The Masters Santiago draw redone after an error in the original

A strange situation unfolded around the Masters Santiago draw. Following the second day of the Swiss Stage Round 1 on Sunday, the draw for the next round was conducted on stage, determining the four upcoming matchups. However, VCT Commissioner Leo Faria later announced on X that due to an error in the process, the draw would have to be redone later that evening.

The issue stemmed from the second team drawn being placed against the first team selected—rather than being slotted into the opposite match as originally intended. This mistake compromised the integrity of the entire bracket. As a result, Riot Games gathered the teams’ coaches at the hotel to conduct a new draw, which was filmed and later published on social media, this time in accordance with the official rules.

All four initially announced matchups were ultimately changed. Among the 1–0 teams, Gentle Mates were originally set to face Paper Rex in their second match but will now take on Team Liquid instead, while the Pacific representatives will battle NRG. The consequences were just as significant for the 0–1 teams: G2 Esports, who were supposed to face EDward Gaming, will now meet Xi Lai Gaming, while the VALORANT Champions 2024 winners will fight T1 to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Aware that redoing the draw would cost teams valuable preparation time, Leo Faria defended the decision, stating: “To choose between three to four hours of wasted prep or running the rest of the tournament knowing the draw was incorrect — the answer was clear.”

The decision, however, did not sit well with several players and staff members. Gentle Mates’ Patrik “Minny” Hušek notably mocked the situation, highlighting its absurdity. Meanwhile, Team Liquid assistant coach Daniel “yaotziN” Roczniak quoted Faria’s post, remarking that he himself had learned about the coaches’ hotel meeting through that very message.

Despite the controversy, competition resumes today, with Paper Rex facing NRG at 7 PM, followed by Team Liquid versus Gentle Mates at 10 PM.