Game Changers Championship Day 1 Recap

The Game Changers Championship began today with two first round matchups, as we saw the return of international veterans and LAN debuts.

G2 Gozen v Team Liquid Brazil (G2 2–0)

Action at the Game Changers 2023 Championship kicked off today as Team Liquid Brazil challenged the reigning world champions, G2 Gozen from EMEA. With roster changes throughout the season on both sides, fans were anxious to see how the teams would stack up against each other considering G2 Gozen’s 2–0 win at last year’s championship. In the end, G2 Gozen matched their win last year with another 2–0 win over TL.

The opening map was played on Sunset as G2’s pick, a chance for the audience to see some professional play on the new map. Though G2 ended the first half trailing 5–7, they confidently won six straight rounds to start their attacking half. Team Liquid recovered quickly, bringing the game to 12–12. In overtime, G2 finally closed out the map 14–12. Though falling on Sunset, the map was a strong showing from Team Liquid, complete with a standout performance from TL duelist bstrdd (KDA 26/18/4).

On Lotus, the first half was extremely competitive, ending at 6–6. However, G2 Gozen went on a tear after halftime once again, winning five straight rounds on defense and putting Team Liquid Brazil under pressure at 11–6. TL managed to eke out one more round before an ace by G2 IGL mimi closed out the map 13–7. A strong showing by G2’s new addition, sarah (KDA 33/27/12), and cohesive gameplay throughout the series has put any doubts about their continued competence to rest.

G2 Gozen advances to play Team SMG GC tomorrow, November 29th, at 6 PM EST.

Team Liquid Brazil will face Evil Geniuses GC in the lower bracket on November 30th at 12 PM EST.

Team SMG v Evil Geniuses GC (SMG 2–0)

Next up was the APAC powerhouse, Team SMG, against North American dark horse, Evil Geniuses GC. Both teams have had exceptional results this season, as SMG qualified for São Paulo with a spotless record this year and Evil Geniuses overtook NA titans Version1 in the NA Series 3 Grand Finals to book their championship ticket last-minute. Ultimately, SMG proved their dominance in their global stage debut with a convincing 2–0 win.

On SMG’s pick, Lotus, SMG overwhelmed EG with a surprising and unorthodox quadruple-duelist composition, taking the victory 13–3. Although accompanied by a Phoenix, Reyna, Neon, and Raze, APAC star enerii on Cypher took the MVP solidly with a 21/6/7 KDA.

EG looked to regain their footing on their map pick, Haven, but lost out on the first five rounds as SMG kept their momentum from Map 1 rolling. EG recovered quickly, winning the next five with some sharp gameplay by veteran player Lorri on Sova. Down 5–7 at the half, EG claimed the pistol and bonus on their defensive half, SMG came back immediately to close out the map assertively, 13–7.

Team SMG GC advances to play G2 Gozen tomorrow, while Evil Geniuses GC will play their next match on November 30th against Team Liquid Brazil.

Bottom Line

The other four teams will also be in action tomorrow, as East Asia’s Chao Hui EDward Gaming will face North America’s Shopify Rebellion at 6 AM EST, and EMEA’s BBL Queens will face off against Latin America’s KRÜ BLAZE at 9 AM EST.