VCT Masters: Skuba Dances Through Smoke with a Triple Kill, NRG Defeats TL 2-0 to Secure Quarterfinals Spot

During the third round of the Swiss stage at the Valorant Santiago Masters, NRG takes down TL 2-0 to move into the quarterfinals!

Map 1: Breeze

Defending side NRG: Omen, Yoru, Jett, Sova, Viper

Attacking side TL: Sova, Yoru, Neon, Omen, Viper

TL executed aggressive rushes to secure five rounds in the first half, while NRG claimed the bonus round. After a tactical pause in round 7, NRG utilized an Operator to push site A and then caught TL off guard on site B to earn their second round.

NRG adjusted their defensive strategy, aggressively taking early duels to secure first kills and disrupt TL's fast-paced attacks. In round 9, TL successfully entered the site and deployed Viper's poison cloud, but NRG methodically picked them apart to gain a numerical advantage, with Skuba ultimately eliminating Nats within the smoke to win the round.

Wayne delivered outstanding performances in two consecutive rounds, achieving a quad kill and a triple kill to lead his team to victory. The first half ended with TL 7 - 5 NRG.

Moving into the second half, NRG won the pistol round. In round 17, TL executed a successful attack on site A, completing an eco-round comeback.

TL secured three rounds in a row. After NRG called a timeout in round 20, they returned to win the round on site A through precise dueling and swift trade kills.

NRG went on a five-round winning streak, decisively defeating TL. NRG won Breeze 13-11.

Map 2: Fracture

Defending side NRG: Fade, Astra, Omen, Sova, Viper

Attacking side TL: Skye, Yoru, Neon, Harbor, Astra

NRG started by winning the pistol round. TL then won the bonus round and secured three consecutive rounds. In round 6, Mada clutched a 1v1 situation to end the losing streak for his team.

NRG gained momentum, with Mada and Keiko stepping up to win five rounds in a row. In round 11, Wayne won a 1v1 clutch against Skuba, securing a round back.

In round 12, Skuba performed brilliantly on site B, moving through smoke to eliminate three opponents and claim another round. The first half concluded with NRG leading TL 8-4.

In the second half, NRG won the pistol round. TL then attempted a risky play by dropping down, but NRG successfully planted the spike and managed their economy.

In round 15, Ethan made a masterful call, faking a solo push on site B to deceive TL, allowing NRG to easily rotate and take site A.

TL appeared completely overwhelmed, showing no resistance in the second half. NRG continued their dominant streak to close out the map, securing their place in the quarterfinals.