Almost is not enough for the all Pinoy Valorant squad.
At the start of the VCT Pacific League back in March, Team Secret entered with the weight of an entire country on their shoulders. It’s not just because they’re an all-Filipino team playing for one of the most decorated esports organizations in the world — it’s also that they have everything they need to be a top contender, not just in the Pacific, but globally as well.
Team Secret is comprised of some of the best tactical FPS players the Philippines has to offer. Two of them are veterans from other shooters, namely Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan and Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco, while the rest are youngbloods looking to make a name for themselves in the international scene.
Calling themselves the Adobo Gang, the team has an easygoing atmosphere about them that belies their true skill. You could see it in their games against the top contender teams like Paper Rex and DRX. Nailbiter rounds where the team was able to push through thanks to a combination of skill, daring, and a bit of luck.
This also translates to their losses as they end up looking lost or unprepared. With their backs against the wall, they default to trying to out-aim their opponents, which rarely works when their opponents can just pull them apart with better strategy and movement.
Falling Short and Second Chances
At a glance, Team Secret had a fairly average debut season. Finishing fifth place with a 5-4 record establishes them as a solid, middle-of-the-pack team. However, they fell short in the playoffs due to fumbles against the much more practiced Korean teams.
They failed to make it to Masters Tokyo and, in turn, earn a spot to Champions Los Angeles. They still have another shot at the Last Chance Qualifiers but it’s safe to say that this is not where Team Secret wanted to be at the end of VCT Pacific.
The team fully understands the expectations of them and they also know that they have what it takes to challenge the best teams in the world. They’ve come painfully close so many times but it looks like they are taking it in stride and focusing on the challenge ahead. Team Secret has proven that they can take on the best in the Pacific, now they need to prove that they deserve a spot to take on the Champions.
Banner image from VCT Pacific Flickr.
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