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The first stage of the VCT LOCK//IN 2023 nears its conclusion as the 16-team Alpha Group bracket has been narrowed down to just four final teams. These four promising contenders will engage in their final Group Stage matchup on February 19, 2023, to earn two of the four available Playoffs slots.
On the final day of the VCT LOCK//IN Alpha stage, one of Korea's leading rosters, DRX, will take on Thailand's sole representatives, Talon Esports, in a decisive best-of-three matchup. The winner of this match will qualify for the LOCK//IN Playoffs, while the losing team will be sent home after their defeat.
DRX vs Talon: Who will win this semi-final matchup of VCT LOCK//IN Alpha Group?
Predictions
DRX and Talon Esports are two among the 10 franchised teams that will compete in the VCT Pacific League, with DRX representing Korea and Talon representing Thailand. Both teams have notable players in their teams and have proven rosters from previous seasons of VCT.
The Korean powerhouse, DRX, is one of only three franchised teams to retain their five main players heading into the 2023 season. The organization's roster has been competing together in VCT since 2021, with players like stax, Rb, BuZz, Zest, and MaKo reigning over Valorant in Korea for almost two years.
In addition to their playing-five, DRX also has the 18-year-old prodigy, Foxy9, who's available to aid the team whenever required. Clearly, DRX has an abundance of individual talent. However, what makes the team special is their meticulous strategizing and cohesive team chemistry.
Similar to DRX, Talon Esports has a roster with past experience in several VCT events as well, with Crws, foxz, and sushiboys forming its core. These three players represented XERXIA and X10 Crit in previous seasons of VCT, and were reputed to be Thailand's top talent.
The remaining spots on Talon Esports are filled by talented Thai players such as garnetS, JitboyS, and Thailand's very own, Patiphan, who retired from professional Overwatch to compete in Valorant once again. Patiphan, however, hasn't traveled with the team to Brazil due to a wrist injury.
Heading into this Alpha stage semi-finals matchup, DRX is the clear favorite. DRX was one of the strongest Asian teams entering the tournament. After defeating teams such as BBL and Cloud9 on their way to this matchup, DRX has proven that they can take even the best teams head-on and emerge victorious.
Talon Esports is a promising team as well, with flawless victories over MIBR and Evil Geniuses giving them the momentum to continue in this single-elimination bracket. Unfortunately, Talon's journey is potentially nearing its conclusion with DRX in their way. Viewers can expect DRX to win this best-of-three matchup and advance to the LOCK//IN playoffs.
Head-to-head
The current rosters of DRX and Talon Esports have played against each other only once before. This matchup was during the GES Asia Cup in November 2022, when both teams faced off in the Grand Finals of the event. DRX emerged as the winner in this best-of-five encounter with a score of 3-0.
Recent results
DRX defeated BBL Esports (2-1) and Cloud9 (2-1) in their first two matches of the Alpha group to advance to the semi-finals of the Group Stage. Before that, they played in the ONE Pro Invitational, where they defeated some of Japan's best teams like ZETA DIVISION and DetonatioN FocusMe.
Talon Esports has witnessed flawless victories over MIBR (2-0) and Evil Geniuses (2-0) in the VCT LOCK//IN Alpha stage so far. The roster's first tournament as a new team was GES Asia, where Talon defeated ZETA DIVISION and lost to DRX.
Potential lineups
DRX
- Kim "stax" Gu-taek (IGL)
- Goo "Rb" Sang-Min
- Kim "Zest" Ki-seok
- Yu "BuZz" Byung-chul
- Kim "MaKo" Myeong-gwan
- Seon-ho "termi" Pyeon (Coach)
Talon Esports
- Thanamethk "Crws" Mahatthananuyut
- Panyawat "Sushiboys" Subsiriroj
- Itthirit "foxz" Ngamsaard
- Apiwat "GarnetS" Apiraksukumal
- Apiwat "garnetS" Apiraksukumal
- Yuttanagorn "Zeus" Kaewkongyai (Head Coach)
Where to watch
Fans of Valorant can tune into Valorant's official YouTube and Twitch handles to watch this VCT LOCK//IN matchup. DRX will take on Talon Esports on February 19, 2023 at 12:00 pm PST/9:00 pm CET/1:30 am IST (next day).
