VCTCN: Advancing further into the "Mountain City," AG eliminated FPX with a score of 2-1.

During the first round of the lower bracket playoffs of the 2025 VCTCN Stage 2, AG eliminated FPX with a score of 2-1, moving AG into the second round of the lower bracket.

Image 1: Sunset City

Defending team FPX: Hunter, Shadow, Swift, Night Dew, Zero

Attacking team AG: Shadow, Viper, Steel Lock, Neon, Hunter

In the first half, AG won the pistol round. In the 3rd round, AG initiated a default start, quickly breaking through the middle and accelerating to B, achieving a perfect team wipe and securing bonus points against FPX. In the following round, Little Fire Dragon also scored an ACE. In the 5th round, AG's push to B was halted by FPX's rapid defense, but autumn managed to win the last fight and secured the first point. Life played as the Phantom Steed and led the team to a four-round winning streak. In the 9th round, AG attempted to capture Life's Phantom Steed but failed, allowing FPX to score again. In the 10th round, AG tried to seize the middle but was blocked by BerLIN. Subsequently, Little Fire Dragon and Hanche carried the bomb to A, with Hanche's Viper using an ultimate to cover the bomb site, and AG's two players outplayed FPX's three defenders. At the end of the first half, FPX led 7-5 against AG.

In the second half, FPX won the pistol round. After winning a bonus point, AG achieved a four-round winning streak while FPX's attack struggled to find its rhythm. After losing the 18th round, FPX opted to pause for adjustments. In the 19th round, FPX's push to B was somewhat rushed, giving AG an opportunity to regain control, and AG countered effectively to maintain their winning streak. In the 20th round, Life's Swift Blade opened up the situation at B, allowing FPX, despite their inferior weapons, to successfully plant the bomb at B. In the 22nd round, FPX committed to an A push, but AG held their ground and won the engagement. In the 23rd round, with match point on the line, FPX's lone player at B was caught off guard, and with little time left, FPX forced their way into B but was delayed by AG, who eliminated them on-site. AG won Sunset City with a score of 13-10.

Image 2: Hidden Workshop

Defending team AG: Viper, Jolly, Shadow, Neon, Hunter

Attacking team FPX: Hunter, Shadow, Neon, Jolly, Viper

In the first half, FPX won the pistol round and achieved a six-round winning streak. After losing the 6th round, AG paused for adjustments, which proved effective. In the 7th round, AG quickly regained control of the garage, with Little Fire Dragon's Phantom Steed holding the bomb site and eliminating all FPX players, securing their first point. However, in the following 8th round, BerLIN's Shadow used an ultimate to shift from C to A, tricking AG's defensive focus, and FPX won again. FPX then scored five consecutive wins, totaling 11 points.

In the second half, AG won the pistol round and closed the gap by two points. In the 15th round, both teams went all-in, with Life taking down two in the middle. After AG lost their main duel and smoke, FPX systematically eliminated them to reach match point. In the 16th round, FPX advanced to gather information and eliminated DeLb's Shadow. Lacking smoke, AG forced a push to C, and after some exchanges, autumn managed to win a one-on-one. FPX won Hidden Workshop with a score of 13-3.

Image 3: Frosty Winter Harbor

Defending team AG: Viper, Jolly, Shadow, Swift, Hunter

Attacking team FPX: Hunter, Shadow, Swift, Jolly, Viper

In the first half, FPX won the pistol round, and AG lost four rifles in the reward round of the 3rd round. In the 4th round, K1ra occupied the yellow box and eliminated two FPX players, but FPX's push to A was countered by AG's defense. AG achieved a five-round winning streak. In the 8th round, yosemite's Viper used an ultimate at A and won the post-plant situation in the poison cloud. In the 9th round, Little Fire Dragon's Phantom Steed secured a double kill at A, and FPX struggled to control the A bomb site, allowing AG to eliminate them one by one and win again. AG finished the first half with a score of 8-4.

In the second half, AG won the pistol round and reached 10 points. In the 15th round, AG took down players at B, but during the counter-clearance, AG was pressured at B main, and they narrowly won the forced entry. FPX chased back two points. In the 17th round, AG executed a surprise attack through the middle, breaking through FPX's central defense, and AG quickly planted and defended at B, winning the round. FPX's economy collapsed, and in the 18th round, AG won at B to reach match point. In the 19th round, during the A point battle, Shr1mp successfully defended the bomb, and AG won Frosty Winter Harbor with a score of 13-6.