VCT Masters Madrid Day 1 Key Takeaways: Karmine Corp and Gen.G Esports take their first VCT Masters Madrid wins

Karmine Corp and Gen.G Esports started the VCT Masters Madrid with the right foot after defeating FunPlus Phoenix and LOUD, respectively. Here's what happened on the first day of action at the VCT Masters Madrid!

First win in Madrid for the Blue Wall

Result: Karmine Corp 2-0 FunPlus Phoenix (13-8 Icebox, 13-10 Lotus)

Karmine Corp's VCT Masters debut went smoothly, with the Europeans obtaining a comfortable victory against FunPlus Phoenix following wins on Icebox and Lotus.

The blue roster had an outstanding start to the series as the Europeans won the initial seven defenses on Icebox, including three rounds won by defusing the Spike. Although FunPlus Phoenix managed to tie the score after winning the following seven rounds, Karmine Corp faded the Chinese hopes away by winning six of the team's following seven attacks.

Meanwhile, Lotus was slightly more contested as FunPlus Phoenix headed to defense with an advantage of 8-4. Unfortunately for the Chinese roster, Karmine Corp were unstoppable on attack and closed the game with a 13-10 victory.

While using Gekko (Icebox) and Fade (Lotus), Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey was the best player in the game with 47 kills and an ACS of 300.

It's worth noting that Karmine Corp came out victorious the last time both organizations met, as they clashed in the VCT 2023 LOCK//IN São Paulo. While it's only been one year since the team's win in Brazil against the Chinese side, Ryad "Shin" Ensaad is the only remaining player from that roster.

Gen.G takes the win despite Less' kill party

Result: Gen.G Esports 2-1 LOUD (13-11 Icebox, 8-13 Breeze, 13-5 Ascent)

Gen.G Esports began its VCT Masters run in Madrid with an excellent victory against the VCT 2024 Americas Kickoff second seed LOUD.

Following a slow start on Icebox where the Brazilians won their initial four defenses, the South Koreans were able to switch sides with a tie on the scoreboard. It was then LOUD's turn to have a slow start on defense as the South Koreans went 10-6 up after winning their initial four attacks.

Felipe "Less" Basso kept the Brazilians' hopes alive of taking Icebox with some insane plays like the one seen in round 23, where the 19-year-old got three kills with Viper while being suppressed. Despite his best efforts, the South Koreans ended up taking the first map of the series after Kim "Karon" Won-tae defused the spike. Remember, pros don't fake!

Eventually, the match reached Map 3 after LOUD's 13-8 win on Breeze. Unfortunately for the Brazilians, the South Koreans dominated the game on Ascent as they closed the series with a 13-5 win.

With 48 kills and an ACS of 216, Kim "Karon" Won-tae was the best player of the match in what was his first international appearance.

VCT Masters Madrid standings after Day 1

Following Karmine Corp and Gen.G Esports' victories, both rosters are now waiting to know what teams will join them in the upper side of the Swiss bracket. Meanwhile, EDward Gaming, Paper Rex, Sentinels, and Team Heretics will meet in tomorrow's matches.