100 Thieves vs TSM

Historical background: the first Riot tournament

First Strike North America, held in December 2020, was a landmark event in the world of esports and, in particular, in the Valorant scene. It was the first official tournament from Riot Games, and it attracted a huge number of teams and viewers, highlighting the growing popularity of the game. Hundreds of teams went through tough qualification stages to get a chance to play in the main bracket of the tournament. The competition was incredible, and only the best of the best were able to make it to the final stage. The tournament featured both well-known teams and young teams who were looking to make a name for themselves on a major stage.

Two teams made it to the finals, each with their own strengths and unique playstyle. TSM, considered the top 1 team in North America, was represented by such stars as Wardell, Subroza, and drone. These players have proven themselves to be outstanding talents with a high level of individual skill and tactical thinking. They had a variety of strategies in their arsenal, which they successfully applied throughout the tournament. On the other hand, 100 Thieves, a team that had only been assembled for a few weeks before the tournament, was a revelation. Led by the experienced player Hiko, they brought in fresh blood with young talents like Asuna and dicey. These players showed an incredible level of play, which allowed the team to go through difficult stages of the tournament and reach the final.

The final game was tense and exciting. Both teams showed their highest level of play, using their unique strategies and skills. TSM relied on their synergy and experience, while 100 Thieves brought dynamism and creativity to the game. Each round was filled with tension, and the audience held their breath, watching every move of the players. A significant moment in the final was how both teams adapted to the strategy of the opponent. For example, TSM used powerful attacks to try to overpower their opponents, while 100 Thieves used tactical maneuvers to outsmart their opponents. Every player was at their best, and it made for a truly unforgettable finale.

After several tense rounds, one team eventually emerged victorious, but regardless of the outcome, this tournament was a milestone for Valorant and esports in general. It showed how quickly the scene is evolving and how many talented players are ready to fight for their dreams. First Strike North America not only became a platform for new talent, but also attracted the attention of viewers around the world. The emotion, drama, and tension that reigned at the tournament left an unforgettable mark on the fans. This tournament became a starting point for future competitions and inspired many players to achieve further achievements in Valorant. Thus, First Strike North America became not just a tournament, but a real celebration of eSports, which showed that Valorant has great potential and a future in the world of eSports. New tournaments, new teams and, of course, new legends who will continue to write the history of this exciting game are ahead.

First Strike NA Finals – a game without room for error

The first match on Bind started with an aggressive playstyle from 100 Thieves. Asuna on Reyna was the star, taking control of the B site. His ability to engage first and win entry frags created a lot of pressure on TSM. Every time Asuna appeared on the map, TSM players quickly lost their players, who were unable to adapt to his maneuvers. Hiko on Sova showed incredible tactical thinking. Not only did he provide important information to the team, but he also used drones to reveal enemy positions. In the decisive round, he performed a 1v3 clutch, which finally broke TSM’s morale. The team seemed unprepared for such an onslaught, and as a result, 100 Thieves won comfortably 13:7.

On the second map, TSM finally got to show their strength. Wardell picked up an AWP and began dominating the mid lane, picking off opponents one by one. His precise shots and aggressive playstyle gave his team confidence. Subroza, playing Breach, was actively creating chaos, which allowed TSM to control the situation on the map. However, 100 Thieves were not going to go down without a fight.

Steel, as the captain, competently built up his defense and quickly reacted to the enemy’s actions. Important clutches from Hiko on A boosted the team’s confidence, and they were able to squeeze out the end of the match, winning with a score of 13:11. It was a tense match, where both teams showed their best qualities. The decisive map Split was a real test for both teams. Drone started the match with a great game, providing his team with entry frags and creating space for his teammates. However, Asuna and dicey on Raze and Jett were ready to counter his efforts. Their coordinated play allowed 100 Thieves to stay afloat despite the pressure from TSM. Each round was intense, with both teams fighting until the very end. In the final round, 100 Thieves made a quick run to the B site, and Asuna scored a triple kill to seal the victory.

The final score was 3-0 in favor of 100 Thieves, making them the First Strike NA Champions. This tournament was a major milestone in the development of Valorant as an esport, and 100 Thieves showed that they are capable of taking on any opponent. Their victory was the result of not only individual skill, but also excellent teamwork, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The First Strike NA Finals will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments in Valorant history. The teams showed their highest level of play, and their performance inspired many players around the world. This was not just a tournament, but a moment when Valorant demonstrated its ability to attract attention and create legends.

Legacy: Birth of a Legend

100 Thieves’ victory at First Strike North America was not only a triumph for the team, but also one of the most unexpected upsets in the history of Valorant in 2020. Assembled just a few weeks before the tournament, the team was initially perceived as an experiment, which was filled with hopes, but also with many questions. The 100 Thieves team consisted of players with a variety of experience, including veterans like Hiko, who previously played in CS:GO. His leadership skills and strategic thinking were fundamental to the team’s success. Young talents like Asuna and dicey added freshness and energy, allowing 100 Thieves to create a unique balance between experience and youth. The first tournament in which the team competed with such a roster became a real test of their cohesion and tactical interaction. Many thought that 100 Thieves would be unable to handle the pressure and experienced opponents like TSM, who were considered the favorites at the time. However, the team showed an incredible ability to adapt to different situations and learn quickly on the fly.

On their way to the finals, 100 Thieves faced strong opponents, but their confidence grew with each win. They started with a solid performance in the qualifiers, beating teams that were previously considered strong competitors. Each round of the tournament added confidence, and the tactics developed by Steel allowed the team to find weaknesses in their opponents and exploit them to their advantage. The finals against TSM was the culmination of their efforts. In this match, the team showed not only individual skill, but also excellent teamwork. Every move of the players was coordinated and well thought out, which allowed 100 Thieves to dominate on all maps. 100 Thieves’ victory had a significant impact on the Valorant esports scene. It showed that teams made up of players with different backgrounds can achieve greatness when they work together and play to their strengths. It inspired other organizations to rethink their approaches to team building and scout out new talent.