The VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai kicked off earlier today with the game between 100 Thieves and FUT Esports In what was the Americans' first international top-flight match since their Top 8 finish at the VCT 2023 LOCK IN São Paulo, the thieves stole the show in Shanghai as they defeated the Turkish side with wins two one-sided wins on Icebox (13-2) and Bind (13-5).
The VCT 2024 Americas Stage 1 champions had an excellent start to today's series as they completed an 11-1 first half on Icebox. As expected, 100 Thieves didn't face many complications to close the first map as the players won two of their three attacks.
Meanwhile, 100 Thieves quickly took control of Bind thanks to an outstanding fragging performance by Matthew "Cryocells" Panganiban, who went berserk with 32 kills in 18 rounds and an ACS of 452.
With this result, 100 Thieves become the first team to qualify for the VCT 2024 Masters Shanghai Upper Bracket semi-finals and will play against the winner of the series between Gen.G Esports and Fnatic on June 2. Meanwhile, FUT Esports have dropped to the Lower Bracket.