Overtime win on the decider map led Fnatic to prevail over LOUD in VCT LOCK//IN
Fnatic’s win is written down in the history books as their journey in VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paulo comes out as Champions. Two years after Fnatic’s loss after reaching the final stage at Reykjavik Masters 2021, Fnatic finally lifted the international Valorant trophy. The match was between the Brazilian side LOUD and the EMEA side Fnatic. The home crowd hyped the event as they started to pull off a comeback following Fnatic’s lead, but a strong play in the Decider map helped Fnatic finally secure their dream. Fnatic remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, and their dedication and teamplay told everything. Leo performed exceptionally and led his team to the glory of VCT LOCK//IN.
VCT LOCK//IN: The Grand Final
It was a Grand Final to remember as Valorant fans witnessed something they will never forget. Fnatic took an early lead in the Best of 5 series with 2-0, but LOUD made a tremendous comeback securing two back-to-back wins on the maps. The third map went into total control of LOUD, but Fnatic managed to keep all odds aside and clinched the VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paulo title. Jake Howlett, better known by his in-game name Boaster, finally got what he sought. After losing the Reykjavik Masters 2021 against Sentinels, he was looking for an international Valorant trophy, and it was fulfilled.
The Ascent map showdown
It was the moment when Fnatic began its take on LOUD. The team managed to stop LOUD’s aspas, who was brilliant against DRX in the Semi-final. The LOUD’s duelist only registered 8 kills, while Leo of Fnatic gave a stunning performance with Sova. The first half settled for a score of 4-8, LOUD’s saadhak, Less, and cauanzin finding ways to bring the team back on track. However, Fnatic’s Leo was exceptional, and support from IGL Boaster led Fnatic to secure the win by 8-13.
Fnatic’s Great defense on the Fracture map
Fnatic again began with two clear round wins, but soon after, the momentum shifted towards LOUD. Both the teams had a good start making it 6-6 in the first half. But Fnatic ensured that things were different as the team went on for a stronghold. Again, Leo made a point of difference, with Fade registering a total of 23 kills in the match. With Derke and Chronicle’s support, Fnatic scored 1-7 in the second half and won the game by 7-13.
Less and aspas show halts Fnatic map-win streak
In this tournament, Fnatic maintained a record of not dropping any map, but LOUD broke their streak. With aspas on duelist Jett and Less with Viper turned the game towards LOUD’s favor. Both accumulated 43 kills and led LOUD to make a comeback by 13-9 on Split map to make the series 1-2.
LOUD back on track with Lotus win
Fnatic made 3 straight-round wins and looked confident enough, but LOUD responded well. LOUD players went for six straight round wins, making it a 7-5 lead, and later Less and saadhak did the rest of the part in defense and made it a 13-8 victory.
Fnatic’s greatest comeback
It was a do-or-die moment for the teams as they closed their gaps on the title. LOUD produced a great attack making it 9-3 in the first half. With Jett, aspas was brilliant for LOUD, and there was no doubt from Less, who played Viper. After being down by 11-3, Fnatic made a remarkable comeback that is very rarely seen. The team went on straight 9-round wins, with Derke being exceptionally well with Jett and Alfajer with Killjoy coming into his support. The game was forced to overtime, and finally, the overtime went for Fnatic as they made it a 12-14 win.
Conclusion
LOUD’s chance of achieving back-to-back titles failed following Fnatic’s epic comeback from a heavy defeat. The series settled for a 2-3 score, and Leo’s 89 kills helped Fnatic achieve their first International Valorant trophy. The Grand Final of VCT LOCK//IN also registered the second-highest viewership in Valorant esports.
