MANILA, Philippines – The road to the Grand Finals of VCT 2026 Game Changers SEA Challengers Split 1 is becoming clearer, and Team Falcons Vega have firmly planted their flag as the team to beat. In a commanding performance, they swept Stallions Lyra 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Finals.
Meanwhile, 36 Thieves edged past IVY GC in a tight three-map series, setting up the next high-stakes clash in the lower bracket.
Falcons Outclass Stallions on their Map Pick
The reunion of both former Xipto Esports rosters have finally met and not just in any match but the Upper Bracket Finals of VCT 2026 GC Split 1.
The series opened on Haven, Stallions Lyra’s map pick, but any perceived advantage quickly evaporated. Starting on the attack side, Team Falcons Vega wasted no time asserting control, slicing through defenses to build a dominant 9-3 lead by halftime.
Stallions Lyra showed signs of life early in the second half, securing both the pistol round and its subsequent bonus. However, that momentum was short-lived as Team Falcons Vega’s defensive setups proved nearly impenetrable, shutting down executes and punishing overextensions.
The map concluded 13-6 in favor of Falcons, a statement win on their opponent’s own pick.
At the center of this performance was madv, who delivered a standout showing on Phoenix. With a 24/14/7 KDA and an impressive 358 ACS.
Modhi “madv” Alkanhal dictated the pace of engagements and consistently found opening duels that dismantled Stallions Lyra’s setups.
Total Control on Pearl
Moving onto their own map pick, Team Falcons Vega looked even more comfortable. Starting strong, they surged to a 5-0 lead, immediately putting Stallions Lyra on the back foot.
Despite a brief breakthrough in Round 6 where Stallions executed a well-coordinated attack, it would be their only success on the map. From that point onward, Falcons completely locked down the game.
Once again, madv stood out this time on Tejo as she posted a 14/5/3 KDA with a 273 ACS.
With a clean 2-0 sweep, Team Falcons Vega advances to the Grand Finals. Stallions Lyra will drop to the Lower Bracket Finals.
36 Thieves Edge Out IVY GC
Meanwhile, 36 Thieves secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over IVY GC. The series proved to be far more competitive, with both teams trading blows across three maps.
Ultimately, 36 Thieves managed to hold their composure in the crucial moments, outlasting IVY GC to keep their tournament hopes alive.
With this win, 36 Thieves move forward to face Stallions Lyra in the Lower Bracket Finals. Scheduled for April 22 at 7 PM GMT+8.