The Union and The Guard will face off in the VALORANT Challengers Ascension 2023: Americas top-final, where they'll compete for a place in the Grand Final, plus a couple of extra days off.
So far, the Brazilian squad seems to be the biggest revelation of the championship, but The Guard haven't lost yet either. And objectively, there's a feeling that the North American region is a little stronger than the Brazilian.
In general, despite the good play by The Union, the North Americans need to prove their level. Therefore, I would lean on The Guard team to win here.
The Union's form
The second team in the Brazilian rankings won both regional splits of VALORANT Challengers 2023: Brazil, securing good qualification for this year's Ascension.
Already in the group stage of the VALORANT Challengers Ascension 2023: Americas, the Brazilian side confidently took on M80 Esports and FUSION to advance directly to the semifinals.
The day before, The Union had an easy win over FUSION. Still, you have to watch out for now, although the team has managed to show their best side.
The latest results for The Union:
- A 2-0 win over 00NATION.
- 3-0 win over 00NATION.
- 2-0 win over M80 Esports.
- 2-0 win over FUSION.
- Beat FUSION 2-0.
The Union's best:
- Bind - 100% wins.
- Split - 100% wins.
- Pearl - 89% wins.
- Fracture - 86% wins.
- Ascent - 82% wins.
- Lotus - 78% wins.
It should be noted that the Brazilian squad tries not to appear on the Haven map.
The Guard uniforms
The fourth team in the North American rankings had an even season, finishing second in the final VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 2 and VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Challenger Playoffs.
As for their performance in the group stage of VALORANT Challengers Ascension 2023: Americas, here the North American squad quickly and confidently dealt with 00NATION and 9z.
In the play-offs, The Guard continued to show excellent play, thanks to which the team was able to take on M80 Esports without a single loss.
The Guard's latest results:
- A 3-0 win over Moist Moguls.
- 1-3 defeat to M80 Esports.
- 2-0 win over 00NATION.
- Beat 9z 2-0.
- 2-0 win over M80 Esports.
The Guard's best scores:
- Ascent - 90% wins.
- Bind - 83% wins.
- Lotus - 82% wins.
- Fracture - 80% wins.
- Pearl - 67% wins.
- Haven - 55% wins.
- Split - 50% wins.
In turn, the North American squad is most often denied by Pearl.
The Union - The Guard encounter statistics
The teams have not met before.
Prediction for the match The Union - The Guard
In general, this match smells like a grand final, as the Brazilian team was well prepared for the championship. However, you also can't write off The Guard, who, after the failures of M80 Esports, are the main favourites.
Moreover, on paper, the North American squad also looks the favorite for this game, even despite a solid Long Corner from The Union. Therefore, I'd recommend betting on The Guard to win this one.
