Evil Geniuses delivered a decisive blow at the VCT Americas Kickoff, sweeping LOUD 2–0 and sending the Brazilian side out of the tournament as the first team eliminated. What was meant to be a lower-bracket lifeline instead became an abrupt end to LOUD’s campaign, marking an early exit that some fans may have predicted heading into the event.

From the opening rounds of the series, EG looked sharper and more assured. Their pacing and coordination consistently disrupted LOUD’s setups, forcing uncomfortable fights and limiting the space LOUD needed to play their style which led to a 9-3 half in the favour of the NA side. The first map quickly slipped away as EG built momentum early and never allowed LOUD the chance to stabilise. Round by round, the gap widened, with EG converting advantages cleanly and closing the map in convincing fashion with a 13-5 victory on Haven.

LOUD showed more resistance on the second map, briefly reigniting hope that the series could be turned around. They fought harder for map control and managed to keep the scoreline close through several tense stretches pushing them to a 7-5 half, with Virtyy able to dominate on defence due to the fact that he isn’t having to blindly dash into a site. However, when the pressure peaked, it was EG who held their nerve who drag the game back to a 7-5 second half, forcing overtime. Strong late-round calls and disciplined trading shut down LOUD’s comeback attempts, allowing EG to edge out the map and secure the sweep with a 14-12 overtime finisher for LOUD.

The loss carries heavy consequences for LOUD. Becoming the first team eliminated from VCT Americas casts a long shadow over their tournament run, especially for an organization accustomed to deep playoff appearances and international relevance since their Champions Istanbul win in 2022. Despite moments of individual promise, LOUD struggled to find cohesion when it mattered most, and their inability to convert close rounds ultimately defined their exit.

For Evil Geniuses, the win represents more than just survival. It keeps their tournament hopes alive and signals renewed confidence after an uneven start. For LOUD, the Kickoff ends in disappointment and reflection, as one of the region’s most storied teams exits earlier than most would have expected.