S Tier - FNATIC, LOUD
A Tier - DRX, PRX, NRG, Liquid
B Tier - NAVI, FUT, T1
C Tier - EG, EDG
D Tier - ASE
FNATIC still looks like a tournament favorite despite losing the EMEA Grand Final. Liquid seems to have their number though, having either played them close or straight up beating them rather convincingly. This does mean FNATIC isn't unstoppable, but with them having to lose twice to get eliminated, it's hard for me to pick them to not make top 3.
LOUD is hot and is only getting hotter. The loss to NRG seems like a distant memory, and this team could not be stopped in playoffs.
DRX is a borderline S Tier team. However they have lost 3 out of their last 6 games which clearly puts them below LOUD and FNATIC.
PRX is S Tier with something. They might not be fnatic or loud level, but they would beat any team that isn't the aforementioned imo. However no something means PRX will likely be weaker, the question is by how much? I still have faith in PRX, especially with not being in groups, to make a deep run.
NRG is really good. Given the chance they could win the tourney, but having to play in groups, as well as their performance against loud in the Grand Finals makes me believe they will be no higher that top 3.
Team Liquid looks like they're peaking at the right time. I want to put them higher, but I think this event is their real chance to prove that they are truly elite. I give them a solid chance to win the whole thing. They could've also peaked at the worst time and come crashing down when it matters most (think of G2 last year).
NAVI is my biggest question mark. Even if they are saving strats, there is no way they should've finished 4th in EMEA . However, I think they'll likely make me eat shit for this and finish in the top 6 of this event (at least). I can't in good conscience put them in A Tier with how mediocre they have looked though.
FUT is pretty good. They're also pretty inconsistent. However I think the cards are in their favor. They just got to beat a demonless EG and ASE to make playoffs. However if they make playoffs (and they should) they'd clearly be the worst playoff team and I'd pick them to g0 0-2 in playoffs.
T1 is peaking at the right time too. However they haven't really beat a top tier team yet. They did look great against DRX, but I still think they need more time.
EG without demon could be decent, they do have the advantage of playing with nothing to lose. They already made Champs, and everyone expects them to lose. I actually think they will beat FUT in their first match, but I would bet my house that DRX would beat EG, and FUT would win the rematch imo.
EDG is a good Chinese team. But the Chinese valorant scene is still far behind the other 3 regions and EDG being the best Chinese team probably isn't the best sign since they just end up playing like fnatic if they all were on crack. (Elite aim, completely nonsensical strats)
ASE is not very good imo. They lose both games 2-0 imo and likely get dumpstered.
Discord