Optic Gaming has won the first Valorant Masters of the year. Team USA secured the title by defeating Loud’s Brazilians 3-0 in the final.
“It feels good. The win means a lot to us,” Optic pro Victor “Victor” Wong said happily on the tournament broadcast.
In the end it was not an easy victory: the final result of 3-0 according to Maps (13:9; 14:12; 15:13) seems clearer than the match. Two maps, Bind in the second game and Breeze in the third, were only decided in extra time.
Optic Gaming: From Valorant Newcomer to Masters Winner
For the esports organization, it’s the preliminary highlight since it entered the Valorant scene in early February. At that point, one day before the start of the North American Challenger, Optic had committed the roster that had started for Team Envy up to that point. The deal was not a surprise hit, but rather a partnership between the two organizations, which was decided at the end of 2021.
In sporting terms, the title is less surprising. The team was already active internationally. Starting as Team Envy, the pros took second place at the Masters Berlin in September. A defeat that, according to Victor, motivated the team: “At the Berlin Masters we were on the losing side. We know how you feel. That’s what got us here.”
VCT Masters: no fans on site, but on broadcast
As with the first Masters a year ago, also played in Reykjavik, no spectators were allowed at the Icelandic location at the start of this year. Instead, fans around the world were able to watch the final through a live stream.
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