VCT LOCK//IN Day 4 highlights: NRG Esports and LOUD make it to the semifinals

VCT LOCK//IN started on February 13, 2023, in São Paulo. The 32 participating teams from the Americas, EMEA, Pacific Leagues, and China have been divided into two groups, Alpha and Omega, each consisting of 16 teams. The first round of the Alpha Bracket matches was played over the first three days of the tournament, and eight teams qualified for the quarterfinals.

February 16 was Day 4 of the tournament and the first day of the Alpha Bracket quarterfinals. There were two matches on Day 4: the first between NRG Esports (NA) and Giants Gaming (EMEA), and the second between LOUD (BR) and Karmine Corps (EMEA).

The single elimination format of VCT LOCK//IN means each match could potentially be the last one for the teams that are participating. This makes all matches extremely high stakes with very little scope for error.

NRG and LOUD emerged victorious on Day 4, confirming their semifinal spots. Giants Gaming and Karmine Corps have been eliminated from the tournament. Here are the highlights from Day 4 of VCT 2023 LOCK//IN.

VCT 2023 LOCK//IN: Day 4 match results and highlights

Top highlights from Day 4 of VCT LOCK//IN

1) rhyme's 1v1 clutch against ardiis

In round 10 of the first map, Giants' rhyme used the Omen ultimate to rotate quickly to the A-Site from B-Site and get the plant off. He then skilfully weaved through his own smoke to win the clutch against ardiis, ending the round on three kills.

2) Fit1nho's impressive performance on Raze helps Giants Gaming take the first map

Fit1nho dominated Lotus in the first matchup of the day. He ended map one with stats to the tune of 35/16/8, going +19 in kills-to-deaths. Giants' win in the first map can be largely credited to his polarizing performance, without which the outcome could have been quite different.

3) Victor's super-smart clutch as Killjoy

NRG Victor played the end of round 12 perfectly. He first made sure to use up all his Killjoy utility before revealing his position. After jiggle-peaking for a couple of seconds, his decision to kill the Spike defuser instead of the other defender won them the round as it didn't leave them with enough time to defuse the Spike.

4) Nivera gets the perfect timing to prevent the Spike defuse

With only a fraction of a second left, Nivera from Karmine Corp shot down Less while defusing the Spike inside Harbor Cove, buying his team a lifeline against LOUD.

5) LOUD lock Karmine Corp out of plant-site to win their tenth round

In absolutely dominant fashion reflective of LOUD's performance against KC, LOUD won round 18 by denying the attackers entry into either site of Split, dealing with them in the middle of the map. This gave LOUD a score of 10, and they went on to win the map and the series flawlessly thereafter.

Upcoming matchups

You can catch the matches live on the official Twitch and YouTube channels of Valorant as well as a watch party of your favorite streamer.

About the author

Abhipsito is an Esports and Gaming Journalist at Sportskeeda. A self-identified pop culture enthusiast, he spends his time thinking, reading, doing theatre, watching films, or trying to wiggle his way out of Valorant elo-hell.

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