfully defended site C. Round 7 saw NRG speed up towards site A, GX’s defense inside the site was eliminated, leaving three GX players to save their weapons. NRG went on a six-round winning streak, finishing the first half with 9 points. GX called two timeouts for adjustments but still only managed 3 points in the half.

In the second half, GX won the pistol round. In round 14, NRG executed a five-player standard swarm tactic with smokes, wiping GX and turning the game around. NRG then won three consecutive rounds to reach match point. In round 17, Grubinho secured four kills at site C, helping the team recover two match points. In round 19, NRG coordinated utility to defend site A, eliminating GX in one push and closing the map 13-6.