The time has come once more. With Champions right around the corner, VLR is back with another writers' roundtable. Last year's Champions was a culmination of the greatest storylines of the open circuit era. This time around, there are a host of new players, metas, and narratives looking to be added to the history books in the first Champions of the partnership era.
We asked our cast of versed and venerated Valorant writers to present their predictions and opinions for this momentous occasion. Are our takes prescient or erroneous? Time to find out.
How much playtime will Deadlock see?
FerahgoTheGreat:
Very limited. I could see some ambitious teams -cough NAVI cough- trying Deadlock on a map or two due to sentinels being the most replaceable role, but I don't think she will achieve widespread success. Aside from her Barrier Mesh, her utility leaves a lot to be desired.
ChickenJoe:
I think she'll make an appearance maybe once or twice on a certain map but I really doubt any teams would risk trying to master her kit right before the biggest tournament of the year. She's got some nice abilities but overall isn't worth putting time into right before Champs.
ONCEUponATime:
I doubt top teams will utilize her all that much, but some underdogs may try to gain an upperhand by mastering the agent “first.”
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
More than Reyna, less than Neon. You can fight me on that. Nobody is risking using Deadlock when the alternatives are much better than her.
DavisEZ:
Somebody will play it and then no one will.
TMosura:
It depends if the teams' had their time's worth of theorycrafting and scrimming with her. She's a very specific agent with specific set of utilities that honestly might not work in most of the maps unless you are VERY daring. It's Champions, and unless someone does have any bright ideas, I have money that it'll be on a limited play time.
redlight:
I don't expect a lot of teams to play Deadlock since this is the pinnacle event of the year and said teams will be set in their ways in terms of comps. Although EG and even NAVI have been known to cook up some crazy comps so maybe they'll play the agent.
PancakeGOAT:
I would hope very little. I don't think she provides more value than any of the other sentinels. The only way I see Deadlock played is in tandem with another sentinel on a map like Split. Maybe a team or two will play her instead of Killjoy on Ascent to try and break up the meta composition on that map.
Zahk:
I think she's overrated unless its a 1v1 and she has her ult and can hit a skillshot. The other ‘anchor' focused sentinels are just better for defense. But I can see a team like PRX kinda use her uniquely in certain situations, though I still think she's weak.
DazzleAlec:
I desperately need NAVI to stop overthinking their comps and just shoot their guns. However, if any team is going to pick up Deadlock, my bets would be on them. Aside from a one-time appearance, I don't see any team building a serious comp around Deadlock.
Which team will make an unexpected deep run?
FerahgoTheGreat:
I have been a big believer in Giants since their inception. The group of chaos could be just what they need to get warmed up. Their individual level can match up well against many of the contenders.
ChickenJoe:
KRÜ Esports are still being slept on heading into Champions. Despite going 0-9 in the Americas League they ran through the LCQ to qualify, and I think it goes to show how good of a team they can be with the right amount of prep. If they don't, I know Bilibili Gaming won't let me down.
ONCEUponATime:
Zeta Division. They'll either do the thing, or they'll go out in flames. I see no other alternatives. Also, Laz on Chamber.
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
EDG. Get ready to learn chinese, buddy.
DavisEZ:
Considering the reports on internal issues within the LOUD camp and NAVI's underwhelming performances as of late I expect DRX to have a solid shot of making it out of groups. If they can manage to solidify their roster and get some lucky matchups I can see a solid top six or four finish at Champions.
TMosura:
Do PRX with something count as an “unexpected dream run”? If not, I am a firm believer that EDG have shown their worth on the international stage. They've shocked the world in Tokyo, and if they keep improving and finetune their playstyle, I can see them going much, much further. But hey, ZETA and Laz Chamber go brr.
redlight:
I may be biased since it is my user flair, but T1. They have 4 players that have veteran LAN experience — three who made a grand final appearance at least once, and came VERY close to qualifying for playoffs as a top seed at Tokyo. This is T1's time to oust the Korean throne from DRX.
PancakeGOAT:
I am also going with KRÜ to partially continue the Cinderella run from the Americas LCQ. If they can keep up their form heading into Champions, I think they match up well with Paper Rex and EDG in their group. After that, who knows what sort of chaos could erupt in the playoffs stage.
Zahk:
It's gotta be FUT. I feel like Turkish players just have that ‘it' factor when it comes to raw aim and stratwise the team has steadily shown prowess over the season. FUT and EDG are both forces to watch out for IMO
DazzleAlec:
I was extremely high on FUT during the regular season, and I was super happy to be right when they qualified for Tokyo. However, I was very underwhelmed by their actual Masters performance, to the point that I'm completely discounting them now. I don't think I'm the only person writing them off for this tournament, but I would be open to being surprised.
Over/under on the number of shorty kills?
FerahgoTheGreat:
22
ChickenJoe:
At least 27
ONCEUponATime:
I'll go in the middle and say 25.
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
Exactly 72.
DavisEZ:
Exactly 95.
TMosura:
42, the universal answer.
redlight:
Somewhere in the 50s, so probably 57.
PancakeGOAT:
I'm setting the line at 60.
Zahk:
I'll say 40s so 46, I don't know why
DazzleAlec
It simply has to be 81.
Which region will reign supreme?
FerahgoTheGreat:
I have previously stated that the Americas League is deeper than EMEA. That being said, FNATIC sit in a league of their own, and by virtue of having more slots, EMEA brings too many other good teams for me to not pick them.
ChickenJoe:
As a REAL American I'm going with the Americas League. Each region has amazing and unique teams, but I figured it's time NRG and the rest of the Americas League locked in and took home a trophy in 2023.
ONCEUponATime:
China.
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
Who else but EMEA? I won't ever get off this train. It's been nearly three years. I don't put a lot of faith in NAVI given recent performances, but I expect big things from the others and a title from FNATIC.
DavisEZ:
I don't know if you can really consider it reigning supreme but I believe Pacific will have the most teams making it out of groups at the very least. With how the groups were seeded and the issues facing NAVI and LOUD, both T1 and DRX could make a run into the playoffs and Paper Rex seems like a given.
TMosura:
EMEA. I do believe that FNATIC might honestly go strong for the treble, and they would somehow end up winning it all. However, the Tokyo playoffs teams saw a good spread of regional balance… so I can't really put 100% on EMEA. Maybe Pacific. PRX is finally in full strength with something. I believe in them.
redlight:
EMEA is a one-team region, which is FNATIC. But in all seriousness, despite being a Pacific believer, I think the Americas region will come out of their “slump” and pull through when it matters most. Although KRÜ may be the odd one out in this instance.
PancakeGOAT:
EMEA has the best team by far in FNATIC, but I think top to bottom Americas is the strongest region. If LOUD performs as they're able to, Americas has three teams that could realistically finish in the top three with Evil Geniuses and NRG.
Zahk:
If we're talking about winning: EMEA just because FNATIC look so strong (and have proven their consistency to boot.) If we're talking about average placement, also probably EMEA (though my PRX-DRX copium makes me want to say Pacific.)
DazzleAlec:
Unfortunately for fans of other regions, we are slap bang in the middle of the FNATIC dynasty, so your teams aren't winning. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see Americas pick up three spots in the top 6, there's a lot of teams there I would put my money behind.
Which team will disappoint in the groups?
FerahgoTheGreat:
Teams that start with T. Even though they still hold the current EMEA trophy, Team Liquid have a nasty draw in the group of death. On the other side, T1 have a chance at tearing into the soft underbelly that is group B, but I don't yet trust the bottom of the roster to perform against competitive teams.
ChickenJoe:
I know I just said that the Americas League will come out on top, but I'm a bit scared LOUD might not even make it out of groups. After they eliminate Team Liquid, they'll be facing either DRX or NAVI, so it's a scary scenario for the Brazilians.
ONCEUponATime:
Praying it won't be NAVI, but in all likelihood, it'll be NAVI. Please put ANGE1 on Jett, d00mbr0s, I know ardiis would love to see it.
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
Like I said, I don't expect a lot from NAVI so I won't consider them personally. DRX haven't looked up to par abroad this year, and I'm afraid it might happen again at Champions if they don't get it right (but I pray they do).
DavisEZ:
The expectations for Paper Rex's international debut with something seem so high they feel like the only team that has a chance to disappoint. I see no world in which EG or Fnatic don't make playoffs and considering the high level of competition, a groups exit for any other team could be foreseen. Even NRG could go out if Laz goes off.
TMosura:
NAVI is an easy answer. It's too easy. If DRX doesn't sort out their role issues with Zest and Foxy9, dear god they might repeat a bit of their Tokyo woes into Champions. Please not.
redlight:
NAVI is too boring of an answer, so I will do a hot take and say KRÜ. I know, the 0-9 team that made a Cinderella run storyline is great but they really are in a tough group. PRX with something and EDward Gaming are formidable foes and Giants are no slouches either.
PancakeGOAT:
FUT should have the capability to get out of group B, but I have them bowing out early. They've already lost to EG at Tokyo, T1 looks better than them at the moment, and I think FPX could beat them if given the chance.
Zahk:
I think there's a good chance that ZETA and LOUD could both face an early exit.
DazzleAlec:
I think no matter who goes out in group D, it will be a disappointing result for them, as the group is filled with former world-beaters trying to regain their form. Given recent trends, I would expect DRX and NAVI to exit early.
Who will take home the VLR.gg MVP Award?
FerahgoTheGreat:
Although I am hoping aspas will put up a good challenge, I am picking Leo. Excluding qualifiers, Leo has placed within the top 10 rated players at every single one of the 13 events he has participated in as far back as the rating can be tracked.
ChickenJoe:
Most likely someone on FNATIC. I figured Chronicle has it coming since it's dodged him twice now, so hopefully he can take it this time 🙂
ONCEUponATime:
I mean come on, ChickenJoe.You could basically pick any FNATIC player out of a hat, and it'll be a good choice. They're stacked from top to bottom. Would also be pretty cool if something got it after missing out on Masters Tokyo. If not something, then nobody (the EDG player not… you know).
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
There is a world where EG make the grand finals and Ethan or Demon1 are really strong contenders for the Award. In actuality, I agree with Joe — it will be Chronicle. Twice over he's been way too close to clinching it, now is his time.
DavisEZ:
Another Fnatic player that isn't Boaster. If MVP considered the most impactful in terms of leading I probably would've given him the last two anyways.
TMosura:
Joe and Eutalyx get it. Kronikel rules all. He watches all of us. He knows all the gameplans. He plays all of the agents. I believe in Kronikel, and I hope he knows I believe in him.
redlight:
Boaster, the mastermind behind the superteam. He may not get it because he doesn't frag out like his four other compatriots, but he deserves respect for leading this storied organization to a potential third trophy. IGLs are a rarity recently, but Boaster will set a standard for a new era.
PancakeGOAT:
I've gotta go with Leo. I don't see Alfajer continuing his insane performance all the way through Champions, but Leo's consistency and masterful utility usage should get him the MVP award this time around. Chronicle's versatility should be commended however and he will most definitely put up a good fight.
Zahk:
Although it's most likely going to be a FNATIC player, my Pacific-loving heart hopes it'll be between f0rsakeN, something, or Mako.
DazzleAlec:
I spun a wheel with the FNATIC roster on it and it landed on Alfajer.
Who is taking it all?
FerahgoTheGreat:
The three-peat will conclude with the coronation of the greatest superteam this game has yet seen. I would like to see LOUD give them a run for their money, but few teams look capable of going toe to toe with this behemoth.
ChickenJoe:
NRG will save us this year, just like they almost did in 2022. All they need are three maps against Bilibili and Americas will finally have a 2023 win.
ONCEUponATime:
Evil Geniuses. I'm counting on them to get out of groups. In all seriousness, I've recently been watching Sean Gares, and he mentioned that it's super hard for franchised teams to find scrims right now (what with the rest of the scene essentially done for the season). Therefore, I am a 10-man roster believer.
Diogo "eutalyx" Santos:
Don't listen to these people, they're huffing the hopium. We all know this is the FNATIC year, and we all know they're going to do it flawlessly — as they should! They won't drop five maps at Champions.
DavisEZ:
Pressure's on. It's Fnatic's event to lose.
TMosura:
Treble. Treble. Treble. FNATIC is on a path of destruction and honestly they might be the most well-rounded team towards the end of the year- Actually, wait. No, no. I have another path. A mastermind prediction worthy of 4D chess that these sheeples wouldn't even think about. Or maybe they do. A tossup between EDG and PRX. You can't get rid of my bias that easily!
redlight:
Who else but FNATIC? They've cultivated an amazing roster over the span of a year, and it's really one of the best iterations of a “superteam” Valorant has seen since its inception. My second pick would be Paper Rex with something because he alone will light the stage on fire — we've seen what he was capable of at VCT Japan Challengers. And this is probably a last hurrah for Jinggg before his eventual retirement.
PancakeGOAT:
There's just no other team close to FNATIC in my opinion. A team like Paper Rex or NRG could take a map off of them, but overall FNATIC is just too dominant. They've lost just eight maps over the course of the entire VCT season, even with their best map of Icebox being stripped away during the middle of the year. The utter dominance from Boaster and company will continue.
Zahk:
Pacifi- oh who am I kidding, just give it to FNATIC already, they've more than earned their rep at this point and while I will be pleasantly surprised if PRX wins it, it's just going to be the three-peat. This is FNATIC's year.
DazzleAlec:
How did two of the first three people say something other than FNATIC? I'm not sure if they watched the same season as me. It really is the only answer you can say with a straight face. However, if the kings are to be dethroned, I would love to see Paper Rex do it.
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