Vortex Gaming

· KRX coach termi evaluated that the new agent Clove looks good but is very difficult to utilize as a team, predicting that many teams will not use her.
· He added that there will be a big change in the Stage 1 meta along with the Yoru nerf.
· PRX coach alecks mentioned that PRX is known for making unconventional picks, and a player like f0rsakeN is highly likely to pick Clove.
· He predicted that if f0rsakeN uses Clove, f0rsakeN himself would be scarier than Clove, and he would utilize her stun well.
· ZETA coach XQQ revealed that his team's player SugarZ3ro wants to try Clove, but he is desperately dissuading him.
· The opinion was presented that Clove, a passive controller IGL, would be able to utilize her skills and ultimate well.
· The court's opinion was that Clove would not be used frequently except for player f0rsakeN, and it was ruled that she has not yet found her place in the meta.

· DFM coach Vorz evaluated that the return of Lotus and Fracture maps suits the DFM team well, predicting that various metas such as 2-duelist or 2-initiator compositions will emerge.
· He emphasized that since matches are held once a week in the group stage, more attention should be paid to opponent analysis and practice methods.
· T1 coach KDG mentioned that T1 and PRX, who disliked the maps KOROD and ABYSS, would like the current map pool.
· PRX coach alecks argued that it's agents, not the map pool, that significantly change the meta.
· He explained that the return of Skye's flash makes her usable like a duelist, allowing teams to run Skye as a duelist even without two dedicated duelists.
· The jury's opinion was that even with new maps, there would be no significant change in the meta, and it was ruled that 2-duelist compositions might frequently reappear.

· FS coach Crws revealed that he was the team's IGL, and the team followed his calls well.
· He emphasized that an IGL is a very important presence that brings the team together in one direction, and even if they're not the best caller, having a shared understanding is much better for the team.
· KRX coach termi believes that one excellent IGL leading the team members well is the best, and he evaluated that player JitboyS will improve with time.
· PRX coach alecks thinks a single IGL system is better, but PRX uses a system where multiple people share roles and switch leadership during rounds.
· He mentioned that the problem with this system is that if one person collapses, everyone can be wiped out.
· The coaches' opinions on the best IGLs in the Pacific region are as follows:

Category	Details
ZETA XQQ	SSeeS (also mentioned DRX Rb, an aggressive IGL whom SugarZ3ro respects)
FS Crws	Munchkin, crazyguy, f0rsakeN (jokingly)
DFM Vorz	crazyguy, Munchkin (players who gave him the most trouble)
T1 KDG	Munchkin (quick at reading the game and highly competitive) In this meta, he thinks PRX and NS performed best and are most suitable.

· PRX coach alecks explained that since it's difficult for a head coach to be responsible for everything, a performance coach (Panda) takes over some of the duties.
· He stated that performance coaches create routines for players, provide stability, and act as a feedback loop, listening to players' complaints about the coach's instructions as an outsider.
· ZETA coach XQQ emphasized that although ZETA did not have a performance coach, it is very important to have personnel who can coach aspects like mental health management and match routines for young Valorant players based on scientific evidence.
· He expressed his desire to find such personnel in Japan.
· KRX coach termi empathized with the need for performance coaches, thinking it would be good to have a coach who can provide mental care, as players feel a lot of pressure due to Valorant's popularity.
· The court ruled that performance coaches are important, and while methodologies for their roles may differ, everyone agreed on their necessity.

· ZETA coach XQQ admitted that it's true ZETA hasn't been able to show its former prowess since players Laz and Dep left.
· He mentioned that Laz was a player who led by example with excellent skills, thorough routines, and mental strengthening training, serving as a role model for everyone, and it's fortunate that SugarZ3ro is carrying on this legacy well.
· He stated that the current roster also has potential and he expects good results comparable to past achievements.
· FS coach Crws shared his experience, saying that he was on a team with many veterans early in his debut, and when they left, matches became difficult.
· He explained that the synergy already formed is very important, and the ability to instantly understand what each other wants to do is a strong point.
· KRX coach termi stated that since Valorant has only been out for about 6 years, the concept of 'veteran' isn't very significant yet, and the experience gap between rookies and experienced players is only about 4-5 years, so the difference isn't large.
· PRX coach alecks emphasized that while their in-game impact might be less, veteran pro players have a lot of experience and can teach and pass down mental aspects and attitudes to the younger generation.
· He added that player d4v41 acts like an older brother figure on the team, citing an example where he advised rookie PatMen for the finals, making it easier for rookies to grow with veteran players.
· The verdict on whether winning is possible without veteran players was split, but the court ruled that veterans are helpful and rookies gradually improve, acquitting coach XQQ.

· T1 coach KDG stated that he believes T1 being called a 'super team' is based on fans' expectations, and while they might be overestimated as they haven't proven themselves yet, he knows they can perform well.
· Regarding how to manage a team composed of skilled players, he evaluated that the balance between rational play and emotional play (ego peeking, overly passive play) was not good at Masters.
· He emphasized that as a coach, he couldn't control this, and players also tended to play emotionally, so in the future, they need to find a good balance between rational and emotional play.
· DFM coach Vorz shared his experience managing Meiy, who has been a superstar in Japan for a long time.
· He mentioned that he expects Meiy to lead the team through his play and communication, and while he leads the team better than before, he hopes he will do so more consistently.
· It was summarized that while the labels 'super team' or 'superstar' carry a heavy burden, they also hold clear value, signifying that the expectations of fans and the community have already been proven.
· The final verdict was that it's all about what you show in the game, rather than titles.

· The coaches expressed their impressions, saying it was enjoyable to hear various opinions about their experience arguing before a judge, and they felt they became closer with other coaches.
· Many coaches particularly resonated with coach KDG's remarks on the balance between peeking and restraint.
· They stated that they have begun practicing for Stage 1 and look forward to seeing how the discussions from today unfold in the upcoming Stage 1.
· They also expressed excitement about the finals being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, concluding the session.