VCTCN: NOVA makes a scouting mistake, f4ngeer “unlocks” a quad kill, AG sweeps NOVA 2-0

In the first round of the 2026 VCTCN Kickoff winners bracket, AG overcame NOVA 2-0 to move forward, setting up a match against BLG in the winners bracket second round.

Map one: Neon Town

Attackers AG: Skye, Viper, Raze, Phantom, Wraith

Defenders NOVA: Phantom, Raze, Skye, Viper, Wraith

In the first half, AG took the pistol round. In round 3, AG’s defense was too spread out during site protection, allowing NOVA to regroup and win the firefight. AG’s attacking strategy in the first five rounds was clear, using slow information gathering and baiting to deny NOVA chances. NOVA called a timeout in round 6; Green’s roaming defense on B site earned an ACE. However, AG remained unfazed, steadily securing four consecutive rounds, leading 8-4 at halftime.

In the second half, f4ngeer once again demonstrated calm clutch plays, leading the team to win the pistol round. In round 13, NOVA accelerated their attack on A site, quickly taking control and turning the tide. Round 17 was crucial—NOVA eliminated three AG players on A second floor, forcing AG to save weapons, stabilizing NOVA’s economy. NOVA made a mistake in round 19 by failing to clear and reload promptly, allowing AG to execute a flawless team wipe. In the match point round 20, AG played steadily in a 2v2 on A site and ultimately won Neon Town 13-7.

Map two: Deep Sea Pearl

Defenders AG: Kuroyume, Qile, Xinghe, Yelu, Phantom

Attackers NOVA: Neon, Qile, Kuroyume, Taihu, Xinghe

In the second round of the first half, NOVA’s attack leader tricked AG, with Green successfully catching two AG players off guard. NOVA started with a four-round winning streak. In round 5, AG regained rifles; NOVA tried to take A short to avoid AG’s Mingju, but shr1mp and iamgrq defended A short and won. AG then secured three rounds in a row with impressive reload efficiency. In round 9, NOVA used Taihu’s ultimate to push A, where f4ngeer’s Mingju finished the clutch. In round 10, NOVA ended their losing streak by holding B site against AG’s retake. AG’s consistent comeback disrupted NOVA’s attacking rhythm, giving AG a two-round lead at halftime.

In the second half, NOVA won the pistol round. In round 16, NOVA pressed aggressively on A site, disrupting AG’s attacking rhythm and dismantling both A long and A short attacks. In round 17, AG attacked B, with f4ngeer quickly locating and eliminating two opponents; AG’s timeout helped them adjust effectively. In round 18, NOVA made a major error—Qile’s ultimate locked down f4ngeer, but three NOVA players failed to scout, allowing f4ngeer to wait out the control and win the clutch for a quad kill. In round 22, AG’s eco round at B resulted in a comeback and match point, with heybay securing an ACE to tie the score.

In overtime’s third round, AG’s defense read NOVA’s attack perfectly and executed a flawless team wipe. After switching sides, AG attacked A site with a pincer move; in the 2v2 clutch, AG secured the win, taking Deep Sea Pearl 16-14.