Over the past few weeks, competitive VALORANT has enjoyed the LCQ events. Here, teams from multiple regions have been fighting for the last spots available for the Major later on this year – VALORANT Champions. Read on for your VCT 2021 EMEA LCQ recap, where Team Liquid prevailed.
VCT 2021 EMEA LCQ – Brother Combo Working
It hasn’t been easy for Team Liquid. After placing a disappointing 5-6th at the VCT 2021 EMEA Stage 3 Challengers Playoffs event, a change was due.
Accordingly, this is when “Kryptix” left the roster, and the brother of “ScreaM” joined the ranks to form the following roster:
Dom “soulcas” Sulcas
Travis “L1NK” Mendoza
Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom
Elias “Jamppi” Olkkonen
Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom
Heading into this event, their main competition stood as G2 Esports. Following much effort, the European side managed to take down the likes of G2 in the Upper Bracket Final in a huge series.
Indeed, following the Stage 3 Masters event in Berlin, we all know what’s next for VALORANT. Accordingly, planned since earlier this year, VALORANT Champions 2021 looks to end the year with a bang. Therefore, let’s take a deep dive into the upcoming VCT 2021 Last Chance Qualifier events with our Predictions!
VCT 2021 Last Chance Qualifier – Everything’s on the Line
Who will claim the last four tickets to #VALORANTChampions? It’s do or die at the Last Chance Qualifiers.
So far, 12 teams have been qualified for the event thanks to their performances at VCT Masters Berlin Stage 3. Regardless, Riot Games is giving 4 regions a final chance – 1 seed per region, with one final event.
Therefore, we’ll be diving into each region to offer our best guess at who we think will claim that Last Chance. Most of the incoming events will take place between 10-12th October!
North America – VCT Last Chance Qualifier
100 Thieves – 2nd@ Stage 3 NA Playoffs, 3rd @ Stage 3 Masters Berlin
Version1 – 2nd @ Stage 2 NA Challengers Finals
FaZe Clan
XSET
Luminosity Gaming
Rise
Cloud9 Blue – 3rd @ Stage 2 NA Challengers Finals
Gen.G Esports – 3rd @ Stage 1 NA Masters,
Credits: VCT
So, let’s start with one of the top regions – North America.
When we’re discussing this region, there is definitely a clear favourite. Above, for our readers, we’ve listed any podium finish achieved in the entire competitive VALORANT series regarding important VCT events.
Bearing this in mind, it’s quite likely that 100 Thieves manage to make it through this tough bracket – though it’ll definitely be a lot tougher than it sounds.
Beyond 100 Thieves, the likes of Version1 will give them the most trouble, though with a recent roster change, we’re not sure that’ll happen. Otherwise, 100 Thieves are your favourites for this region.
Over here at EMEA, the top team is a lot more disputed.
Many teams have shown multiple moments of brilliance, and picking one is tough.
However, we’ll have to place a focus on recency bias due to momentum, so if we had to pick one team to sit on top, it’ll likely be G2 Esports. Behind them it’s definitely Team Liquid and SuperMassive Blaze to make it interesting.
South America
Sharks Esports – BR
Havan Liberty – BR
FURIA Esports – BR
Gamelanders Blue – BR
Six Karma – LATAM
Australs – LATAM
Infinity – LATAM
LAZER – LATAM
With this event having both LATAM and BR teams, we’ll offer a favourite from each region following recent performances.
Out of all the tournaments, this is the most difficult to predict. As listed above, we have a tonne of regions clashing into one another, including a Wild Card in the form of Global Esports.
Instead of trying to tackle all the regions all together, we’ll offer a simple observation. Out of all the above teams, only the likes of F4Q attended the Stage 3 Masters event. Naturally, here we give them the edge.
However, this tournament remains crazy unpredictable.
Ever since VALORANT has been released, professional CS:GO players have been swapping to try and catch the wave early. Indeed, another professional has announced his decision to move to VALORANT – Mertz CS:GO To VALORANT!
Mertz CS:GO To VALORANT – After 6 Years in CS:GO
Credits: Riot Games
Accordingly, the Danish pro Daniel “mertz” Mertz has officially retired from CS:GO to now move to VALORANT. Let’s now discuss his career in CS:GO and his prospects for the future.
3rd-4th – DreamHack Open Winter 2018 w/ Heroic
5-8th – DreamHack Masters Stockholm 2018 w/ Heroic
3rd-4th – DStarSeries & i-League CS:GO Season 5
As you can see, some of the top achievements he’s earned was all the way back in 2018. Indeed, it’s no wonder the youngster is moving. However, many believe that his individual talent is still there.
Only yesterday, he took to Twitter with the following montage showcasing some of his highlightsin VALORANT:
After an awesome adventure on @CSGO I want to reach new objectives in another environment. Proud to tell you guys that my next chapter will be written on @PlayVALORANT!
Thanks again for your support during my CS career it means a lot to me ❤️ Excited to begin this new story 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LZ2jfL4Vgg
Over the past few months, competitive VALORANT for the side of Evil Geniuses has been a little disappointing. Accordingly, failing to make an impression at the larger VCT events, the team is looking for new pieces. Read on as we talk about Evil Geniuses VALORANT sign Boostio!
Evil Geniuses VALORANT Sign Boostio – A Brighter Future
Indeed, who is this ‘boostio’? As one of the yougner contenders, Kelden “Boostio” Pupello is possibly one of the best youngsters out there.
Accordingly, the contender has had strong runs with Spacestation Gaming and Second Wind. Looking to find more success since retiring from Overwatch, the Jett player is a welcome addition to the roster:
Nolan “Temperature” Pepper
Mike “Pho” Panza
Brandon “BRANTED” Ballard
Daniel “roca” Gustaferri
Kelden “Boostio” Pupello
And no, this isn’t the only change the roster has made in the offseason. Specifically, the roster was rebuilt back in June, with the coaches changing in August too.
Credits: Riot Games
Now, with this new and young roster, the team is looking a lot more threatening.
When can we see them in action? Indeed, the upcoming Pittsburgh Knights Monthly Gauntlet – September looks to be a good showing. Here, against the likes of teams such as Complexity, we look forward to seeing the intensity the team brings.
With VCT Stage 3 Masters Berlin taking place this past weekend, Riot Games had to wait before implementing some changes to the game. Accordingly, with the event done,VALORANT patch 3.06 went live immediately. Read on as we offer a short recap of this highly influential change to the way the game is played.
VALORANT Patch 3.06 – Quick Facts
Although Jett is a notable change, there are plenty to highlight, and we’ll offer a short recap below.
Jett steps on the balance scales for an adjustment, two of our Initiators get some tweaks, and five maps get a few stronger crates. Fracture also enters Competitive queue!
Skye – nerfed – has made the Guiding Light ability slower and the Ultimate ability more expensive
KAY/O – buffed – throwables are now more silent and quicker to placer while Ultimate ability improved
Jett – nerfed – one less Cloudburts (now 2), while nerfing the Bladestorm Ultimate to make it more skill-based
Credits: Riot Games
And then, there are some pretty vital changes with the maps too:
The following maps have all had certain crates which used to be made of glass now impenetrable near the bomb plant areas – Fracture, Icebox, Haven, Ascent and Bind
Over the past day, the community has already offered a tonne of feedback behind the changes, especially to beloved operator Jett. We’re excited to see future updates come our way.
Accordingly, this past week of VCT 2021 Stage 3 Masters Berlin took place and concluded. Indeed, as one of the top events for competitive VALORANT, viewership has been under a microscope. Read on for a concise viewership recap for this exciting event.
VCT 2021 Stage 3 Masters – Less than Reykjavik
Credits: Riot Games
Before proceeding, let’s take a chance to thank Esports Charts for the publically available viewership statistics.
Take a look at the standard statistics for the event:
Peak Viewers – 811,370
Average Viewers – 389,971
Hours Watched – 33,407,460
Air Time – 86 Hours
Prize Pool: $700,000
Venue: Offline, Verti Music Hall Berlin
And now, let’s list the statistics for VCT 2021 Stage 2 Masters Reykjavik:
Peak Viewers: 1,085,850
Average Viewers: 488,364
Prize Pool: $600,000
So, as we can see, Stage 3 Masters Berlin was great though couldn’t reach the same peak as VCT Stage 2 Reykjavik.
Credits: Riot Games
Accordingly, the event now stands as the second most viewed esports event for competitive VALORANT. Perhaps, this could be due to the fact that one of the favourites, Sentinels, had an early and surprising exit from the event.
Regardless, the event was simply spectacular, pushing competitive VALORANT to the next level.
It’s been an incredible event so far.Accordingly, VCT Stage 3 Berlin has offered some awesome competition this past week. Now, heading into the final weekend, we only have 4 teams left. Read on as we highlight this final weekend!
VCT Stage 3 Berlin – 4 Teams Left, Sentinels Out
Tomorrow kicks off with a battle of the EMEA giants. What's at stake? Everything.
First things first, we need to address the elephant in the room. Indeed, Sentinels have been 2-0’ed swept in the Quarterfinals by none other than Team Envy. Accordingly, this is their first ever loss ever on LAN VALORANT for Sentinels.
With the favourites out, a new champion looks to be crowned. Here’s how your bracket is looking with two Semifinals left:
100 Thieves vs Team Envy – 18th Sep – 21:00 CEST
Gambit Esports vs G2 Esports – 18th Sep – 18:00 CEST
Grand Final TBD – 19th Sep – 18:00 CEST
It's another NA showdown in the Semifinals. With two big comebacks, @100T_Esports have proven that they’re a top #VALORANTMasters contender.
But @Envy have shown their strength after sending Sentinels home. Who will lead their team to the Finals – Asuna or El Diablo? pic.twitter.com/tfOGQ6Jv7f
So, who do we think is going to win it all? Personally, it’s likely in the hands of Team Envy. Accordingly, after sweeping the reigning champions, all eyes are ont hem to keep up their performance.
Otherwise, the remaining three teams are also incredible competitors. Indeed, we predict a Grand Final between Team Envy and G2 Esports to potentially end the tournament this weekend.
Kicking off last week, the VCT Stage 3 Masters event has taken off. Accordingly, the event is still underway and we’re only in the first few days right now. Bearing this in mind, we’ll be offering a short recap of all the action so far – read on for a VCT Stage 3 Masters Update!
VCT Stage 3 Masters Update – Group Standings
Credits: Riot Games
For those unaware, the event involves a Group Stage followed by the Playoffs.
As of right now, we have four groups still underway, with only a few confirmed seeds for the Playoffs. Below find a quick recap of the groups so far:
Out of all the 15 attending teams, only two so far have made it to the Playoffs. Namely, 100 Thieves and Team Envy have confirmed their spots. Over the next few days, more teams should be joining them.
We’ll be sure to provide an update for the event later on.
With the heart-breaking announcement that Bren Esports couldn’t make it to VCT Stage 3 Masters Berlin, changes were imminent. Indeed, restricted by travelling restrictions, the team was released from Bren Esports only a day ago. However, since then Team Secret Signs Bren Esports and they’re back!
It’s definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions for the roster over the past couple days. Specifically, this is the group of players we’re talking about:
Jim “BORKUM” Timbreza
Kevin “dispenser” Te
Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco
Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan
Riley “Witz” Go
Coach – Gilbert “Gilbo” Sales Jr
Who would have known that after winning the Southeast Asia Stage 3 Challengers Playoffs, they’d end up going to Masters and signing a new team instead?
Credits: Riot Games
Anyways, this is a great opportunity for Team Secret, signing the best team in the region at the moment. Also, by keeping the same core three, the team will maintain their points within the VALORANT Champions Tour.
Notably, this is Team Secret’s first dive into competitive VALORANT and it looks to pay off in the future following the upcoming Masters event.
So, we’ve got a few hours until VCT Stage 3 Berlin kicks off and entertains all of us. Accordingly, competitive VALORANT is about to take off to another level. Indeed, we’ll now take the opportunity to look at the numbers and offer up some thoughts – read on for the VCT Stage 3 Berlin predictions!
VCT Stage 3 Berlin Predictions – Going By Region
When looking at the statistics, there are multiple numbers to consider. The manner in which we’ll approach today’s predictions is by using the Liquipedia Elo rating system viewable here.
Devised as an algorithm designed to properly rank teams in their regions, let’s dive right in.
North America – Everyone Battling for Second?
Credits: Sentinels
We’ll start things off with one of the more popular regions, that of North America.
Sentinels – Rating 2673
100 Thieves – Rating 2357
Team Envy – Rating 2296
So, these are your top three teams heading into this event.
We’ll have to address the elephant in the room. Indeed, Sentinels are your number one team heading into this Masters event. Accordingly, with an almost flawless record, they are the clear top dogs here.
Credits: Riot Games
Now, moving to 100 Thieves and Team Envy, it’s definitely close between the two teams with the edge being given to 100 Thieves ahead of this massive event.
EMEA – A Lot More Interesting
Now, time to review the statistics for the EMEA region here:
Gambit Esports – Rating 2145
Acend – Rating 2073
G2 Esports – Rating 1903
SuperMassive Blaze – Rating 1898
What’s very curious for Europe, is that the statistical top 2 teams – Team Liquid and Fnatic, both did not qualify for the VCT Stage 3 Masters. Yep, both teams flopped out due to some surprising performances from the other teams.
Credits: Riot Games
Specifically, Gambit Esports is your top team heading in from Europe. On the rise, with a four win streak, the team is one to watch.
Beneath them, Acend could make some noise too. Otherwise, G2 Esports and SuperMassive Blaze are not as strong, but definitely determined to try and make something happen at this exciting event.
LATAM and BR – Worth Considering?
Historically, BR and LATAM teams haven’t been able to make much of an impact at the top tier competition so far. Acordingly, KRU Esports, Keyd Stars and Havan Liberty are exciting to watch but always seem to falter against better competition.
Credits: Riot Games
With KRU Esports managing to break 5-6th at Stage 2 Masters, we’re curious to see whether or not the team can dive deeper. Meanwhile, the BR teams are both surprises so could perhaps catch some teams off guard.
No need to use liquipedia ratings here due to the size of the region.
KR, JP and SEA – Underdogs For Sure
Moving over to the three final minor regions. Compared to the previous two, we’ve seen some great competition from these three regions.
Credits: Riot Games
Specifically, in the past teams such as NUTURN Gaming have placed third here. Instead of NUTURN Gaming this time, the best Korean team is Vision Strikers off the back of a 10 win streak.
Over to Japan, we’ll hope to see better results than in the past together with the SEA region.
Concluding with a Tier List
Let’s wrap up our predictions with a quick tier list:
First Tier (favourites) – Sentinels
Second Tier (contenders) – Gambit Esports, Acend, 100 Thieves, Team Envy, Vision Strikers
Third Tier (dark horses) – Paper Rex, G2 Esports, SuperMassive Blaze, KRU Esports
