Game has been out longer so it makes it more stable
| Flag: | United Kingdom |
| Registered: | August 3, 2021 |
| Last post: | November 25, 2024 at 7:07 AM |
| Posts: | 542 |
Game has been out longer so it makes it more stable
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Global 20, a countdown of the top 20 players in the world for 2024. Sorry for the week delay between this post and previous one as i have been busy with real life for the last week or so. I now should have enough time to keep getting one of these out each day until the end of the list.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Alfajer: Fnatic's Turkish Prodigy Chasing Champions
EMEA Number: 6
Global Number: 19
Average Rating: 1.10
Age: 19
Nationality: Turkish
Alfajer, the Turkish prodigy of Fnatic, returned in 2024 with high expectations following the team's remarkable 2023 season, which saw them capture two international trophies. However, the year started on a shaky note, with Fnatic falling short at EMEA Kickoff against an unexpected Karmine Corp, creating an early hurdle in their campaign.
Missing out on Masters Madrid, Alfajer and Fnatic entered EMEA Stage 1 with a renewed determination. Despite a narrow escape from the group stage via tiebreakers, they surged through the playoffs to claim their first domestic trophy of the partnership era, adding to their international accolades from the previous year. Throughout Kickoff and Stage 1, Alfajer consistently posted the second-best numbers on his team, underlining his importance to Fnatic’s success.
Unfortunately, that domestic momentum didn’t carry over to Masters Shanghai, where Fnatic exited early after just two matches. Despite Alfajer and Derke’s efforts to lead the team, they were unable to secure a win, resulting in a disappointing tournament.
Alfajer bounced back in EMEA Stage 2, delivering a stellar performance with a 1.15 rating, placing him joint 2nd on his team and among the top 10 players of the event. This helped Fnatic secure their second domestic trophy of the year. However, with Leo sidelined due to illness, Alfajer was shifted to a more flexible role, showcasing his adaptability.
At Champions, Alfajer’s form dipped slightly, contributing to a respectable but uninspiring 5th-6th finish for Fnatic. Despite this, Alfajer has been a consistent performer throughout the year, consistently ranking as the second-best player on his team. His slight decline at Champions likely cost him a higher spot in the Global 20, but he still secured a well-deserved 19th place ranking there and a 6th place in the EMEA 10.
Links
Global Number 20
PS
Thank you to everyone who read all the ones before this and I hope that readers old and new a like continue to enjoy this series.
Welcome to DDenied's 2024: Global 20, a countdown of the top 20 players in the world for 2024. This is the culmination of all the regional lists and is why some regional lists stopped early.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
kiNgg: Leviatán’s Fragging IGL
Americas Number: 7
Global Number: 20
Rating: 1.10
Age: 22
Nationality: Chilean
kiNgg, the stalwart in-game leader for Leviatán, has been a key figure in the team’s evolution from the remnants of the ex-Australs roster. Originally joining Leviatán in early 2022, kiNgg transitioned from a flex role to a controller role in an effort to spearhead the team’s ambitious overhaul this season.
The year began with challenges for kiNgg and his revamped squad. Leviatán’s group stage exit at the Americas Kickoff revealed issues with team cohesion and raised questions about kiNgg’s leadership capabilities. However, the hiatus between Kickoff and Stage 1 provided the team with the opportunity to regroup and refine their strategy. Leviatán emerged from Stage 1 with a 4-1 group stage record and a strong 3rd place finish in the playoffs, securing a spot at Masters Shanghai. This improvement was reflected in kiNgg’s stats, which began to show significant progress.
Masters Shanghai, however, was a setback for Leviatán. Despite a standout performance from star duelist aspas, the team struggled, reverting to their Kickoff form. But Stage 2 marked a resurgence for both kiNgg and Leviatán. They dominated the stage with a flawless record, clinching their first domestic title of the partnership era. kiNgg’s performance was notable, ending Stage 2 with a solid 1.17 rating, making him the second-highest rated player on his team and at the event.
At Champions, Leviatán experienced a mixed bag. A surprising group stage loss to Trace Esports was followed by a strong playoff showing, culminating in a 3rd place finish. Throughout the year, kiNgg’s leadership and consistent performance, reflected in his strong ratings, have been pivotal. His role as the second-best performer on his team has earned him the 7th spot on the Americas 10 and the 20th spot on the Global 20.
Links
Global Number 19
Americas Number 8
China Number 4
EMEA Number 7
Pacific Number 5
This may just be bait, but the Apeks and Mist Games stuff was ratified by Riot and so will not affect Apeks ascending
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Life: The Best of The Rest Behind FPX Success
China Number: 4
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 0.83
Age: 22
Nationality: Chinese
Life’s journey in 2024 has been one of resilience and consistency. After joining FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) from Attacking Soul Esports, the Chinese veteran, who once reached the pinnacle of Chinese Valorant with Edward Gaming, has proven himself to be the backbone of FPX’s success throughout the year.
The year started on a high note for Life and FPX, as they secured a 2nd place finish at China Kickoff, with Life leading the team in kills and playing a crucial role in their qualification for Masters Madrid. Although FPX’s run in Madrid was short-lived, with an early exit after two games, Life’s individual performance stood out, as he consistently delivered against tougher international competition.
Stage 1 saw FPX once again finish as runners-up, but the highlight was their ability to beat Edward Gaming twice, despite falling short in the final. At Masters Shanghai, FPX achieved their first international win by defeating FUT Esports before bowing out to both eventual finalists in the Swiss stage. Life’s contributions remained vital, as he continued to be the standout performer for FPX.
Stage 2 mirrored the rest of the year, with Life maintaining his status as the top player on FPX's roster, consistently fragging out and securing another 2nd place finish domestically. Unfortunately, Champions ended in disappointment, as FPX found themselves in the "group of death" and were unable to secure a single win.
Life’s 2024 season has been characterised by being the best player on the second-best Chinese roster, consistently delivering high-level performances even when facing international challenges. This consistency has earned him the 4th spot in the China 10, making him the highest-ranked player on a domestic list who did not make the Global 20.
Links
Global Number 20
China Number 5
PS
This is the last of the regional players. From tomorrow I will start releasing the Global 20 and for those wondering where Americas Number 7, EMEA 6 are and so on they have not be released because those players are in the Global 20
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Kai: The Breakout Star Leading Trace Esports to New Heights
China Number: 5
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.10
Age: 20
Nationality: Chinese
Entering 2024, Kai was relatively unknown, having joined Trace Esports in September 2023 after a brief stint with Bilibili Gaming, where he was dropped before that season’s Champions. This year, however, Kai has emerged as a pivotal force for Trace Esports, excelling in both the Jett and sentinel roles, often swapping with his teammate FengF when the team opted for a different duelist.
Throughout the year, Trace Esports and Kai have come tantalisingly close to securing international spots, only to fall just short. At the Kickoff event, despite Kai’s standout performance as the top fragger, Trace was narrowly defeated by Edward Gaming in the semifinals. His performance in Stage 1 showed some decline compared to the Kickoff event, with solid contributions that were often overshadowed by FengF’s rising star. Once again, Trace fell short of qualifying for a Masters event, finishing 4th after a loss to Dragon Ranger Gaming, missing out on a chance to compete on home soil.
Stage 2 marked a turning point for Kai. His performances significantly improved, establishing him as the standout player on his team. Known for his hybrid Jett-Sentinel role, Kai proved to be a clutch performer, leading Trace to a well-deserved 3rd place finish in the playoffs. This success secured them a spot at Champions, where Kai showcased his talents on the global stage, helping his team achieve a 7th-8th place finish with a commendable 1.10 rating.
One of Kai’s most remarkable achievements this year was his performance against the legendary aspas, delivering what was considered the most significant Jett diff aspas has ever faced. This exceptional performance, combined with his consistent contributions throughout the year, has earned Kai the 5th spot in the China 10. His rise from obscurity to becoming a key player in China’s Valorant scene is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Munchkin: The Mastermind of Pacific’s First International Trophy
Pacific Number: 5
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.04
Age: 26
Nationality: Korean
Munchkin, the seasoned Korean in-game leader (IGL), made a bold move in 2024, swapping the jersey of Korean giants T1 for the ambitious rebuild of Gen.G. Tasked with leading the new Korean superteam to challenge DRX and bring home an international trophy for the Pacific region, Munchkin not only stepped into a new role as a flex player but also demonstrated his leadership prowess on the global stage.
The year began with a bang for Munchkin and Gen.G. Despite a second-place finish in their group, they stormed through the playoffs, dethroning DRX and exacting revenge on Paper Rex to secure their first-ever VCT trophy. For Munchkin, this victory was particularly sweet, marking his first major win of the partnership era.
Munchkin's tactical genius continued to shine at Masters Madrid. Under his guidance, Gen.G navigated the tournament undefeated until the grand final, where they fell to Sentinels. Nevertheless, it was a landmark achievement for Munchkin and his team, as it was their first time reaching such heights on the international stage. Back in the Pacific region for Stage 1, Gen.G narrowly escaped their group before finishing as runners-up to PRX in the final. This second-place finish still secured their spot at Masters Shanghai.
At Masters Shanghai, Munchkin led Gen.G to yet another grand final, this time with the weight of their Madrid loss on their shoulders. Displaying an IGL masterclass, Munchkin orchestrated a stunning five-map victory over Team Heretics, securing the first and only international trophy for the Pacific region in Valorant.
Stage 2 saw Gen.G reclaim domestic dominance, going undefeated in the playoffs to earn a spot at Champions in Seoul. Expectations were sky-high for the home soil event, but Gen.G found themselves in the "group of death" alongside Sentinels, Heretics, and FPX. Despite a valiant effort, they finished third in the group, missing out on the playoffs and concluding their year on a bittersweet note.
Links
Global Number 20
Pacific Number 6
China Number 5
PS
If you missed any of the other 8th places yesterday just click on the link for Pacific Number 10 and from there you can access the other ones.
He didn't play enough of the year, plus invy's stats have been a joke all year
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
vo0kashu: The Fire of Dragon Ranger Gaming
China Number: 6
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: N/A
Age: 22
Nationality: Russian
In a unique twist for the VCT China league, Russian sentinel player vo0kashu has emerged as a standout despite being the lone EMEA representative in the region. Picked up by Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) for their Ascension run, vo0kashu has lived up to the high expectations set by his impressive 2023 performances in EMEA tier 2.
The year began on a high note for vo0kashu and DRG at China Kickoff. They secured a commendable 3rd-4th place finish, with vo0kashu delivering stellar performances and establishing himself as the standout player on his team. Despite a narrow miss at Masters Madrid, vo0kashu’s journey continued into China Stage 1, where DRG needed a 3rd place finish to secure a spot at Masters Shanghai. They achieved just that, advancing from the group stage with a 3-3 record and overcoming Nova Esports and Trace Esports to clinch the final berth.
At Masters Shanghai, DRG’s run was cut short as they exited after two matches. Nevertheless, vo0kashu's exceptional performances remained a highlight, consistently placing him among the top performers on the international stage. Stage 2 saw him maintain his status as DRG’s top player, but despite his individual brilliance, the team struggled, ending the year with a 4-6 record and failing to advance to the playoffs.
Though the year concluded on a disappointing note for DRG, vo0kashu’s standout performances have firmly established him as a top talent. His consistently high-level play places him in the top 5 at the events he attended, earning him the 6th spot on the China 10. His individual excellence shines through, though it is the team’s overall lack of achievement that keeps him from climbing higher.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Invy: Pacific’s Hidden Gem
Pacific Number: 6
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.15
Age: 20
Nationality: Filipino
In his second year with Team Secret, Invy has solidified himself as a standout performer in the Pacific region. Despite flying under the radar for those unfamiliar with the Pacific scene, the Filipino flex player has proven to be a crucial asset for his team throughout the 2024 season.
Team Secret kicked off the year with a modest 5th-place finish in Pacific Kickoff, a position reminiscent of their previous season. However, Invy’s individual performance was anything but average. He delivered a stellar showing, posting a 1.20 rating—the second highest of the event—demonstrating his ability to shine even when his team struggled to break into the upper echelons.
The story was similar in Pacific Stage 1. Team Secret once again found themselves in a familiar mid-tier position, finishing 5th-6th after making it out of the group stage. Yet, Invy’s consistency was undeniable, as he secured a spot in the top 10 ratings for the event, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the region.
Despite missing out on a second Masters appearance this year, Invy continued to elevate his game. He wrapped up Stage 2 with a solid 1.15 rating, maintaining his high level of play. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to propel Team Secret beyond another early playoff exit, with the team once again finishing 5th-6th.
Though Team Secret may have missed out on international events this year, Invy’s exceptional performances earned him a well-deserved spot as the 6th best player in the Pacific 10, proving that individual brilliance can still shine, even in the absence of team success.
Links
Pacific Number 7
Pacific Number 5
China Number 6
PS
If you missed any of the other 8th places yesterday just click on the link for Pacific Number 10 and from there you can access the other ones.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: EMEA 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the EMEA region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
yetujey: The Rookie Sensation Anchoring FUT Esports
EMEA Number: 7
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.06
Age: 18
Nationality: Turkish
At just 18 years old, yetujey made a swift transition from Turkey's tier 2 scene in 2023 to the big leagues in 2024, joining FUT Esports in his first year of eligibility for the VCT. Despite FUT’s solid performance in 2023, finishing 7th-8th at Champions Los Angeles, the team saw the potential for greater heights and brought in the young Turkish sentinel to strengthen their roster.
The year began on a challenging note for FUT Esports, as they struggled in the EMEA Kickoff, failing to advance from a group that featured the eventual finalists. Despite the team's early exit, yetujey showed his potential, posting a commendable 1.11 rating, the second-highest on his team.
Stage 1 marked a turning point for FUT Esports. They topped their group with a 4-1 record and secured a 3rd place finish in the playoffs, earning them a spot at Masters Shanghai. While yetujey’s individual stats dipped slightly during Stage 1, he elevated his game at Shanghai, contributing significantly to FUT's hard-fought 5th-6th place finish.
Rolling into Stage 2, FUT Esports continued their strong form, closing the regular season with an impressive 8-2 record. However, their playoff run ended abruptly in 4th place, followed by a disappointing group-stage exit at Champions, where they failed to record a single win. Nonetheless, yetujey remained a beacon of consistency, finishing Champions with a 1.07 rating, the highest on his team.
This steady performance throughout a tumultuous season, coupled with his ability to deliver under pressure, has earned yetujey the 7th spot on the EMEA 10, marking him as one of the region's most promising rookies.
Links
Global Number 20
EMEA Number 8
China Number 7
Pacific Number 7
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
nobody: New Leadership Steers Edward Gaming to Champions Glory
China Number: 7
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 0.92
Age: 21
Nationality: Chinese
A cornerstone of Edward Gaming since their first appearance on the international stage, nobody has always been a reliable force. In 2024, however, he stepped into a more pivotal role, taking up the mantle of in-game leader (IGL) following roster changes between Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Edward Gaming, long accustomed to dominating the Chinese scene, faced fresh challenges this year with the emergence of a strong FPX roster. Yet, they continued their domestic dominance, going undefeated in the China Kickoff event. nobody, playing as an initiator, delivered solid performances, helping his team secure their first domestic partnership trophy of the year. However, their first international outing of 2024 ended in disappointment, with the team bowing out in the Swiss stage, missing the playoffs.
In China Stage 1, Edward Gaming regained their form, losing twice to FPX but still securing another domestic title. nobody remained consistent, though he began to be overshadowed by more of his teammates than just the star duelist ZmjjKK.
Their fortunes dipped again at the Masters Shanghai, where they exited early, finishing 7th-8th. This setback prompted a roster shake-up, with smoggy joining the team and Haodong moving to an assistant coach role. With the IGL position vacant, nobody stepped up to lead.
Under his new leadership, Edward Gaming claimed a third consecutive domestic title and went on a surprising run at Champions, culminating in a victory over Team Heretics to hoist the championship trophy. nobody’s ability to seamlessly transition into the IGL role and guide his team to the year’s ultimate prize makes him a deserving 7th place in the China 10, even if his raw stats were outshined by others.
Links
China Number 8
China Number 6
EMEA Number 7
Pacific Number 7
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
MaKo: DRX’s Steadfast Controller Takes on New Challenges
Pacific Number: 7
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.05
Age: 22
Nationality: Korean
MaKo, a cornerstone for DRX since their Valorant debut, has consistently delivered high-calibre performances as the team's controller. This year, however, MaKo took on even greater responsibilities.
The year started strong for DRX, with a solid 3rd-4th place finish at the Pacific Kickoff. Despite a semifinal exit to eventual champions Gen.G, MaKo's standout performance, marked by a 1.17 rating, placed him among the event’s elite players.
In Stage 1, DRX showcased their dominance throughout the regular season, but their playoff campaign fell short, leading to a missed opportunity at Masters Shanghai. MaKo maintained a commendable 1.16 rating for the stage, though his performance in crucial moments was less stellar, contributing to the team's playoff exit.
Stage 2 brought a significant transition for MaKo, who stepped up as the in-game leader (IGL) following stax's departure and Flashback's entry. Under MaKo's strategic direction, DRX excelled, finishing with an 8-2 record and securing a 2nd place finish in the playoffs. While MaKo's fragging numbers did see a decline due to his new responsibilities, his leadership proved instrumental in the team’s success.
At Champions, MaKo led DRX to a 5th-6th place finish, a notable achievement considering the integration of three new rookies and missed international opportunities. Although his stats reflected the demands of his new role, MaKo's early-season excellence and effective transition to IGL earned him the 7th spot in the Pacific 10.
Links
Pacific Number 8
Pacific Number 6
China Number 7
EMEA Number 7
PS
If you missed any of the other 8th places yesterday just click on the link for Pacific Number 10 and from there you can access the other ones.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Americas 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Americas region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Johnqt: The Moroccan Mastermind Behind Sentinels’ Resurgence
Americas Number: 8
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.04
Age: 25
Nationality: Moroccan
After a promising 2023 campaign with M80, where they narrowly missed out on Ascension by losing to The Guard (now G2) in the final, there were high expectations for Moroccan in-game leader (IGL) Johnqt as he joined Sentinels in the offseason. Paired with Zellsis, the duo was tasked with stabilising a Sentinels core that had endured a rocky 2023.
The 2024 season began with a bang for Sentinels and their new leader. Johnqt led the team to their first domestic trophy of the partnership era by winning the Americas Kickoff event. The impact of having a true IGL was immediately evident, as Sentinels carried their momentum into Masters Madrid. They dominated the Swiss stage before suffering a close loss to Gen.G in three maps. However, Johnqt and his squad exacted revenge in the final, emerging victorious in a thrilling five-map series to claim their first international title of the partnership era. Not just a tactical mastermind, Johnqt showcased his fragging prowess in Madrid, finishing with a 1.12 rating—second highest on the team and among the top 10 at the event.
However, the highs of early success were followed by challenges. In Americas Stage 1, Sentinels struggled to find consistency, ending the season with a 3-3 record and missing out on the playoffs. Stage 2 saw a dip in his fragging numbers, but his leadership was instrumental in guiding Sentinels to a 6-4 record and securing a playoff berth.
Sentinels faced a tough road in the playoffs, losing their opening match. However, their accumulated points were enough to secure a spot at Champions Seoul, where they aimed to prove that their absence from Masters Shanghai was a mere blip. In Seoul, Sentinels put on a stellar performance, finishing 4th. The strategic growth of the team under johnqt's leadership earned him the 8th spot in the Americas 10. If his fragging had stayed at the Masters Madrid level, there’s no doubt he would have ranked even higher.
Links
Global Number 20
Americas Number 9
China Number 8
EMEA Number 8
Pacific Number 8
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: EMEA 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the EMEA region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Sayf: EMEA’s Journeyman Duelist
EMEA Number: 8
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.13
Age: 23
Nationality: Swedish
After a standout 2023 with Team Liquid, where he was a beacon of consistency on a turbulent roster, Sayf made a high-profile move to Team Vitality, signalling the team's ambition for the 2024 season. A seasoned veteran of the Valorant scene since its inception, the Swede brought his heavy-hitting playstyle and adaptability to Vitality’s revamped lineup.
Although many expected Sayf to take on the duelist role, the team instead placed their trust in rookie runneR, with Sayf embracing a more flexible approach. He became the backbone of Vitality with his diverse agent pool, primarily as a sentinel. Despite Vitality narrowly missing out on the playoffs during the EMEA Kickoff and Stage 1, Sayf's performances were far from disappointing. He posted a 1.17 rating in the EMEA Kickoff and followed up with a solid 1.10 rating in Stage 1, consistently placing him among the top 10 players at both events.
Stage 2 marked a pivotal shift as Sayf returned to his preferred duelist role, coinciding with the late-season surge of fellow teammate trexx. This dynamic duo led Vitality to a 6-4 regular-season record and a strong 2nd place finish in the playoffs, securing a spot at Masters Shanghai.
While the Champions tournament ended in disappointment for Vitality, with the team narrowly missing the second qualification spot in their group to Trace Esports, Sayf continued to deliver high-calibre performances. His consistent excellence throughout the year has earned him the 8th spot on the EMEA 10, as one of the elite players in EMEA.
Links
EMEA Number 9
EMEA Number 7
Americas Number 8
China Number 8
Pacific Number 8
ComeBack probably clears a lot of people but we will never know until 2026
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
autumn: FPX's Australian Star Climbs the Ranks
China Number: 8
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.06
Age: 22
Nationality: Australian
After spending 2023 in South Asia’s tier 2 scene, autumn made a significant leap when FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) brought him onto their 2024 partnership roster. Among several Oceania players introduced to the China VCT league, autumn stood out as the only one to crack the China 10, and one of just two non-Chinese players to achieve this distinction.
Starting the year as a duelist, often paired with FPX’s star player Life, autumn quickly proved his worth. He posted strong numbers, helping FPX reach the final of the China Kickoff, where they ultimately fell to Edward Gaming. However, the team’s double-duelist strategy faltered at Masters Madrid, leading to an early exit and a need for tactical adjustments.
FPX shifted autumn to a flex role, a move that paid off as he continued to deliver impressive performances. This change helped FPX go undefeated in Stage 1, including two victories over EDG, before falling to them in a hard-fought grand final.
Despite another disappointing exit in the Swiss stage at Masters Shanghai, autumn’s performances in his new role showed promise, with close losses to eventual finalists Gen.G and Heretics. Returning to China Stage 2 with renewed determination, FPX again finished second, pushing EDG to five maps in the final.
autumn’s place in the China 10 was solidified by his standout performance in the Champions group of death. Though FPX was eliminated after two matches, his play on Chamber left a lasting impression. His versatility and resilience throughout a breakout year earned him a well-deserved 8th spot in the China 10.
Links
China Number 9
China Number 7
Americas Number 8
EMEA Number 8
Pacific Number 8
cool system i tried to something like this retroactively for this year in this post although i used much lower numbers and the weightings are different
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
d4v41: Paper Rex's Steady Hand Shines Through The Chaos
Pacific Number: 8
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.09
Age: 25
Nationality: Malaysian
d4v41, a cornerstone of Paper Rex since joining in early 2021, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s reputation alongside fellow veterans f0rsakeN and mindfreak. After coming agonisingly close to winning the Champions trophy in 2023, the loss of their star duelist left PRX facing an uncertain future as they entered 2024.
Despite these challenges, d4v41 proved his mettle. In the Pacific Kickoff, he helped guide PRX to a strong 2nd-place finish, stepping up to support the team’s new duelist. His contributions were critical, as he finished as the second-highest rated player for PRX during the event and maintained his strong form throughout the year.
Stage 1 saw PRX recapture their dominant 2023 form, claiming their first domestic title of the year. While many credited the return of Jinggg for the team’s resurgence, d4v41’s performances were equally crucial, posting a 1.13 rating—second only to something on the team and among the top 10 in the event.
Though PRX experienced a mixed bag of results later in the year, with a 5th-6th place finish at Masters Shanghai and a 3rd place in Stage 2, d4v41’s consistent excellence never wavered. He recorded the joint second-highest rating of Stage 2 and was PRX’s top performer. Even as Champions ended in disappointment with a group stage exit, d4v41's steady presence was a key factor in the team’s overall success.
In 2024, d4v41 has proven to be more than just a support player; he’s been the unsung hero who stepped up when needed most. His consistent, high-level performances have earned him the 8th spot on the Pacific 10, solidifying his status as one of the region’s top players.
Links
Pacific Number 9
Americas Number 8
China Number 8
EMEA Number 8
PS
If you missed any of the other 9th places yesterday just click on the link for Pacific Number 10 and from there you can access the other ones.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Americas 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Americas region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
keznit: The Chilean Powerhouse Holding KRU's Valorant Legacy
Americas Number: 9
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.09
Age: 23
Nationality: Chilean
keznit is a name that commands respect in the Valorant scene. As a cornerstone of KRU Esports, he has been instrumental in the organisation’s consistent presence at every Champions event, a feat matched only by Fnatic. In 2024, KRU not only maintained their international status but also showed marked improvement from the previous year, with Keznit playing a pivotal role in their resurgence.
A key factor in KRU's revival has been Keznit’s return to his pre-partnership form. His performance at the Americas Kickoff was particularly notable, where he finished as the joint 4th highest-rated player despite KRU's disappointing 0-2 record. The arrival of heat in Stage 1 brought fresh energy to the squad, helping them secure a strong 5-1 regular-season record. Throughout this period, the Chilean standout continued to shine, especially during their narrow playoff loss to Leviatán, which left KRU just one win shy of qualifying for Masters Shanghai.
While Stage 2 saw a dip in KRU’s overall performance, keznit remained a constant force, even as the team ended the regular season with a 1-3 record. As KRU regained their form in the playoffs, securing a third-place finish and a spot at Champions, keznit’s performance slightly declined but remained impactful.
At Champions, keznit once again proved his elite status, earning the joint 5th highest rating of the event despite KRU's failure to advance past the group stage. This strong showing solidified his place at number 9 on the Americas 10. However, the absence of significant achievements and a slight dip in his Stage 2 playoff performance kept him from climbing higher in the rankings.
Links
Americas Number 10
Americas Number 8
China Number 9
EMEA Number 9
Pacific Number 9
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: EMEA 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the EMEA region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Trexx: Vitality’s Key Initiator Shines in a Resurgent Season
EMEA Number: 9
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.16
Age: 20
Nationality: Russian
In 2024, Trexx joined Team Vitality after a stint with KOI in 2023, reuniting with his former Guild teammate, Sayf, from their 2022 season. However, the year began on a frustrating note as visa issues forced him to miss the EMEA Kickoff, delaying his impact on the team.
As Vitality’s primary initiator, Trexx has primarily taken on the roles of Fade and Sova, with his Sova performances standing out. Stage 1 was a slow start for both Trexx and Vitality, as the team finished the group stage with a 3-3 record, narrowly missing out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers.
Stage 2, however, was a different story. Vitality found their rhythm, securing a 2nd place finish and earning a spot at Champions Seoul. This turnaround was fueled by Trexx, who found his form and became a crucial support to Sayf. After a middling Stage 1, Trexx soared in Stage 2, finishing as the third-highest-rated player in the EMEA with a 1.21 rating—a trend he carried into Champions.
Although Vitality’s run at Champions Seoul ended in the group stage after losses to Trace Esports and Leviatán, Trexx delivered stellar performances, finishing the event with a 1.23 rating, the highest of all players at the tournament. His strong showings in the latter half of the year have earned Trexx a well-deserved 9th place in the EMEA 10, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the region.
Links
EMEA Number 10
EMEA Number 8
Americas Number 9
China Number 9
Pacific Number 9
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
FengF: The Unsung Hero of Trace Esports
China Number: 9
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 0.95
Age: 20
Nationality: Chinese
Heading into 2024, FengF was a relatively unknown name outside of the underground Chinese Valorant scene. However, after three years of dedication and hard work, he emerged as a key player for Trace Esports, showcasing his skills as Raze while also proving his versatility by switching to a sentinel role when needed.
Throughout the year, FengF delivered consistently strong performances, with China Stage 1 standing out as the pinnacle of his season. Despite Trace Esports' best efforts, the team faced significant hurdles in qualifying for the two Masters events, repeatedly running into powerhouses like FPX and EDG. At the Kickoff event, Trace fell just one game short of qualifying for Madrid, with EDG ending their hopes after FPX had already bested them in the group stage.
FengF’s impressive stats during Stage 1 suggested that Trace Esports might finally break through and secure a spot at Masters Shanghai. However, in a crucial match against Dragon Ranger Gaming, Trace fell short, despite FengF’s outstanding performance as the top fragger.
Stage 2 saw FengF return to his early-season form, but this time with stronger support from his teammates. As a result, Trace managed to finish 3rd and qualify for Champions. At Champions, FengF continued to shine, helping propel his team to a 7th-8th place finish after topping their group.
FengF’s consistent performances throughout the year earned him the 9th spot on the China 10. However, being overshadowed by his duelist-sentinel counterpart on the team kept him from climbing higher in the rankings. Despite this, FengF’s rise has solidified his status as one of China’s emerging talents.
Links
China Number 10
China Number 8
Americas Number 9
EMEA Number 9
Pacific Number 9
are u reffering to this article or a different one? as i can't see where i mentioned losing to Sentinels here unless just the group of death in general but that is defenitely correct
edit: just spotted it thank you for pointing it out
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Flashback: DRX’s Rising Star Shines in a Stellar Rookie Year
Pacific Number: 9
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.07
Age: 18
Nationality: Korean
Flashback’s journey with DRX began as a prospect, but his outstanding performances during the 2023/24 offseason quickly earned him a place in the starting lineup for 2024. Despite a brief hiatus during Stage 1, Flashback has made a significant impact in his rookie year, proving himself as a key player for DRX.
Starting the season as the team’s sentinel, Flashback quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, finishing as the second-highest rated player on DRX during the Pacific Kickoff event. However, after the event, he took a short break, only to return in Stage 2 in a crucial role. Flashback stepped in to replace veteran IGL stax, not as the in-game leader but as a versatile flex player. His return marked a turning point for DRX, as he emerged as the team’s top performer, leading them to a 2nd place finish and securing their spot at Champions Seoul.
At Champions, Flashback continued to impress, returning to his sentinel duties after swapping roles with Foxy9. His consistent and impactful performances were instrumental in guiding DRX’s relatively inexperienced roster to a commendable 5th-6th place finish in his debut year on the international stage. Flashback’s steady influence and high-level play throughout the year have earned him the 9th spot on the Pacific 10, solidifying his reputation as one of the region’s most promising talents.
Links
Pacific Number 10
Pacific Number 8
Americas Number 9
China Number 9
EMEA Number 9
PS
If you missed any of the other 10th places yesterday just click on the link for Pacific Number 10 and from there you can access the other ones.
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Americas 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Americas region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Cryocells: The Rising Star of 100 Thieves
Americas Number: 10
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.13
Age: 21
Nationality: American
In his second year with 100 Thieves after making the switch from XSET in 2022, Cryocells has shown tremendous growth, cementing his role as a key player in the team’s success. His impact was crucial in helping 100 Thieves secure their first domestic trophy of the partnership era during Americas Stage 1, where he ranked as the 3rd highest-rated player. As the first of five American players to make the list, Cryocells has proven himself to be one of the top talents in the region.
Cryocells’ performances have mirrored 100 Thieves’ journey throughout the year. After a disappointing showing at the Kickoff event, where the team was eliminated from the "group of death" featuring Leviatán, Sentinels, and LOUD, Cryocells found his form in Stage 1. His standout moment came at Masters Shanghai, where he delivered a masterclass on Bind, playing Brimstone against FUT Esports. In that match, Cryocells racked up 32 kills, leading 100 Thieves to an impressive 4th place finish. However, his performance dipped once again as 100 Thieves struggled in Americas Stage 2, finishing 4th in the playoffs and narrowly missing out on a spot at Champions after a tough loss to KRU.
Cryocells' transition to a dual role, juggling smokes and Jett, has been a strategic move that echoes EG and Demon1’s approach in 2023. This shift has been beneficial for both his individual play and the team’s overall performance. However, inconsistency across events has kept him from climbing higher in the rankings, landing him the 10th spot on the Americas 10.
Links
Americas Honourable Mentions
Americas Number 9
China Number 10
EMEA Number 10
Pacific Number 10
very good but i think GoNext win ascension so they'll be unavailable
guess you will find out all I will say as i tried to cover he ended the year extremely well but for the first half of the year he was terrible but i defenitely understand arguements were u value his champions performance alot higher than his poor kickoff and stage 1
I think KOI should go for him imo a team of Derke (Duelist), PatiTek (flex), Luckerr (IGL and Initiator), GRUBINHO (Controller) and Sheydos (Sentinel) could be very good
yes please that would be really cool
might move them all over to something like that once i am done. But yer thats why I link them together so you can catch one and then catch yourself up on ones u missed
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: EMEA 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the EMEA region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Derke: A Season of Highs and Lows for Fnatic’s Star Duelist
EMEA Number: 10
Global Number: N/A
Rating: 1.07
Age: 21
Nationality: Finnish/Russian
Entering 2024, Fnatic had lofty expectations, keeping their roster intact after securing two international trophies the previous year. However, for Derke, the season turned out to be a dramatic rollercoaster, marked by significant highs and lows. Both he and the team started slowly but steadily improved as the year progressed.
As is often the case with duelists, Derke’s performance mirrored his team’s struggles. The year began on a sour note, with Fnatic failing to qualify for Masters Madrid and Derke frequently finding himself at the bottom of the scoreboard. Stage 1 was similarly underwhelming, as Fnatic barely scraped into the playoffs after a 3-3 group stage finish, needing tiebreakers to advance. Even though Fnatic eventually clinched the Stage 1 domestic trophy, Derke's contributions during the playoffs were far from his best.
The narrative began to change at Masters Shanghai. Despite Fnatic’s disappointing 0-2 record, Derke started showing signs of a resurgence. His standout performance in the elimination match against FUT, where he racked up 60 kills—nearly double that of his closest teammate—hinted at a return to form.
Stage 2 saw a stronger Fnatic, as they secured back-to-back domestic championships and qualified for Champions. Derke’s rating improved to 1.15, making him the second-highest rated player on his team during this stage.
Derke's resurgence reached its peak at Champions, where Fnatic finished 5th-6th. His impressive rating of 1.22 was the second-highest at the event and the best among players who advanced beyond the group stage. Despite his exceptional late-season form, Derke’s early struggles kept him at number 10 on the EMEA 10.
Links
EMEA Honourable Mentions
EMEA Number 9
Americas Number 10
China Number 10
Pacific Number 10
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
whzy: The Consistent Force Behind Bilibili Gaming’s Rollercoaster Season
China Number: 10
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 0.92
Age: 21
Nationality: Chinese
For those who have followed Valorant for more than a year, the name whzy will undoubtedly ring a bell, especially after his electrifying performances at Champions 2023. His memorable Judge plays and aggressive satchel manoeuvres were crucial in Bilibili Gaming’s surprising upsets over NRG, not just once, but twice, propelling them to a top 8 finish. Heading into 2024, expectations were sky-high for whzy, with many anticipating another standout season.
However, 2024 brought its own set of challenges. The year began on a sour note for whzy and Bilibili Gaming, as they suffered a disappointing 5th place exit at the Kickoff event, setting the tone for what would be a turbulent season. The struggles continued as the team failed to qualify for the Stage 1 playoffs. Despite these setbacks, whzy consistently delivered strong individual performances, often leading the scoreboard for his team.
Stage 2 marked a turning point for Bilibili, who managed to reverse their earlier 2-4 record into a 5-5 finish, earning a spot in the playoffs. Although whzy’s performance dipped during the playoffs, Bilibili’s 4th place finish was enough to secure them a berth at Champions.
Overall, it was a mixed year for Bilibili Gaming, but whzy remained a consistent performer, only faltering towards the end of the season. Despite an early exit at Champions Seoul with an 0-2 record, whzy's contributions throughout the year earn him a well-deserved 10th place in the China 10.
Links
China Honourable Mentions
China Number 9
Americas Number 10
EMEA Number 10
Pacific Number 10
Welcome back to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Jemkin: RRQ's Russian Star
Pacific Number: 10
Global Number: N/A
Average Rating: 1.13
Age: 20
Nationality: Russian
In his debut year in the VCT, Jemkin was a relative unknown outside of the Pacific tier 2 and Ascension circuits. Yet, for those in the know, expectations were high as his rise in the scene was reminiscent of something.
Throughout 2024, Jemkin has delivered a series of impressive performances, consistently maintaining a rating above 1.1 and peaking at 1.17 during Pacific Stage 1, where he was the highest-rated player of the event. Despite these stellar individual efforts, RRQ struggled to make a significant impact in the Pacific region. The team was eliminated early at the Kickoff, falling twice to Gen.G, the eventual champions—an outcome that, while disappointing, was not entirely unexpected.
Stage 1 was similarly lacklustre for RRQ, who failed to advance to the playoffs despite Jemkin’s top-tier performances. The team managed to qualify for the playoffs in Stage 2 but faced Gen.G once again in the first round, leading to another early exit.
Despite the challenges faced by his team, Jemkin's consistent and high-calibre play as a star duelist has earned him his place at number 10 on the Pacific 10.
Links
Pacific Honourable Mentions
Pacific Number 9
Americas Number 10
China Number 10
EMEA Number 10
ur gunna be in for some bad new buddy
Welcome to DDenied's 2024: Americas 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Americas region for 2024. Today, I'm unveiling my honourable mentions, and starting tomorrow, I'll be revealing the next player on the list, counting down from 10th place to 1st. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Honourable Mentions:
Less: Despite LOUD's disappointing year, Less was instrumental in their early success and maintained strong individual performances throughout the season, even as his team struggled.
heat: Since joining KRU, heat has been a game-changer, turning their year around and forming a formidable duo with keznit. However, he just misses the top 10 due to fewer achievements and being outperformed by keznit.
Zellsis: While Zellsis has been the glue holding his team together with his energy and attitude, the sheer number of standout players on his team means his numbers weren’t quite enough to crack the top 10.
Sacy: Like Zellsis, Sacy is on a team with an abundance of talent. Despite this, his contributions to Sentinels’ success are undeniable, earning him an honourable mention.
JonahP: G2 has been a revelation since their promotion from Ascension, but the biggest surprise for me has been JonahP. He has exceeded my expectations this year, yet narrowly missed making the list due to the exceptional performances of a few of his teammates.
PS
I will be adding links to the bottom of this and all susequent articles linking them to the articles either side of them in the order and the articles parrelel to them in other lists. e.g. this article will end up linked to Americas Number 10, China Honourable Mentions, EMEA Honourable Mentions and Pacific Honourable Mentions
PSS
The Honourable Mentions for the other regions will be released through out today with a subsequent article for each region released each day until the players start making it onto the Global 20.
Welcome to DDenied's 2024: EMEA 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the EMEA region for 2024. Today, I'm unveiling my honourable mentions, and starting tomorrow, I'll be revealing the next player on the list, counting down from 10th place to 1st. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Honourable Mentions
Boo: Boo has had an excellent year, showing remarkable improvement from his performance with Team Heretics last year. However, despite making his roster look incredibly strong, he narrowly misses out on the top 10.
MiniBoo: Like his older brother, MiniBoo just misses the top 10, largely due to the standout performances of their three teammates. Nonetheless, his selfless entry play and stellar showings at Kickoff and in the lower bracket of Champions should not be overlooked.
Elite: BBL flashed moments of promise throughout the year, but they never fully took off. Despite this, Elite was the top-rated player in EMEA Split 1 and consistently served as the driving force behind BBL’s efforts.
MrFaliN: As an IGL, MrFaliN has led some of the most unconventional compositions in EMEA and still managed to secure wins. Coupled with his fragging ability and FUT’s strong performance this year, he more than earns his spot as an honourable mention.
Leo/hiro: Although there were supposed to be only five honourable mentions, both Leo and Hiro deserve recognition. Had either of them played the full year, they likely would have made the top 10. Their omission is solely due to splitting the year between them.
PS
I will be adding links to the bottom of this and all susequent articles linking them to the articles either side of them in the order and the articles parrelel to them in other lists. e.g. this article will end up linked to EMEA Number 10, Americas Honourable Mentions, China Honourable Mentions and Pacific Honourable Mentions.
PSS
The Honourable Mentions for the other regions will be released through out today with a subsequent article for each region released each day until the players start making it onto the Global 20.
interesting i didn't catch as many so have based mine a little bit more on stats and a slightly larger masters and champs attendance biase but you will find it looks very similar to use once it is completely released.
interesting list, look forward to seeign what you think of my completed list. How much did you watch China this year?
Welcome to DDenied's 2024: China 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the China region for 2024. Today, I'm unveiling my honourable mentions, and starting tomorrow, I'll be revealing the next player on the list, counting down from 10th place to 1st. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Honourable Mentions
S1mon: The player who turned EDG’s year around, arguably a top 20 talent at Champions. He only misses this list due to the limited time he played, but during that brief period, he made a significant impact.
AAAAY: A rock-solid presence for FPX throughout the year, especially during their standout performance in the 'group of death' at Champions. AAAAY might fly under the radar as FPX’s third-best player, but his consistency has been crucial.
stew: After the hype following Ascension, when the Rare Atom core was picked up by JDG after losing in the final, JDG struggled this year. However, in their late-season resurgence, we finally saw stew return to his impressive 2023 form.
Biank: While Biank's lack of fragging power kept him out of the top 10, his in-game leadership (IGL) skills after joining a new team was key to Trace’s qualification for Champions. For Biank, this marks back-to-back top 8 finishes at Champions.
BerLIN: FPX’s strategy and gameplay have improved significantly this year, and while credit can go to the coaching staff, there’s no doubt that BerLIN’s improvement in IGL skills from last year have enabled FPX to truly challenge EDG this season.
PS
I will be adding links to the bottom of this and all susequent articles linking them to the articles either side of them in the order and the articles parrelel to them in other lists. e.g. this article will end up linked to China Number 10, Americas Honourable Mentions, EMEA Honourable Mentions and Pacific Honourable Mentions.
PSS
The Honourable Mentions for the other regions will be released through out today with a subsequent article for each region released each day until the players start making it onto the Global 20.
I can't tell did you want him to be in the top 10 or not mentioned at all?
Welcome to DDenied's 2024: Pacific 10, a countdown of the top 10 players in the Pacific region for 2024. Today, I'm unveiling my honourable mentions, and starting tomorrow, I'll be revealing the next player on the list, counting down from 10th place to 1st. For fans of other regions, don’t worry—each International League has its own list, and there’s also a combined Global 20 for the year.
Disclaimer: All stats are sourced from VLR.gg, and any rating mentioned refers to VLR Rating 2.0. It's important to note that events held in China were not fully tracked by VLR, leading to missing statistics. As a result, the average ratings for each player are calculated only from events where VLR data is available, which excludes all events in China. This skews the yearly averages, particularly for players in the China league.
Honourable Mentions
Sayaplayer: Although T1 had a strong start to the year, they struggled as the season progressed, frequently shuffling their roster. Amid these changes, Sayaplayer remained a standout, delivering consistently excellent performances, including being the joint 2nd highest-rated player in Pacific Stage 2.
Jremy: As the duelist for Team Secret, Jremy has posted impressive numbers this year. However, he misses out on the top 10 due to being overshadowed by Invy and the team's difficulties in qualifying for an international event.
Meiy: DFM managed only two series wins this year, but Meiy was the driving force behind both victories. He also pushed several matches to a third map, despite ultimately losing them, showcasing his ability to carry the team.
primmie: Another example of a ranked demon making a smooth transition to the VCT, primmie delivered exceptional performances. His exclusion from the list is solely due to a lack of games, though his impact was significant enough that I strongly considered including him anyway.
Lakia: While Lakia has often been viewed as the weakest link on Gen.G, he significantly stepped up his game during Masters Shanghai, contributing to their victory. This effort earns him an honourable mention.
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I will be adding links to the bottom of this and all susequent articles linking them to the articles either side of them in the order and the articles parrelel to them in other lists. e.g. this article will end up linked to Pacific Number 10, Americas Honourable Mentions, China Honourable Mentions and EMEA Honourable Mentions.
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The Honourable Mentions for the other regions will be released through out today with a subsequent article for each region released each day until the players start making it onto the Global 20.
Region Comparison
With an overview of how each team performed in the year there is only one question left: which region was the best in VCT 2024. The answer to this question cannot simply lie in which region won Champions or the most international trophies as the strength of a region must also measure its depth. Therefore to answer this question I added up the points of all the teams in each region to create a region score.
In fourth place despite winning Champions we have China clocking in with a score of 186. No doubt let down by its depth this was still a great year for China though, with Edward Gaming lifting the regions first trophy and a second year of two teams making top 8 at Champions and never forget that FPX only lost to the two finalists at Masters Shanghai.
In third place with 198 points we have EMEA, a region that had a disappointing year after winning two of the international trophies last year. EMEA had better depth than last year with more teams making it deep in tournaments however like last year they only had one team who seemed to be in any danger of winning and sadly for the region despite two attempts they could not get it across the line.
In second place we have Pacific, with 204 points, and much like for China this was a monumental year as the region took home its first international trophy and doubled the number of finals the region has made in its history. What sets Pacific apart from China and equally what sets Americas apart from Pacific is the improved depth as you look at each region as they each won a trophy.
In first place we have the Americas with a massive 232 making them the clear best region. And this pains me to say as an EMEA fan but you can see why as with an early international trophy in Madrid the Americas region always had two teams in the top four at every international event and the only thing stopping the region running away with this further was their struggle to reach finals finishing both third and fourth at the later two international events.
Overall I think this year has proved just how international an esport valorant is and I look forward to seeing what happens in the offseason and the 2025 VCT.
Valorant 2024 Review: Battle of the Regions
Introduction
With the Final of Valorant Champions behind us, let's look back on the year to find out which region had the best performance in the fourth iteration of the VCT. We have had many highs and lows for each region with Sentinels winning Masters Madrid, becoming the first ever organisation to win two masters titles, whilst China and EMEA never saw playoffs. But then at Masters Shanghai we saw GenG get to back to back masters finals and most importantly convert this second one to bring home Pacific’s first international trophy, meanwhile for Americas the Master Madrid winners could only watch helplessly from home having failed to qualify for the event.
We then have Champions Seoul very much still fresh in our mind with Edward Gaming and Team Heretic’s epic five map grand final which saw heartbreak for Heretics as they lost back to back international finals, their fourth grand final loss of the year. However the prize went deservedly to the Edward Gaming helping continue a year of firsts to have China win its first international trophy.
However before I dive further into discussing which region had a better year overall it is worth discussing how I intended to measure this. I used an F1 style points system to provide points for every single event that happened this year, domestic and international. This has helped discover the top teams of the year as well as adding up all the points from teams in the same region to find the best performing region of 2024. Another quick disclaimer: I have valued Champions significantly over Masters events with the winner of Masters events getting roughly the same number of points as coming second in Champions, as for me Champions will always be the ultimate goal of every team.
The Top Teams
The top teams in the year can really be split into tiers by seeing where the massive point drop offs appear throughout the rankings so this is how I will be treating the teams in this section.
Starting off we have the “Gasping for Air” tier of teams; this is for every team that got less than 5 points across the whole year, with a point being roughly equal to a match win for teams down this end of the order and the common trend is that almost all of them never saw playoffs. This tier consists of 16 of the teams in VCT ranging from the objective poorest performers of the year Bleed Esports who won only one match to All Gamers the only team in this tier to make a playoff appearance. The full list of teams in this tier are: All Gamers, BBL, Bleed Esports, DetonatioN FocusMe, Furia, Gentle Mates, GIANTX, Global Esports, KOI, MIBR, Nova Esports, Team Liquid, Titan Esports Club, TYLOO, Wolves Esports and Zeta Divizion
The next tier is “Treading Water”: these teams may have made domestic playoffs regularly but most of them were never in any danger of troubling international event qualification and for those that made it they went home winless. The point range for this tier is 6-11 points and includes teams ranging from Evil Geniuses who made it deep at Americas Kickoff but only needed a record of 1-1 to achieve the feat to Talon Esports who managed to qualify for Champions at the end of the year. The full list of teams in this tier are: Bilibili Gaming, Cloud9, Dragon Ranger Gaming, Evil Geniuses, JD Gaming, Natus Vincere, NRG, Rex Regum Qeon, T1, Talon Esports and Team Secret.
With the next tier we move onto our top four tiers which sees a fall in the number of teams included but a larger range of points between each tier. This tier is the “One Hit Wonder” tier for teams that made only one international appearance but unlike the teams in the previous tier they won games whilst there, earning themselves more points. The points range for this tier is 13-18 and includes only four teams with Loud and Karmine Corp peaking early in the year, only appearing at Masters Madrid. Along with KRU and Team Vitality who only appeared at Champions.
This next tier is “Went on a Run” and includes teams with 22 to 29 points. The name is slightly misleading as this tier includes five teams of which DRX, 100 Thieves and Trace Esports meet the description of only appearing at one international event but going on a deep run. Whilst FUT Esports and FunPlus Phoenix made multiple international events never going particularly deep but consistently being there.
The “Contender” tier consists of teams with 40-48 points and these teams mostly made at least two international events and went deep at both of them and won a domestic title. There are only four teams in this tier and one major exception to the rule with G2 being the only team in this tier that didn’t win a domestic title. Meanwhile Paper Rex and Leviatan both won one domestic title each and peaked at third place finishes in international tournaments although Leviatan’s third at Champions is undoubtedly more impressive. The last team in this tier is Fnatic who managed to win two domestic titles along with attending two international tournaments even if Shanghai was a poor performance the 5th-6th in Seoul was respectable enough grab them enough points to reach this tier.
Lastly we have the “Titan” tier which again consists of only four teams ranging from 62 points all the way to 86 points. This tier should solely be made up of teams with international titles if it wasn’t for Team Heretic’s proclivity for losing finals or Edward Gaming’s dominance over China as regardless of which of them won Champions both would have made it into this tier based on my points system. Now of course Edward Gaming did win champions making them the team with the most points this year thanks to a clean sweep of China domestic titles to go with the ultimate prize. Next on the list is Gen.G Esports who made the finals of both Masters events winning the second one and also hold two domestic titles for the year. Following that up is Team Heretics who despite attending four finals including two at international events never managed to win one this year but their consistency in getting there no doubt places them among the teams of this calibre. Last but certainly not least we have Sentinels who won Americas Kickoff and Masters Madrid to cement their spot in this tier.
Disclaimer
Sadly it turns out everything i wanted to write couldn't fit in the text so I will add the section conlcuding the strengths of the regions in my first reply.
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If you liked this I will be releasing my top players of the year consisting of a Global 20, Americas 10, China 10, EMEA 10 and Pacific 10 so keep an i out for that and I will also link it here.
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aint reading all that happy for you though or sad it happened
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