The Guard and Oxygen Esports will meet in the semi-finals of the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Challenger Playoffs. I suppose there's no point in reminding everyone of the struggles in front of their mouths.
However, logically there is a clear favourite, and that team is The Guard. First of all, the boys have enough experience. Secondly, they looked much more confident on the stage.
In general, Oxygen Esports, although not bad, but not quite as good as their opponents, and even their head-to-head encounters do not speak in favour of them. Therefore, I would opt for a win for The Guard here.
The Guard's form
The fifth team in the North American standings made their second appearance in the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 1, where they played well against their rivals.
In addition, the North American squad finished third at the Mid-Season Face Off and retook silver medals at the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 2.
As for its performance in the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Challenger Playoffs, The Guard lost to Moist Moguls but also managed to defeat FaZe Clan and G2 Esports.
The Guard's latest results:
- A 2-0 win over MAD Lions.
- 2-0 win over G2 Esports.
- Defeated FaZe Clan 2-0.
- Defeat by Moist Moguls, 0-2.
- 2-0 win over G2 Esports.
The Guard's best scores:
- Ascent - 89% wins.
- Lotus - 88% wins.
- Bind - 80% wins.
- Split - 75% wins.
- Fracture - 75% wins.
- Pearl - 50% wins.
It's worth remembering that The Guard team is dropping Pearl.
Oxygen Esports jerseys
The eighth team in the North American rankings had a mixed performance in the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 1, before improving slightly at the Mid-Season Face Off.
In addition, the North American squad managed to finish fourth in VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 2, which is pretty good in the realities of the region.
At the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Challenger Playoffs, Oxygen Esports got the better of M80 Esports but still managed to wrestle G2 Esports and FaZe Clan.
Oxygen Esports' latest results:
- A 2-0 win over Shopify Rebellion.
- Defeat to M80 Esports by a score of 1-2.
- 2-0 win over G2 Esports.
- Defeat to M80 Esports by a score of 0-2.
- Defeated FaZe Clan 2-0.
Oxygen Esports top scorers:
- Haven - 80% wins.
- Bind - 75% wins.
- Ascent - 62% wins.
- Split - 57% wins.
- Pearl - 50% wins.
In turn, the Oxygen Esports team continues to deny Fracture.
Match statistics for The Guard - Oxygen Esports
The teams have met once this season at the VALORANT Challengers 2023: North America Split 1 - Mid-Season Face Off, The Guard won 2-1.
The Guard vs Oxygen Esports
Even going by the stats, The Guard is more variable than their opponent. Yes, Oxygen Esports is unlikely to suffer a devastating defeat and struggle, but the team is unlikely to leap over the top. And The Guard has much more interesting sets with which to move on. So in this case, I'd recommend betting on The Guard to win.
