South Built Esports (SBE) named the Philippine champions of VCT Challengers (VCT PH) - Stage 1, after defeating NAOS Esports, 3-1, in the best-of-5 grand finals match on Sunday.
SBE made a gallant effort, despite being on the verge of elimination in the group stages and ending up in the lower bracket for a more challenging climb to the title.
Game 1 on the Breeze map saw South Built Esports making a firing salvo with a 9-3 round advantage in the first half. However, NAOS Esports managed to reverse the game and notched a 13-11 win.
SBE bounced back on Game 2 as they stunned NAOS in the first half with a 7-5 round lead. They continued their domination against NAOS and ended the Haven map with a 13-11 tally, making the series tie.
SBE crushed NAOS on Game 3 on the Ascent map with a dominating 13-8 round win to lead the series 2-1, heading to match point.
Carrying their momentum, SBE outplayed NAOS in Game 4, recording a 13-8 round victory in the Icebox map. SBE secured the title by capitalizing on the opponents' crucial mistakes in the final three rounds, including two instances of friendly fire and a stab on a lurking player.
SBE bags USD 10,000 from the total prize pool of USD 30,000, while NAOS settles for second place with a USD 7,500 consolation prize.
SBE's epic run was a delightful one. They were winless in the opening week of the Group Stages but won all but one of their remaining matches to secure a playoff berth with six points.
NAOS then relegated them to the lower bracket, where they defeated Zeal Esports (direct invited), Oasis Gaming, and Action PH.
SBE and NAOS, along with third placer Action PH, are qualified for the VCT APAC Challengers, where they will face 17 other teams from across Asia-Pacific in March 2022.
Watch 2022 Valorant Champions Tour - Stage 1 - Challengers PH - Grand Finals
South Built Esports roster:
- Deko "PapiChulo" Evangelista
- Johnty "JA" Arone
- Azis "azys" Nandang
- Chris "Pro" Martir
- Elmer "micr0" Coloma
- Jan Philip "flippy" Marique
NAOS Esports roster:
- Blas
- blurred
- jEEE
- kvzx
- Kakarot
- backstab
- Z
Image via PPGL
