VCTCN: Akeman showcased exceptional marksmanship, and DRG defeated XLG 2-1 to advance to the winner's final.

In the 2025 VCTCN Stage 2 Playoffs Winner’s Bracket Semifinals, DRG defeated XLG 2-1 to reach the winner’s final.

Map 1: Lotus Ancient City

Defenders XLG: Zero, BlackDream, Phantom, SteelLock, Sage

Attackers DRG: Zero, Neon, IronArm, Nightdew, Phantom

In the first half, DRG claimed the pistol round, and in round 3, happywei landed a triple kill at C main, allowing XLG to hold C site and win the round. XLG’s triple sentry setup on defense didn’t yield much, while DRG’s offense kept heating up, securing five rounds. In round 8, both teams clashed at A site, DRG gained the upper hand and retreated to Treehouse after planting, with happywei clutching a 1v2 retake. XLG grabbed two consecutive rounds; in round 10, DRG easily entered B site to plant, but XLG’s five-man retake was stopped by DRG’s strong post-plant positions. The first half ended tied at 6-6.

In the second half, vo0kashu stepped up and led his team to win the pistol round, with DRG taking three straight rounds. In round 16, XLG attacked B site, planted, and held off DRG’s retake, with happywei picking up a triple kill. Round 17 saw both teams contest A main in a 2-for-2 trade, but XLG patiently capitalized on DRG’s defensive errors to win. XLG caught up with three consecutive rounds to tie the score at 9-9. The battle at B site was intense, but XLG took the lead at 11 points; in round 22, DRG contested A main and eliminated happywei, with both teams trading shots until SpiritZ1 won the final clutch in Treehouse. In round 23, DRG fought for match point, using IronArm’s Shockwave to secure the retake. DRG reached match point first; in round 24, Nicc picked off XLG at C site, but XLG won due to time running out before the defuse. In overtime, DRG won two consecutive rounds on attack and defense to clinch map one.

Map 2: Industrial Stronghold

Defenders XLG: Viper, Inferno, Gekko, Skye, Mirage

Attackers DRG: Vise, Neon, Gekko, Nightdew, StarShard

In the first half, XLG secured the pistol round. In round 3, NoMan’s Skye flashed out at B main and caught two players. DRG kept trying to hit B but lost their energy orb, leaving SpiritZ1 low on health to save. Then NoMan scored a quad kill at B site in round 4, stopping DRG’s push, with XLG starting strong with four rounds. In round 5, vo0kashu got a triple kill at B main to withstand XLG’s aggression, and DRG planted at A to win the round. XLG regained control and went on a four-round streak; in round 10, DRG rushed B to finally secure their second point. DRG used both tactical pauses in the first half but only managed three rounds, while XLG’s defense handled them with ease, ending the half with nine rounds.

In the second half, XLG won the pistol round. In round 14, XLG aggressively pushed A but paid a heavy price as DRG pulled out from the small room, double-peeked through smoke, and wiped out XLG for a comeback. In round 16, XLG rushed B with rifles, took control of the second floor, and beat DRG’s defenders in direct duels, winning the round. XLG strung together three wins to take map two convincingly.

Map 3: Sunset City

Defenders XLG: Viper, HunterOwl, Phantom, SteelLock, Neon

Attackers DRG: Zero, Neon, BlackDream, Nightdew, Phantom

In the first half, DRG took the pistol round, and then Rarga scored an ACE in round 3 to win the bonus. DRG regained control and went on a seven-round streak. In round 11, DRG faked a push, but Rarga held the angle for the first kill; DRG waited for cooldowns and then executed a coordinated push, double-holding site to stop XLG’s retake. In round 12, DRG sped up to B site for a quick plant, but XLG successfully retook and claimed their second round. The first half ended with DRG leading 10-2 over XLG.

In the second half, XLG won the pistol round and clawed back two points, but DRG powered through the bonus round. In round 16, DRG held A site, eliminated three XLG players, and followed up with multi-frag retake at B to win, reaching match point. XLG managed to get one back, but in round 18, XLG rushed B and mid, only for DRG to hold strong and win, taking map three 13-5.