Moin Khot
Jun, 10.2023
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, The Guard, a rising force in the VALORANT North American Challengers scene, has emerged victorious with a resounding 3-0 sweep against Moist Moguls. Their triumph in the playoffs has earned them the coveted final regional spot for the highly anticipated VCT Ascension tournament.
The Guard's path to this momentous victory was far from easy. Having previously fallen to Moist Moguls in Split Two, relegating them to the lower bracket, The Guard faced an uphill battle to secure their redemption. However, on June 9, they executed a remarkable turnaround, exacting their revenge with unwavering resolve.
Displaying exceptional adaptability, The Guard showcased their versatility by making strategic adjustments based on their recent matches against Moist. This paid off handsomely as they stormed ahead, establishing commanding leads on the first two maps. On Ascent, they dominated the first half, amassing a formidable 10-2 advantage. Likewise, on Fracture, they exhibited remarkable control, ending the half with an impressive 9-3 lead. Despite valiant comeback attempts by Moist Moguls on both maps, The Guard maintained their composure, clinging onto their lead and ultimately claiming a well-deserved victory.
One player who shone brightly amidst the fierce competition was Jonah "JonahP" Pulice. Particularly on the map Fracture, JonahP exhibited extraordinary clutch performances, single-handedly turning the tide of consecutive rounds. An unforgettable highlight was his jaw-dropping one-versus-three situation on the B site post-plant. Initially trapped in a corner, JonahP exhibited nerves of steel as he eliminated each member of the retaking Moist squad in a matter of seconds. His sensational play, including a final kill using Breach's ultimate ability, served as a momentum killer for Moist Moguls, while propelling The Guard towards an eventual victory on Fracture.
The series between The Guard and Moist Moguls showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. While Moist Moguls staged near comebacks on the first two maps, The Guard emerged as the stronger force overall. However, it was on the third map, Haven, that The Guard truly demonstrated their prowess. Despite initially trailing by five rounds, they mounted a sensational comeback, equalizing the score before swiftly closing out the match with a decisive 13-8 victory.
This triumph holds immense potential for The Guard's future as an organization. Earlier this year, The Guard faced significant layoffs and uncertain prospects, with reports of their departure from the esports scene. However, their VALORANT team remained unaffected, and with their continued success and upward trajectory, it is difficult to envision The Guard parting ways after the Ascension tournament.
As representatives from NA Challengers, The Guard will now join M80 in São Paulo, Brazil, to compete in the highly anticipated VCT Ascension Americas tournament, scheduled to commence on June 30. Their remarkable journey serves as a testament to their unwavering determination and positions them as formidable contenders on the global VALORANT stage.