North America and LATAM Fall Short in Groups
North America’s TSM and LATAM’s RETA Esports have fallen short in Mexico, failing to qualify for the Playoff stage at this year’s VCL Americas Ascension. Coming into the event, it’s safe to say that North America’s #2 seed and LATAM’s #1 had higher expectations to make it into the playoffs at minimum. But, in the end, both teams will have to say goodbye to their chances at the VCT Americas league.
For TSM, being from North America presents a number of advantages from historically stronger competition to better and more consistent scrim partners by being in close proximity to VCT Americas. Despite the surprise of the team making it to the event, the expectations remained high for NA’s #2 seed. However, the team struggled on multiple fronts in ways that were heartbreaking for TSM fans. The team wasn’t able to string a series of rounds together even in advantageous situations. Poor team play and inability to close out rounds led to their exit as the team with the lowest win/loss ratio, despite high hopes following the team’s Cinderella run to make the Ascension tournament.
All eyes were on RETA Esports coming into Ascension as their unbelievable season record leading up to the tournament labeled them as a highly dominant team entering the event. Three of their maps played at the event were losses of at least 4-13 or worse. Their losses can be attributed to inconsistent performances from the team and a monumental struggle with their game plan on Bind. Those heavy losses would bite them in the future leading to their unfortunate end in Ascension by missing out in playoffs by 16 rounds.
Regardless of their end, both TSM and RETA Esports proved to be formidable opponents in their own right throughout their season. With TSM proving that they should never be counted out, and RETA closing out their regionals with an out-of-this-world, dominant season record. Fans should feel hopeful and excited for both contenders’ futures in the Valorant scene.
Stay tuned for the VCL Americas Ascension Playoffs preview.
About The Writer
Hello all! My name’s Dante, otherwise known as “Dayeus.” I’m a young, aspiring journalist/content creator with a love for gaming and competition. I’ve been following Valorant’s esports scene since the game’s inception and hope to one day grow my knowledge and ability to inform to not just mine but yours, the reader’s, expectations. Please understand that my writing is a work in progress and I’ll keep looking to improve it. Thanks for reading!
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