VCT EU Stage 3

Category: Valorant

How to Watch 2023 VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1 – teams, format, schedule, streams, predictions

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

While the Tier 1 competitionkicks off at the VCT LOCK//IN in February, competitive VALORANT has already fired up. Accordingly, many regions are already hosting Tier 2 competitions as teams try to earn spots with hopes of competing with the best. That seems to be the case for the Japanese region – read on to learn how to watch 2023 VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1 below!

Event Background

Credits: VCT Japan Twitter

As we’ve covered for other regions, the VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1 is the first leg of VALORANT Challengers for 2023 in Japan.

Indeed, the competition has a total of $40,000 of prize on the line, with the event taking place with a mix of Online/Offline. Accordingly, the event will run from 28th January to 19th March, and the best 8 teams in the region are competing for prize and more:

  • FENNEL
  • IGZIST
  • Crazy Raccoon
  • Sengoku Gaming
  • Northeption
  • REJECT
  • SCARZ
  • Crest Gaming Zst

So, apart from the prize pool, more importantly teams are fighting to make it to more competition – here’s how teams will seed from this event:

  • 1-2nd – Split 2 seeds
  • 3-6th – Advance Stage

For those unaware, it’s Split 2 that will crown a regional champion who will directly qualify to Ascension, with the chance of competing with the very best teams in the world for the top prize pools!

Format

Credits: VCT JAPAN

When it comes to format, this event is similar to other events for the other competing regions.

Starting with the Regular Season, competition will run from January 28th to February 10th. Here, all 8 teams will compete in a single round robin – everybody plays one another once and once only. With all matches being BO3, teams will seed into the Playoffs as follows:

  • Top 2 – advance to Upper Bracket Finals
  • 3-6th – advance to Lower Bracket Quarter Finals

Once in the Playoffs, which will take place from February 19th to March 19th, all 6 teams remaining will have to fight through a Double Elimination Bracket.

For those unaware, this bracket works by affording those on the Winner’s side an extra lifeline. Specifically, a loss sends teams to the Loser’s bracket – another loss means elimination. In the Playoffs, all matches are BO5, and Lower Final and Grand Final will be played offline.

Schedule for the 2023 VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1

VCT NA Challengers Stage 3 2
Credits: Riot Games

We won’t be covering the entire event schedule, but feel free to find the first two days of competition below in CET timezone:

Day 1 – January 28th

  • Sengoku Gaming vs REJECT
  • FENNEL vs IGZIST
  • SCARZ vs Northeption
  • Crazy Raccoon vs Crest Gaming Zst

Day 2 – January 29th

  • IGZIST vs Sengoku Gaming
  • Northeption vs Crest Gaming Zst
  • FENNEL vs Crazy Raccoon
  • SCARZ vs REJECT

Feel free to visit the Twitter page here for the full schedule page here.

Watch the 2023 VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1 on esportsguide

Credits: Riot Games

You can also watch the event live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.

2023 VALORANT Challengers Japan Split 1

Predictions

Overall, the last time these teams matched up was back in VCT Japan Stage 2 Challengers Playoffs. Here’s how the competition stacked up back then:

  • #1 – Northeption
  • #2 – ZETA DIVISION
  • #3 – Crazy Raccoon
  • #4 – REJECT

In our opinion, the likes of Northeption and Crazy Raccoon are favoured thanks to their experienced rosters.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

VCT LOCK//IN 2023 Sao Paulo Format – Controversial Single Elimination

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Accordingly, the official 2023 VALORANT competitive season is soon here. Indeed, it all starts with the VCT LOCK//IN 2023. While Riot Games just released some details, the community is a little concerned over the brutal format outlined below!

VCT LOCK//IN 2023 – Brutal Progression System

Credits: VCT

Inviting all of the Partner Teams from all regions, Riot Games also revealed another details, Indeed, with VALORANT just releasing in China, two Chinese teams will be taking part too.

Here’s a list of competitors below:

  • EMEA Partner Team: BBL Esports, FUT Esports, Giants, Karmine Corp, KOI, Natus Vincere, Team Heretics, Team Liquid, Team Vitality
  • Americas Partner Team: 100 Thieves, Cloud99, Evil Geniuses, FURIA Esports, KRU Esports, Leviatan, LOUD, MIBR, NRG, Sentinels
  • Pacific Partner Team: DetonatioN FM, DRX, Gen.G, Global Esports, Paper Rex, Rex Regum Qeon, T1, Talon Esports, Team Secret, ZETA DIVISION
  • China: EDward Gaming, FunPlus Phoenix
VCT NA Challengers Stage 3 2
Credits: Riot Games

However, Riot Games has decided on a Single Elimination bracket. Bearing this in mind, fromthe 32 teams who have to travel all the way to Brazil, 16 will be eliminated after one match.

Indeed, the community has appealed to change this format, but it will likely stay the same. We’ll keep you up to date! Though with stakes as high as they are, competition could be incredible.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

VALORANT Champions 2023 – Reportedly Headed to North America

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

For those unaware, VALORANT Champions is the huge post-season event which takes place each year to round off the season. Accordingly, the venue for such an event is a big deal. Bearing this in mind, there are rumours regarding VALORANT Champions 2023 – it’s likely heading to North America.

VALORANT Champions 2023 – An Exciting Rumour

VCT NA Challengers Stage 3 2
Credits: Riot Games

For context, the VALORANT Champions tour, the highest level of competitive VALORANT, concludes with VALORANT Champions.

For the past few years, the following venues have been used:

  • 2022 VALORANT Champions – Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2021 VALORANT Champions – Berlin, Germany

Anyways, according to reports by BLIX.GG, the venue for this year’s VALORANT Champions event is rumoured to be played in Los Angeles, USA.

Accordingly, this is awesome if true. Indeed, North America is a very popular region for competitive VALORANT.

Credits: Riot Games

In addition, dates have also been revealed. Currently, 7-26th August is rumoured to be the approximate dates which could change.

Accordingly, earlier than expected and in a new venue, we’re already excited for the event.

However, before then, we have a few months of VCT. Specifically, this will involve the best teams in the world trying to get to the best event of the year.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

How to Watch VALORANT Challengers 2023 Brazil Split 1 – teams, format, schedule, streams, predictions

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Ahead of the VALORANT Regional Leagues, there are some smaller fish to fry. Specifically, through Ascension, Challengers teams can make it to the limited spots available in the Regional Leagues. Starting soon, the VALORANT Challengers 2023 Brazil Split 1 looks to kick things off for the region – read on to learn how to watch below!

Event Background

Credits: VCT Brazil Twitter

For those unaware, competitive VALORANT this year has multiple tiers of competition. Unlike last year, VALORANT Challengers is now the second tier of competition. As we’ll reiterate, teams are trying to qualify for Tier 1 events – and it all starts with Split 1.

Featuring the top 8 teams in the region of Brazil, this first Split gets things started. Taking place from 18th January to 19th March, the event will offer $78,561 of prize pool on the line for the competing teams. Find them listed below:

Invited Teams

  • 00 Nation
  • Liberty
  • TBK Esports
  • Keyd Stars

Closed Qualifier Teams

  • ODDIK
  • The Union
  • RED Canids
  • TropiCaos

Read on as we dive into some event details below!

Format

Credits: VCT Brazil Twitter

With regards to the format, there will be two stages of competition.

Starting with the regular season, all 8 teams of 5 will compete in a single round robin. For those unaware, this means that teams will play each other once where all matches are BO3.

Once all teams have played each other once, teams will be seeded into the Playoffs as follows:

  • Top 6 – advance to Playoffs
  • Top 2 – advance to Semifinals

Furthermore, one in the Playoffs, teams will have to fight through a double elimination bracket to stay alive. With everyone starting on the Winner’s Bracket, teams will battle through BO3 matches to make it to the Grand Final.

For those unaware, a loss in the Winner’s Bracket means a team falls to the Loser’s Bracket – an additional loss results in elimination.

Everything will conclude with a BO5 Grand Final, crowning a regional VALORANT Challengers champions. Overall, a high placement gives teams a better chance to qualify to more important events down the line.

Schedule for the VALORANT Challengers 2023 Brazil Split 1

VCT EU Stage 3
Credits: Riot Games

With reagrds to the schedule, find the first two weeks listed below in the CET timezone:

Week 1

January 18th

  • Keyd Stars vs RED Canids (21:00)
  • Liberty vs ODDIK (00:00)

January 19th

  • 00 Nation vs UNION (21:00)
  • TropiCaos vs TBK Esports (00:00)

Week 2

January 25th

  • TBK Esports vs ODDIK (21:00)
  • 00 Nation vs RED Canids (00:00)

January 26th

  • TropiCaos vs Liberty (21:00)
  • UNION vs Keyd Stars (00:00)

For a full schedule, feel free to view the event here.

Watch the VALORANT Challengers 2023 Brazil Split 1 on esportsguide

You can also watch the event live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.

VALORANT Challengers 2023: Brazil Split 1

Predictions

Credits: Riot Games

Heading into this event, there are two groups of competitors.

There are the four teams who qualified via Closed Qualifiers and there are four teams who were invited. Those who are invited are favourites as they were invited due to previous performances.

For example, at the last regional event, VCT 2022 Brazil Stage 2, here’s how the standings are:

  • 3rd – Keyd Stars
  • 7-8th – TBK Esports
  • 9-10th – Liberty

Bearing this in mind, Keyd Stars are the favourites unless the Closed Qualifier teams can surprise.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

VALORANT 2023 New Map Changes – Split Edits and Lotus Revealed

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Last year, Riot Games revealed that VALORANT would be entering a map pool rotation of 7 maps. Accordingly, this looks to improve the game for both casuals and competitors while also keeping things fresh. Indeed, read on as we discuss the VALORANT 2023 New Map Changes below!

VALORANT 2023 New Map – A Healthy Rotation

Credits: VALORANT Twitter

So, two things are happening to VALORANT as of 10th January.

Firstly, Split is coming back. Indeed, featuring a number of changes across the map, Riot Games has tweaked it to improve the flow of the map. Involving multiple changes, we recommend visiting the VALORANT Twitter where changes have been shown through the above images.

Secondly, a new map has been revealed to the community – Lotus. Offering three bomb sites and new mechanics, such as destructable doors and a rotating doors, we’re not quite sure how to react to this new map.

Credits: VALORANT Twitter

While content creators get to try their hand starting today, the community will have to wait for 10th January to try their hands as Episode 6: REVELATION kicks off.

We can’t wait to see how this changes the game and the competitive meta in the future!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Evil Geniuses Game Changers 2023 – Signing Former 100T Coach

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Indeed, Game Changers is truly ramping up and organizations are tyring to be in the best spot to grab some wins next season. Accordingly, the Evil Geniuses Game Changers 2022 is the in the process of rebuilding. Read on as we discuss some ongoing changes!

Evil Geniuses Game Changers – A Building Process

Screenshot e
Credits: Riot Games

Within the context of Game Changers North America, Evil Geniuses is particularly new. Indeed, signing the former Dignitas Female roster in August, the organization is new to the space.

Since signing that roster, they’ve made some changes and the roster is currently rebuilding. Here’s the active roster as of right now:

  • Melisa “Theia” Mundorff
  • Juliana “showliana” Maransaldi
  • Stefanie “Stefanie” Jones
VCT NA Challengers Stage 3 2
Credits: Riot Games

Indeed, it’s argued that most great teams, have a great coach. Bearing this in mind, the likes of Jovanni “Jovi” Vera, the former 100 Thieves coach and OpTic Gaming analyst, will be signing to the roster.

Using such experience, we’re curious to see how they build the remainder of the roster ahead of the VALORANT Game Changers 2023 roster. We’ll be sure to keep up to date to see whether EG is looking to contend!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

NiP VALORANT Game Changers 2023 – Entering the Scene

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

In the past year, VALORANT Game Changers has proven to be, well, game-changing. Accordingly, more organizations are getting on board and forming rosters of their own. Bearing this in mind, news regarding NiP VALORANT Game Changers 2023 is exciting indeed!

NiP VALORANT Game Changers – Investing in Europe

Credits: NiP VALORANT Twitter

Specifically, the likes of NiP has signed three EMEA players to build around:

  • Paige “Padge” Thomas
  • Oyku “OYKU” Buyuk
  • Nelly “Raina” Sosobrado

Having been a part of VALORANT since the beginning, it’s great to see NiP investing in the competitive circuit for marginalized genders.

Despite missing out on the franchising program for the mainstream competition, it’s great to see the team invest elsewhere instead of leaving the esport.

So, are the signed players any good? Well, all three have been sourced from the former Rix.GG Lightning team (UK).

Screenshot e
Credits: Riot Games

Since teaming, they’ve offered some life in the Game Changers EMEA scene:

  • 5-6th @ VCT 2022 Game Changers EMEA Series 3
  • 3rd @ VCT 2022 Game Changers EMEA Series 2
  • 2nd @ VCT 2021: Game Changers EMEA Series 1

Curiously, the other two players from this organization don’t seem to have been signed to NiP. We’ll be curious to see how they build the remaining team.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

VALORANT Game Update 2023 – Releasing in China

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Indeed, in order for an esport to be as successful as possible, the title needs to be available. Accordingly, a recent VALORANT Game Update 2023 has released the title in China. Read on as we discuss how this may reflect on the esport below!

VALORANT Game Update 2023 – Big Steps Forward

Credits: Riot Games

Out of all the regions in the world, China has the highest number of active esports players, with some of the best viewership in the world.

Indeed, titles such as League of Legends and Dota 2 who make the most of this viewership enjoy the success of the region.

However, for those unaware, the problem with esports in China is that the government is strict over what titles are allowable. Heading into 2023, it seems that the Chinese government has approved the release of VALORANT in the country.

VCT EU Stage 3
Credits: Riot Games

Currently, there are already professional Chinese teams in VALORANT such as EDward Gaming, enjoying limited success internationally.

Accordingly, an increase in accessibility will help grow the scene in the region and perhaps, it could really help with the growth of competitive VALORANT overall.

Indeed, we can’t wait to see how this change affects the esport!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

NA VALORANT Challengers 2023 – Open Qualifiers Incoming

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

Indeed, heading into 2023, VALORANT is enjoying a competitive format overhaul. Indeed, beneath the regional leagues, Challengers will still be ongoing. Accordingly, read on as we preview NA VALORANT Challengers 2023 with newly released details below!

NA VALORANT Challengers 2023 – Fact Sheet

Credits: Knights Arena Twitter

For those unaware, the Challengers Series Open Qualifiers will be the very first step. To kick things off, there’ll be two Open Qualifier events:

  • First Open Qualifier – 9-13th January
  • Second Open Qualifier – 17-22nd January
  • Participants: more than 250 teams
  • Stakes: securing a Challengers team slot, chance to join Americas Ascension

Accordingly, all matches will be played on patch 5.12. This will appy to the first two weeks of the Challengers League.

With regards to the remainder of the NA Challengers season, Knights Arena revealed it as follows:

  • January – Challenger Open Qualifier
  • February – Challenger Split 1
  • March – Mid-Season Invitational
  • April – Challenger Split 2
  • May – Challenger Playoffs
  • July – Ascension Tournament
VCT NA Challengers Stage 3 2
Credits: Riot Games

Accordingly, everything starts with these qualifiers.

Indeed, we’re not sure about the other regions, but NA is releasing all the details. Accordingly, the Challengers League will only feature the 12 top teams. Indeed, read the original press release here.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date on esportsguide!

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news

Esports Tier List 2022 Q4 – A Conclusive Look at the Year

Posted on by Gabriel Sciberras

As is tradition at esportsguide, we love working on an Esports Tier List every now and then. Indeed, following the conclusion of some of the largest esports events ever, now is the best time ever. Accordingly, feel free to read on for an updated list for Esports Tier List 2022 Q4!

Indeed, as always, we’ll fill you in on the same criteria we’ve always used to dictate our tier lists:

  • Event Proportions – Size of prize pools, number of participants, third and first party organizers, environment and arena capacities
  • Event frequency – is the year bursting with competition or solely reliant on infrequent first-party organizers
  • Competitiveness – the level of competition in an esports scene is related to its livelihood
  • State of the community – health of the lower tier sectors and general condition of the esport as a dynamic entity
Credits: Garena

Accordingly, with that taken care of, always remember that these lists are subject to our opinion too. Otherwise, we’ll be listing the top viewership from the time period, although it’s not the only factor considered. We’re not looking at growth – just where they stand.

Tier 1 – Welcoming VALORANT and Free Fire – Esports Tier List 2022

  • LoL – 2022 World Championship – Peak Viewers 5,147,701
  • CS:GO – PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – Peak Viewers 2,113,610
  • Dota 2 – The International 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,751,086
  • VALORANT – VALORANT Champions 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,505,804
  • Free Fire – Free Fire World Series 2022 Sentosa – Peak Viewers 1,477,545
Heroic BLAST
Credits: BLAST

So, let’s talk about the changes involved here. Firstly, since our last Esports Tier List, we’ve decided to promote VALORANT to Tier 1 after an incredible second season, breaking the million peak viewer mark.

In addition, we’ve decided to demote PUBG Mobile from Tier 1 to Tier 2 due to a quieter year, failing to reach the same level of viewership. In contrast, Free Fire managed to grow in the past year and have earned a spot as the top Mobile Esport in the world.

Otherwise, LoL and CS:GO retain their spots as the two very best esports in the world, each having incredible years. Although still worthy of Tier 1, Dota had a rough year and will look to improve next year.

Tier 2 – Multiple Promotions and Demotions

  • PUBG Mobile – 31st Southeast Asian Games PUBG Mobile – Peak Viewers 903,011
  • AoG – Arena of Glory Winter 2022 – Peak Viewers 644,383
  • Rocket League – RLCS 21-22 World Championship – Peak Viewers 368,721
  • Overwatch League – OWL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 397,868
  • CoD – CDL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 275,244
Screenshot e
Credits: Psyonix

While Tier 1 has remained somewhat the same, Tier 2 has seen multiple changes since last year.

Perhaps the most impressive climber is the likes of Rocket League – after an impressive year with constant improvement in viewership, the esport is kicking up very well. They’re climb to Tier 2 from Tier 3 is joined by AoG which has remained consistent over the past two years.

Also, Overwatch has made the jump thanks to a much needed improvement of viewership from last year. In fact, it was doubled this year thanks to the excitement behind Overwatch 2.

As we explained prior, for now we’ve had to demote PUBG Mobile to Tier 2 as they’ve failed to be consistent this past year. Let’s see if things improve next year.

Tier 3 – Halo Infinite Making a Mark

  • Halo World Championship 2022 – Peak Viewers 143,585
  • FIFA – FIFA eWorld Cup 2022 – Peak Viewers 149,465
  • PUBG – PUBG Nations Cup – Peak Viewers 239,112
  • Rainbow Six Siege – Six Invitational 2022 – Peak Viewers 262,714
Overwatch 2
Credits: Blizzard

Here in Tier 3, the likes of Halo and FIFA are newcomers. With Halo restarting esports operations this year, it joins an improving FIFA scene which returned with offline events this year.

Meanwhile, we’ve decided to demote PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege as they both seem to be lacking growth. Bearing this in mind, both esports are making big changes for 2023 in search of success.

Tier 4 – Wild Rift Experiment Failing?

Screenshot e
Credits: Blizzard
  • StarCraft II – IEM Katowice 2022 – Peak Viewers 50,635
  • Fortnite – Fortnite Champions Series 2022 Invitational – Peak Viewers 381,915
  • Hearthstone – Hearthstone World Championship – Peak Viewers 21,786
  • Wild Rift – Icons Global Championship 2022 – Peak Viewers – 54,261

Meanwhile, here in Tier 4 we have the likes of StarCraft II, Fortnite and Wild Rift all in need of some improvement.

In conclusion, we can confidently say that Hearthstone is in a dire spot.

For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news