“We felt a bit rushed”: Munchkin breaks down Gen.G and Pacific’s success at VALORANT Masters Toronto

Following an upset loss to Wolves Esports at VALORANT Masters Toronto, Gen.G’s IGL Byeon ‘Munchkin’ Sang-beom believes that individual mistakes cost the team a shot at the upper-bracket.

Speaking to Esports Insider, Munchkin said: “Before coming to the interview, I watched the VODs back and I wasn’t able to really pick out major mistakes.

“It was more down to the individual mistakes. I think we felt a little bit rushed, and we were kind of forcing stuff too, and also it just really did take a toll on us. So, I’m just gonna let my teammates know that we’re good and there’s nothing wrong with the way we approach the game.”

Gen.G was just one win away from an undefeated journey to the upper final until Wolves Esports pulled off an unbelievable upset. The Chinese underdogs made an incredible comeback on both maps, handing Gen.G a 2-0 defeat and sending them down to the lower bracket.

As such, Gen.G will now focus on fixing individual mistakes that the team made against Wolves, making sure the players don’t repeat them heading into its elimination match against G2 Esports.

“I think it’s better to make our own game more solid and also clean things up rather than, you know, looking for a dramatic change in terms of the approach and the change styles that we play since we don’t have much time left, as we play tomorrow,” Munchkin added.

This will also be Gen.G’s first face-off against G2 since Masters Shanghai, where the team defeated the American squad to reach the Grand Final. Ahead of today’s match, Munchkin had a special message for G2:

“I’m not really sure what their take is on our game or if they were watching us today. But if they’re smart and if they’re a strong team, they should know that [against Wolves] we were just unlucky. And I think they’re scared already,” he said with a grin on his face.

Gen.G is close to lifting its second Masters trophy after Shanghai, and despite its recent loss against Wolves, the team is still a favourite to lift the trophy. Sitting at the top of many fans’ Pick’ems, Munchkin shared four key factors that will help Gen.G execute a dream run.

“First of all, we have a really strong coaching staff,” said the player. “So when they have the strats and plans ready, we can just follow their lead. 

“Gen.G has me at an IGL with a very particular IGLing style and also t3xture, who is aggressive and yet so reliable as a duelist and Karon with insane aims. So as long as we have those four elements, I would say the Gen.G’s identity from 2024 continues.”

Pacific was also the only region at VALORANT Masters Toronto to have all three of its participating teams advance to the playoffs. Esports Insider asked Munchkin about the region’s dominant showing, proving the doubters wrong again and again, and what sets Pacific teams apart.

“I’d say other regions focus a lot on the team plays and the strats, making sure that they play the game as perfectly as possible and as clean as possible,” he said. 

“Whereas for the Pacific region in general, we focus a lot on the aim and having that firepower is paying dividends right now in Masters Toronto. I think it’s one of the reasons that the Pacific is really strong right now, perfect for this whole tournament so far.”

Gen.G has enjoyed a strong run at VALORANT Masters Toronto so far, but for Munchkin, one moment stands above the rest: defeating Fnatic.

The IGL explained: “After dropping the bullet, it really took a toll on us, but we came back and really proved the world with the results. And also we proved to ourselves that we can definitely bounce back quickly enough to close out the game and win. So it was definitely a valuable moment and the best moment for me.”

Gen.G will have to win the next three matches in order to qualify for VALORANT Masters Toronto Grand Final and fans can catch the action live on VCT’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.