DNSTY vs NOVO Esports on 18 January

02:29, 17 January 2026
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Valorant | 18 January at 18:00
DNSTY
DNSTY
VS
NOVO Esports
NOVO Esports

On January 18th, the Challengers League will see an exciting clash between DNSTY and NOVO Esports. Both teams are vying for supremacy in this high-stakes match, each needing a victory to further their aspirations for playoff contention and a chance at glory. The intensity of this tournament reaches its peak with this encounter, where tactical depth, team synergy, and individual brilliance will collide. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on the strategies these teams deploy and how they adapt to their opponents in this critical bout.

DNSTY: Tactical Approach and Current Form

DNSTY has been in formidable form recently, having won 4 of their last 5 games in the Challengers League. Their playing style is defined by high-level mechanical precision and a strong focus on early map control, particularly in objective-oriented gameplay such as Dragon and Rift Herald control. Their coordination in skirmishes has been excellent, allowing them to snowball leads efficiently. Statistically, DNSTY has been dominating in vision control, averaging 70% ward control during the first 20 minutes of the game, a key metric for dictating map presence.

Key players for DNSTY include their mid-laner, who excels in roaming and facilitating early pressure. Their ADC has been in blistering form, often carrying the team in late-game teamfights. However, recent reports suggest their support player is struggling with minor mechanical inconsistencies, which could impact their early game synergy, especially in vision control and roams. The jungler has been stellar, consistently securing early objectives and providing strong pressure in mid-lane, but his adaptability in counter-gank situations will be critical against a team like NOVO Esports, who thrives on punishing over-extensions.

NOVO Esports: Tactical Approach and Current Form

In contrast, NOVO Esports is coming off a slightly inconsistent run, winning 2 of their last 5 matches. Despite the rough patches, they have been known for their innovative macro play, particularly in the mid-to-late game transitions, where their team fights shine. NOVO excels in creating chaos during skirmishes with unexpected flanks, and their late-game objective control is one of the best in the league. They have an excellent understanding of tempo, often pressuring lanes with their wave-clear ability, and subsequently rotating around the map to secure key objectives. Statistically, NOVO Esports boasts a 75% baron control rate in games that extend beyond 30 minutes, making them a dangerous opponent as the game progresses.

For NOVO Esports, the star player is their top laner, who has been exceptional in both split-push situations and as a frontline tank. Their jungler is also a crucial part of the team, known for his strategic invades and excellent vision denial. However, recent issues with their mid-laner’s laning phase and positioning during teamfights have led to inconsistencies in their late-game execution. Their support player will be under significant pressure to perform, as DNSTY's bot-lane synergy will test NOVO’s vision and map awareness, particularly in the early stages.

Head-to-Head: History and Psychology

The last few encounters between DNSTY and NOVO Esports have been thrilling affairs, with both teams trading victories. In their most recent meeting, DNSTY dominated the early game with superior objective control, but NOVO Esports mounted a stunning comeback by outmaneuvering them in mid-to-late game teamfights, highlighting the differences in their tactical approach. In a previous match earlier in the season, DNSTY won convincingly with a 3-1 scoreline, showcasing their early-game prowess and their ability to control objectives around the map. NOVO Esports, however, has consistently proved they can bounce back from early deficits, making this a matchup to watch closely for momentum shifts.

The psychological element is just as important as the tactical one, as both teams understand the significance of this game in the grand context of the Challengers League. DNSTY has the upper hand in terms of recent form, but NOVO Esports has shown resilience in critical moments, which could be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Key Battles and Critical Zones

The most crucial area of the game will be the jungle. The junglers of both teams will have significant influence over the tempo of the match, dictating the pace of skirmishes and providing vision control. DNSTY's jungler has been exceptional at controlling the early game and setting up their laners for success. However, NOVO’s jungler excels at countering these early invades and setting up surprise ganks later in the game. This tactical battle will determine which team can dominate the map and secure objectives.

Another key battle will be in the mid-lane. DNSTY's mid-laner has been a consistent threat in both roaming and securing early objectives, but NOVO's mid-laner has the ability to turn the tide with strategic roams and surprise plays. If DNSTY can shut down NOVO’s mid-laner early, they will have a significant advantage, but if NOVO’s mid-laner can get ahead and pressure the map, it could spell disaster for DNSTY.

Match Scenario and Prediction

Given the tactical intricacies of both teams, this match will likely be decided in the early-to-mid game. DNSTY's focus will be on fast-paced objective control and denying NOVO Esports’ jungler any foothold in the early stages, while NOVO will attempt to disrupt DNSTY’s tempo and build a comeback through effective teamfighting and vision control. A close early game will favor NOVO Esports, who thrive in the mid-late game, while a dominant early performance from DNSTY could secure them the win.

In terms of a prediction, it’s tough to call, but considering DNSTY's superior map control and better synergy in the early game, they seem like the stronger team heading into this match. Expect DNSTY to take a 2-1 victory, but NOVO will make it a challenging fight, especially if they manage to get their mid-laner ahead early.

Final Thoughts

This match between DNSTY and NOVO Esports promises to be an exciting and tightly contested affair, with tactical ingenuity and individual flair at the forefront. The outcome will likely hinge on who can control the tempo of the game in the early stages, particularly in terms of jungle pressure and vision control. Can DNSTY maintain their early-game dominance, or will NOVO Esports pull off another one of their famous comebacks? With so much on the line, this is a match that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Which team will hold their nerve in this high-pressure scenario, and who will emerge victorious in this thrilling showdown? The stakes could not be higher.

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