Valorant Champions kicks off today and concludes on September 18. The prestigious event has 16 teams fighting for the title as the world's greatest. Eight will make it out of the group stage, but only one can be crowned the winner.

Who will survive and become the world's best? Who will fall short? What match do you want to see during these three weeks? We asked a handful of VLR.gg writers these questions and predictions for Champions.

What team will be your winner?

FerahgoTheGreat:

I am sticking with my bias and picking LOUD LOUD Brazil Rank #2 dgzin Douglas Silva v1nny Vínicius Gonçalves pANcada Bryan Luna tuyz Arthur Andrade cauanzin Cauan Pereira to win it all. No other minor region team has gotten as close as them to taking a major title. They have tactics and teamwork that far surpass anyone in their region, skill to rival anyone in the world, and now the experience to take them to the end.

ChickenJoe:

Definitely not biased at all but XSET XSET Inactive . I think in Masters Copenhagen they got thrown into the deep end due to missing groups, but not being immediately placed into playoffs will definitely help them build up some momentum at Champs. NA is indisputably the best region in the game so of course they're going to be taking home the trophy. Sorry not sorry, Eutalyx.

Eutalyx:

I am an EMEA fanboy through thick and thin so I'm placing my bets on FNATIC FNATIC Europe Rank #3 Sayonara Ștefan Mîtcu stand-in Boaster Jake Howlett kaajak Kajetan Haremski Chronicle Timofey Khromov Alfajer Emir Ali Beder . This was the year they got their first title ever, in EMEA, and this is also the year they'll get their first global trophy. The stars are aligning properly and Alfajer is now 100% integrated. If ChickenJoe was right, NA would have more titles than EMEA (spoiler alert: they don't!).

PancakeGOAT:

Even as a non-EMEA fanboy, I will also be picking FNATIC to win Champions. When Fracture was added to the map pool, FNATIC struck me as one of the better teams on the map. With Pearl now in, I expect that same story to be told in Istanbul.

DazzleAlec:

Ahead of every tournament, I have unreasonably high belief in whichever team I wrote a preview for. The same is true now, so I'm putting my full faith in FunPlus Phoenix FunPlus Phoenix Inactive SUYGETSU Dmitry Ilyushin Zyppan Pontus Eek ANGE1 Kyrylo Karasov Shao Andrey Kiprsky ardiis Ardis Svarenieks . For once I think this is actually a prediction within reason, as they're the defending champions and played at an insanely high level in Copenhagen. I see no reason why they couldn't win again.

TMosura:

APAC true and blue. I think Paper Rex Paper Rex Asia-Pacific Rank #3 mindfreak Aaron Leonhart Jinggg Wang Jing Jie f0rsakeN Jason Susanto d4v41 Khalish Rusyaidee something Ilya Petrov have shown great improvement throughout the year and it showed with their evolution of playstyle. Even with losing one of their most played map in Split from the active pool, the addition of Pearl should give an interesting perspective on how Paper Rex's style adapt to the more close quarters, aim-heavy layout. f0rsakeN and Jinggg is still the mesmerizing duo that people gawk at and the rest of the team with d4v41, mindfreak, and Benkai shows that as a collective, their cohesion and cooperation amongst the chaos is still their biggest advantage.

redlight:

I am going with Paper Rex. Their gradual improvement over the course of the year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I think it would be perfect to end the year off with a championship win.

Zahk:

I may be a tad biased, cause APAC, but I'm going to bet on Paper Rex. They've shown continuous improvement over the course of the year and were only one game away from winning Masters Copenhagen. Besides, other teams might have star players but no one else showcases the same level of chaotic devastation that f0rsakeN and Jinggg herald.

Seulgi:

Despite my DRX obsession, EDward Gaming EDward Gaming China Rank #1 S1Mon Hsien Meng-Hsun (谢孟勋) ZmjjKK Zheng Yongkang (郑永康) nobody Wang Senxu (王森旭) CHICHOO Wan Shunzhi (万顺治) Smoggy Zhang Zhao (张钊) will be the ones to take it home. These guys are the scrim lords in Asia. It's like if you took Brazil in 2021 and amplified it. They will show no mercy, will run it down at you, and they'll still manage to win the round off a crazy multikill by Life. So many pros in Asia have talked about how good Chinese teams are in scrims, and I believe that'll transfer over internationally. As long as EDG abandons that horrid Raze and Jett Bind comp.

What team will fall short as the finalist?

FerahgoTheGreat:

In an all green Reykjavik rematch, defeating OpTic will be LOUD's fitting final triumph. FPX has a shot, but I don't trust the consistency of some of their individual players yet. As long as OpTic don't have to face EMEA twice, they can continue their run as the most consistent international team of the year.

ChickenJoe:

Fnatic are pretty much guaranteed to get out of their group, so I'm sure they can make their way through the playoffs if they go up against the right teams. Pretty hopeful for 100 Thieves as well, but unless they're fully prepared for each match and have a decent counter-strat for each team, they most likely won't make it past groups.

Eutalyx:

There is 200% a world where FNATIC and FPX will face each other before the finals come. If that's not an elimination match, those two will fight for the world championship. If we get that bad luck again, FNATIC will have to plow through OpTic.

PancakeGOAT:

I have a really tough time narrowing down the top teams at this event, there are five teams I could see winning the event. I could see any of FPX, OpTic, PRX, and LOUD meeting FNATIC in the final. A FNATIC-OpTic finals would be extremely hype, but I'll pick Paper Rex to fall just short. Again. :(

DazzleAlec:

As much as they've been the villain in my EMEA-centric mind for how boringly good they are, I cannot deny that OpTic has been on top of their game all season, and I'm expecting them to make a run to the grand final. I could see either of the other EMEA teams ending up here too, both FNATIC and Liquid have been looking good. As much as I would like to see a minor region team make it to the finals, I don't believe in any specific one enough to predict them here.

TMosura:

I could see a world where a Copenhagen rematch can happen again. FPX shows that they have the mentality, sheer willpower, and mechanical skill to outmatch every opponent they face against. If teams still can't find at least a solution to slow, if not halt Paper Rex's momentum in the early game, I can see the APAC-side having a great time going into the finals again.

redlight:

I struggled very hard and went back and forth with this pick, but I have come to the conclusion that OpTic will excorcise their EMEA demons and make a run to the playoffs. Although they will fall short because the joyous whimsy and aggression of PRX will be too much for OpTic to handle once more.

Zahk:

I'm going to say it's going to be DRX vs Paper Rex, assuming DRX manages to overcome the EMEA juggernauts, but FNATIC vs Paper Rex is also a possibility.

Seulgi:

I think this'll be OpTic. The Green Wall can only stand so high, and I think other teams that aren't LOUD, EMEA, and APAC are finally going to be able to climb that wall. But I think for OpTic, to make it to finals will be very scrapy. Maybe they'll barely win against an EMEA team at last, but I think there's a couple of options that could be here too.

Who's your pick for MVP?

FerahgoTheGreat:

It is virtually unheard of for a player to win the MVP without winning the tournament, and since I picked LOUD, I am going with aspas. He had a quiet showing at Copenhagen, but he's proven that he can go toe to toe with the best players in the world.

ChickenJoe:

Either zekken or Cryocells due to the extreme fragging power they bring to their team. I think if they're able to pop enough heads with the right kind of support, matches are as good as theirs.

Eutalyx:

Derke. Even with any meta changes, he's still going to shine and rip everyone's heads off. He doesn't care if you're aspas, zekken or Cryocells. You're not winning a duel against him.

PancakeGOAT:

A hometown hero. Alfajer, the only Turkish player at the event. Behind Jinngg and f0rsaken, Alfajer and Derke are the best 1-2 punch in the world. They might even prove they're the best at Champions.

DazzleAlec:

If you thought SUYGETSU was good after only half a tournament, wait until you see what he can do when he's playing the entire event.

TMosura:

While I think people might give it to either f0rsakeN or Jinggg, I'm leaning towards the latter. Jinggg ults aside, he's the perfect duo to a player like f0rsakeN and I doubt that anyone else would have the synergy to play besides him with that playstyle.

redlight:

Even though OpTic will fall short, Marved will prove his worth as the best Controller in the world. Even if he is a controller, he frags out like a duelist and gives so much support to his team, and I think he is the most well-rounded player in the world.

Zahk:

I mean, looking at the stats which Paper Rex have managed so far, Jinggg is my best bet. However, seeing SUYGETSU is going to be here from the onset of the tournament, he might just steal it away.

Seulgi:

This is gonna be MaKo's time in the spotlight. Despite all the praise, I still think he's still incredibly underrated for how much he actually provides for DRX. He has some of the highest KAST in the world, and is consistently near the top of the scoreboard always. Domestically, he's pulled DRX out of so many bad situations.

Who's your darkhorse?

FerahgoTheGreat:

XSET. Cryocells and zekken form one of the best duos at the event, and XSET have better tactical play than many give them credit for. While I don't think they can sustain a championship run, they are a threat to any team they face.

ChickenJoe:

XERXIA. People keep forgetting how great of a team they are and what they're capable of. They've had plenty of time to prep for Champs and I'm super excited to see what they've cooked up.

Eutalyx:

I have famously said that Liquid always find their way and stumble onto wins that they really shouldn't have, and I'm keeping that opinion. Last time they made changes for LCQ, they beat Sentinels 2-1 and Cloud9 2-0. If I was OpTic, XSET, or 100 Thieves… I'd keep my eyes peeled.

PancakeGOAT:

KRÜ. After placing T4 at last Champions, they've only managed one series win at the Masters events this year. They looked amazing at SA LCQ, and I'm taking them to get out of their group and to even do some damage in the playoffs.

DazzleAlec:

I've been a big fan of 100 Thieves ever since they overhauled their project in Stage 2, and I was delighted to see them win LCQ. I also think it's only a matter of time before an NA team that isn't OpTic gets a big international result, and I believe 100 Thieves has the talent to make that happen.

TMosura:

EDG. I know, I know, bandwagon. But I've been following this iteration of EDG since their inception and see how much they've grown not just regionally, but faced with interregional competition in the East Asia LCQ. I know there'll be some LAN jitters that might cause some problems, but if all five players perform the way they did during the LCQ, I think they can cause some damage.

redlight:

ZETA DIVISION. I have always been high on Japan, and I will always stick to that sentiment. Sure, they are weakened by the loss of TENNN, but after the small but stellar showing Xdll had as an initiator (even as a controller) on BLUE BEES, I believe that ZETA DIVISION has the capability and knowledge to defy all odds and make a deep run. After all, they did it at Reykjavik, why wouldn't they do it at Champions?

Zahk:

After writing the preview for 100T and having the privilege to speak with Sean Gares, I think 100T, if they make it through groups, will definitely be a team to steal the show away. Derrek in particular has one of the highest clutch percentages, and the team itself isn't one to be taken lightly given how fast they've improved and their performance during the LCQ.

Seulgi:

This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I seriously think DRX is being underrated. People are overlooking that every time they lose it's been incredibly close, besides the FPX rematch, but that's just because a rematch with a core member is going to be a nightmare. I think if Rb and BuZz can show up better than ever before, DRX can seriously make a run. They're going to be coming in with a desire for results. That'll fuel them to exceed expectations, as long as the pressure hopefully doesn't get to them again.

One player that will be a surprise

FerahgoTheGreat:

FURIA are unlikely to make a deep run, but nzr should still hold his own. He hasn't put up the flashy plays or big statistical performances of some of his teammates nor received the esteem of major region flexes like Chronicle or Suygetsu, but he is one of the most consistent players in South America even when FURIA lose as evidenced by his strong Champions 2021 showing.

ChickenJoe:

I think bang will surprise everyone. His aim's always been crazy in these online tournaments, and his transition over to a smokes player gave him the anchor potential that every team needs. Whether the surprise will be a good or bad one due to this being his first LAN event will be up to the preparation done by himself, the team, and staff.

Eutalyx:

This is dimasick's time to shine. He's been playing in a different role and is still getting acclimated to how Liquid works — after all, they didn't have much time together — but by Champions he'll just be another piece of the puzzle.

PancakeGOAT:

The hype is all around ZmjjKK for EDG, but his teammate nobody is just as impressive. His utility usage on the initiator role is sublime and the fragging is top tier. That's right, I think nobody will be a surprise at Champions.

DazzleAlec:

I think group A looks ripe for upsets and unexpected results. I was really impressed with adverso's play at Copenhagen, and if Leviatán manage to make a deep run I think he will play a major part in the team's success.

TMosura:

I'd have to agree with Pancake here. Nobody as an initiator really gave a more aggressive and dynamic perspective into how the role can be played.

redlight:

I am also going for an EDG player, but it's neither ZmjjKK nor nobody: my pick is CHICHOO. Like a controller main, CHICHOO has flown under everyone's radar, but he has been the unsung hero in clutches, and his utility usage was fairly solid in East Asia LCQ. Even going against the world's elites in the controller role, I think CHICHOO's teamplay and fragging are solid enough to get EDG far.

Zahk:

I'm going to join my brethren and go with ZmjjKK, his stats are terrifying. I also think if the lack of LAN experience doesn't affect him, Derrek is definitely another player to watch out for.

Seulgi:

SugarZ3ro has been one of my favorite players during ZETA's dream run, and I think he'll surprise again. He's always looked great on ZETA, especially during Reykjavik where he really got to shine. His Astra and Viper utility is some of the best in the world, although I am concerned if he can't play Brimstone or Omen to par with his main agents. All in all, he's an insanely smart aimer and player, and I'm excited to see him again.

What is your dream match?

FerahgoTheGreat:

KRU vs. LOUD. Even if LOUD win the title, fans won't be satisfied until KRU falls to Brazilian hands. KRU have never lost to a minor region team outside of their own region, and their 8-0 run against Brazil has reached almost mythical status, but they will have their work cut out if they face LOUD again. As LOUD's coach bzkA said to me; “we are always prepared to end their streak.”

ChickenJoe:

100T vs. either PRX or FPX. I want to see what kind of counter-stratting can be done against PRX's aggressiveness (as was seen at Copenhagen) and how the coaching staff on the side of 100T prepares the team for FPX. Honestly no preference, but I just want to watch a match with some crazy plays and angry coaches.

Eutalyx:

FNATIC vs. FPX, I feel like we haven't really seen those two fight each other. On a more serious note, any game that involves EDG and/or BOOM will be exciting to watch as the two big newcomers onto the international stage. They'll require some extra care that people won't know to expect because of how fresh they are and — in the case of EDG — how little accessible review material there is.

PancakeGOAT:

I really want to see OpTic against one of FPX or FNATIC. For how exceptional OpTic has been over the past year, they've still never beaten an EMEA team. OpTic will have to wait for the chance to appear in the playoff stage. An elimination match with the storylines and inevitable trash talk would be glorious.

DazzleAlec:

There's so many matchups I'm looking forward to that it's hard to pick just one. Primarily I'm excited to see the new teams play, so I think Paper Rex vs. EDG is a great match to look out for. I think both these teams are hard not to root for and there's bound to be some insane plays in the server, so this will undoubtedly be an exciting match.

TMosura:

Technically EDG vs PRX is already my dream match! Both teams are compared towards each other but there are some miniscule nuances that many people might not caught on at first. It'll be interesting if both teams decide to immediately go all out or trying to size each other first for some of the opening rounds.

redlight:

I have so many in mind, and as much as I wanted to put a ZETA match here, the one I want to see is FNATIC vs EDG. They are very similar in terms of pound-for-pound fragging but very different stylistically. I really want to see whether the tactically sound FNC can stop the madhouse executions of EDG.

Zahk:

Oh man, there are so many! I'd have to say that for me, I'd love to watch DRX vs EDG. The most strat-focused team facing off against EDG who embody aggression should be interesting, to say the least. Like TMosura though, I'm already super hyped about PRX vs EDG, and that's definitely a matchup I'd kill to have been able to see if not already in the brackets.

Seulgi:

I'd love to see EDG or Leviatan go against ZETA. All three of these teams have some insane aimers, and the scrappy style of EDG and Leviatan go hand in hand with ZETA's methodical approach. I'm not sure which of ZmjjKK and nobody or Tacolilla and Melser would be a better duo to see go up against ZETA, who are filled with many individual traits that define who they are as a team. I'd prefer to see Leviatan, but EDG would also be great to see as it's their first go internationally.