by In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the VALORANT community, Gen.G Esports emerged as the unexpected champions of the 2024 VCT Pacific Kickoff, dethroning reigning champion Paper Rex with a commanding 3-1 (13-4, 4-13, 13-11, 13-4) victory in the grand finals.
The Korean squad, bolstered by new additions Kim “t3xture” Na-ra, Kim “Lakia” Jong-min, Byeon “Munchkin” Byeong Sang-beom, and rookie sensation Kim “Karon” Won-tae, displayed unparalleled skill and teamwork throughout the tournament.
The Golden Waves are on top of the Pacific!@geng_gold wins the #VCTPacific Kickoff ?? pic.twitter.com/Dh44yblVJ1
— VCT Pacific (@vctpacific) February 25, 2024
Karon, in particular, showcased his prowess as the team’s controller main, earning himself the title of tournament MVP with a stellar performance in the grand finals.
His remarkable 64/43/25 KDA and an average combat score of 214 were instrumental in securing Gen.G’s triumph.
The journey to the top was not without its challenges.
After initially falling short against Paper Rex in the group stage, Gen.G rallied through the play-ins, overcoming formidable opponents like Team Secret and ZETA Division.
In the playoffs, they stunned the competition with a monumental upset over Korean powerhouse DRX, paving their path to the grand final and earning a coveted spot at VCT Masters Madrid.
Throughout the grand finals, Gen.G showcased exceptional strategy and adaptability.
On Ascent, they dominated with precise execution and aggressive play, showcasing t3xture’s sharp aim and Karon’s anchoring skills.
Despite a setback on Split, where Paper Rex demonstrated their prowess, Gen.G bounced back on Lotus with standout performances from t3xture and Munchkin, clinching a hard-fought victory.
The final map, Bind, saw Gen.G’s strategic brilliance shine through as they outmaneuvered Paper Rex with a double controller composition, securing a decisive win and claiming the championship title.
With their triumph, Gen.G not only secured a significant cash prize but also earned three championship points towards qualification for VALORANT Champions.
Both Gen.G and Paper Rex will now represent the VCT Pacific League at the VCT Masters Madrid, solidifying their presence on the global stage.
Gen.G’s unexpected victory over Paper Rex marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 VCT Pacific season, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of VALORANT esports.
As they set their sights on Masters Madrid, all eyes will be on Gen.G to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue their success on the international stage.
