EDG outlast XLG in five-map thriller to win VCT CN Stage 1, Smoggy takes FMVP
“VCT CN, your kings are back!”
CHINA – EDward Gaming have claimed the VCT CN Stage 1 trophy after defeating Xi Lai Gaming 3-2 in a tense grand final at Shougang Ice Hockey Arena in Beijing on May 10, ending a 470-day wait for a stage title in the CN league.
Zhang "Smoggy" Zhao was named Finals MVP for his performances across the series with a 1.41 VLR 2.0 rating and +29, while Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang, who had claimed the Regular Season MVP award earlier in the stage, delivered the line of the night in the post-match interview: "VCT CN, your kings are back!"
Another detail that made the grand finals stand out was the trophy presentation itself. Before EDward Gaming lifted the VCT CN Stage 1 trophy, it was brought onto the stage by someone wearing an Aston Martin racing suit, marking an unusual but eye-catching crossover between VALORANT esports and one of the most prestigious automotive brands currently competing in Formula 1.
Eight teams competed in the Stage 1 playoffs after qualifying through the regular season and seeding phase. XLG, AG, EDG, JDG, TYL, DRG, TE, and TEC entered as seeds one through eight respectively. The first five days of competition narrowed the field to four: EDG, XLG, DRG, and AG, with EDG and XLG both securing their Masters London spots through the upper bracket before the grand final was even set.
EDG were the dominant force in the upper bracket. Riding strong momentum, they dispatched an unbeaten XLG 2-0 in the upper bracket final on May 8 to advance directly to the best-of-five grand finals. On the same day, DRG edged AG 2-1 in the lower bracket semifinal to grab the third and final London qualification spot.
XLG, falling into the lower bracket after their upper bracket final defeat, regrouped and beat DRG 3-1 on May 9 to force a rematch with EDG in the decider.
EDG entered the series with a two-map ban advantage as the upper bracket finalist, a factor that would prove meaningful as the series wore on.
XLG made their intentions clear immediately on Map 1, Fracture. They won the pistol round and built a commanding 9-3 lead at the half, giving EDG no foothold to work with. The second half offered no reprieve, and XLG closed out a dominant 13-6 victory to take the early series lead.
EDG steadied themselves on Map 2, Sunset, going up 8-4 at the half through tight coordinated play. XLG showed the resilience that had defined their tournament run in the second half, fighting back to overtake the score and reach match point. EDG held their nerve and won 15-13 in overtime to level the series at 1-1, a swing that visibly changed the energy inside the arena.
The momentum shift proved decisive. On Map 3, Breeze, EDG carried the energy from overtime into a dominant showing. Pistol round won, 9-3 at the half, 13-5 at the final whistle. The defending world champions were back in control and stood one map away from the title.
XLG refused to fold on Map 4, Haven. The two sides traded rounds in a dead-even first half that ended 6-6, and XLG pressed hard in the second to win 13-9, forcing a fifth map and leveling the series at 2-2. The crowd at Shougang knew they were getting what they had come for.
On Map 5, Pearl, EDG were the sharper side when it mattered most. They built an 8-4 lead at the half and never surrendered their grip in the second, keeping XLG off the board consistently and closing out the map 13-4 to win the series 3-2 and reclaim the stage championship.
EDG, XLG, and DRG have now all locked in their places at Masters London, heading to the UK as the CN region's first, second, and third seeds respectively. The event runs June 6-21 and will bring together 12 teams from Pacific, Americas, EMEA, and CN, competing for championship points and Champions qualification to Shanghai.
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