International
VCT Americas Stage Two Playoffs Introduces New Map Abyss
Event Highlights:
- Playoffs Start Date: July 17
- Teams in Focus: KRÜ Esports vs. Cloud9
- New Map: Abyss, notable for its hazardous edges where players can fall and automatically die.
Key Moments:
- First Falls on Abyss:
- Vanity's Fall: During a tense two-on-two situation in round 12, C9’s vanity fell off the edge while preparing to use his Omen blind. Despite attempting to teleport back with Shrouded Step, he was too late, leaving his teammate moose to clutch the round, which he successfully did, leading to a lighthearted moment between the players.
- Moose's Tactical Fall: In a later round, after losing the pistol round, C9’s moose deliberately walked off the edge after collecting an ult orb. This strategic move denied KRÜ’s heat an ace and prevented the opponents from gaining another ult point, showcasing a clever use of the map's mechanics.
Match Outcome:
- First Map Result: Cloud9 lost the first map on Abyss to KRÜ Esports.
- Series Result: Cloud9 eventually lost the series to KRÜ.
Fan Reactions
- Excitement: The debut of Abyss brought thrilling moments and strategic depth, evident from the players' navigation and fans' enthusiastic responses.
- Casters' Comments: The deliberate fall by moose was described as a “tactical drop,” with the crowd reacting wildly to the inventive play.
- Future Appearances: Although Abyss didn’t feature in the subsequent match between Sentinels and 100 Thieves, its introduction has been a hit, and fans are eager to see more of it in the ongoing playoffs and future Champions tournaments.
This addition to the VALORANT map pool has already proven to be both challenging and entertaining, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to the competitive scene.