Bang from 100 Thieves: “I don’t feel pressure when I’m the last player standing”
At the VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai tournament on June 3rd, the 100 Thieves team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the formidable Paper Rex squad, propelling them forward to the prestigious semifinals. A pivotal moment in the nail-biting match came on the Icebox map, where 100 Thieves player bang found himself in a intense 1v2 clutch situation. With the score tied and the pressure mounting, bang displayed incredible poise and mechanical skill, systematically picking off the remaining Paper Rex players one-by-one to secure the round for his team. This clutch play was a major talking point in the post-match press conference, as bang reflected on the experience.
“When I’m left as the last player standing, I actually don’t feel a lot of pressure,” bang told reporters. “I just try to stay calm and focused, and rely on my training and game sense to make the right plays. In that 1v2 situation on Icebox, I knew I couldn’t afford any mistakes, so I took things slowly and waited for my openings.” Bang’s ability to thrive under intense pressure was a key factor in 100 Thieves’ overall victory, as they navigated a tough series against a formidable opponent. The team’s resilience and individual standout performances propelled them forward to the semifinal stage, setting the stage for an even greater challenge ahead.
Table of Contents
100 Thieves Survive Overtime Thriller Against Paper Rex, Advance to VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai Semifinals
The lower bracket matchup between regional powerhouses 100 Thieves and Paper Rex was a high-stakes affair, with the loser facing elimination from the prestigious VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai tournament. Both teams had fought hard to reach this point, and the decisive map was the tense, tactical Icebox – the stage was set for a true clash of the titans. From the opening moments, it was clear this would be a fiercely contested battle. 100 Thieves and Paper Rex traded rounds, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage. The tension in the arena was palpable as the match went to overtime, with the teams deadlocked at 12-12. In the 25th round on Icebox, the Paper Rex squad managed to plant the spike at point A, putting immense pressure on the 100 Thieves defenders. Thanks to a clutch triple kill from their star player something, PRX found themselves in a favorable 2v1 situation, just moments away from securing the round and the series. However, the last 100 Thieves player standing, their veteran in-game leader bang, refused to go down without a fight. Displaying nerves of steel, bang first eliminated the dangerous something, shutting down the main threat. He then turned his full attention to d4v41, the remaining PRX player guarding the planted spike. With the clock ticking down and the crowd roaring, bang meticulously maneuvered, anticipating d4v41’s positioning and timings. In the nick of time, he landed the decisive shots, defusing the planted spike and completing an incredible 1v2 clutch play that saved his team from the brink of defeat.
The ability of bang to keep his composure and make the necessary plays under such immense pressure was a pivotal moment in the match. This heroic clutch allowed 100 Thieves to narrowly avoid elimination and keep their tournament dreams alive, setting off wild celebrations among their passionate fans in attendance. In the post-match press conference, an exhilarated bang reflected on the clutch, stating: “When I’m left as the last player standing, I actually don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just try to stay calm and focused, and rely on my training and game sense to make the right plays. In that 1v2 situation on Icebox, I knew I couldn’t afford any mistakes, so I took things slowly and waited for my openings.” Bang’s words captured the essence of what makes him such a respected and reliable player – his ability to thrive under the most intense circumstances. This clutch was a testament to his skill, experience, and mental fortitude, qualities that have been instrumental in 100 Thieves’ success throughout the VCT 2024 season. With the momentum of this hard-fought victory, 100 Thieves now set their sights on the semifinals, where they will face an even greater challenge. However, if bang and his teammates can continue to perform at this level, there’s no doubt they have the potential to make a deep run and potentially capture the coveted VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai title. The lower bracket matchup between 100 Thieves and Paper Rex will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament, a classic encounter that showcased the best of professional Valorant. The heroics of bang in that pivotal 1v2 clutch will be the stuff of legend, cementing his status as one of the game’s true clutch masters.
The Clutch Heroics of 100 Thieves’ Bang and the Road Ahead at VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai
This clutch play by bang gave 100 Thieves a crucial advantage. In the very next round, they capitalized on the momentum, successfully attacking point B to secure a hard-fought 14-12 victory and punch their ticket to the lower bracket semifinals of the VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai tournament. In the post-match press conference, an exhilarated bang shed some light on how his teammates help support him in those high-pressure, clutch situations. “Usually, when you’re the last one left or in a one-on-one, your teammates don’t say too much. But they make sure to communicate the most important information that I need in that moment – things like enemy locations, abilities, and timings,” he explained. Bang went on to note that a lot of the decision-making comes down to instinct in those clutch scenarios. “It all depends on the timing, but mostly the decisions are made intuitively. Personally, I don’t even feel a ton of pressure when I’m the last player standing. Honestly, I didn’t even expect to win that one-versus-two – the most important thing is just relying on your instincts and making the right plays.” The veteran in-game leader’s calm and composed demeanor in the face of such intense pressure is a big part of what makes him so valuable to the 100 Thieves squad. His ability to stay focused and execute under the brightest lights has been instrumental to their success throughout the VCT 2024 season. As bang alluded to, his teammates play a crucial role in enabling his heroics as well. The communication and support from the 100 Thieves players around him helps provide the necessary information and confidence for bang to work his magic. It’s a true team effort, with each player understanding and fulfilling their specific responsibilities.
With this hard-fought victory secured, 100 Thieves now set their sights on the next challenge. This Friday, we’ll see them take the international stage again in Shanghai, where they’ll face off against the formidable Team Heretics for a spot in the lower bracket final. After the clutch heroics we witnessed from bang and the squad against Paper Rex, you can bet they’ll be aiming to keep their tournament run alive and potentially secure a rematch with the upper bracket finalists. The lower bracket of this VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai event has been an absolute gauntlet, with multiple elite teams battling it out for the chance to advance. 100 Thieves’ narrow escape against Paper Rex was just the latest in a series of high-stakes, nail-biting encounters that have captured the attention of the global Valorant community. As the tournament progresses, the stakes only continue to rise. The lower bracket semifinal matchup between 100 Thieves and Team Heretics promises to be another clash of titans, with both squads desperate to keep their championship aspirations alive. Heretics have proven themselves to be one of the most formidable teams in the world, so 100 Thieves will need to be at the very top of their game to overcome this challenge. If bang and his teammates can summon the same level of composure, teamwork, and clutch factor that carried them through against Paper Rex, there’s no doubt they have the potential to make a deep run in Shanghai. But Heretics will undoubtedly be a daunting opponent, with their own set of star players and strategies ready to counter 100 Thieves’ approach. Regardless of the outcome, the lower bracket semifinal between these two elite teams is sure to be a highlight of the VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai event. Valorant fans around the world will be tuning in, eager to witness another instant classic unfold on the international stage. The stakes have never been higher, and the drama is certain to be palpable.
