As the first international LAN event in VALORANT’s relatively new esports scene, VCT Masters Reykjavik will see some of the best players clash for the first time. Here are the players you should keep an eye on.
The VCT Masters Reykjavik is the first international LAN for Valorant esports. Every team has been playing in its regional leagues, but this is the first time that different regions will clash and on LAN. As we head into the $600,000 event, here are eight players to watch during the VCT Masters Reykjavik.
1. ScreaM - The one-tap king
Team Liquid's sudden trise to the top of EMEA has been phenomenal as they moved from lackluster finishes to VCT Masters Reykjavik favorites. Adil "ScreaM" Benriltom, a mainstay on the TL roster, has been at the center of his team's success. Formerly a strict duelist player, ScreaM's ability to flex to utility focused agents have been invaluable. Though moving away from the likes of Reina, ScreaM has maintained his incredible stat lines. In the EMEA Challengers Finals, ScreaM found the most frags (227) and finished second in both ADR (180.7) and K/D (1.45).
One of the most veteran FPS players going into the VCT, VALORANT's LAN debut will be nothing new to ScreaM. The one-tap king's veteran presence and mechanical ability will be integral for Team Liquid's international hopes.
2. TenZ - NA's prodigal son makes it to VCT Masters Reykjavik
Tyson "TenZ" Ngo's re-entry into competitive VALORANT brought a renianssence for Sentinels. Falering in Challengers qualifiers, TenZ's introduction to the roster saw 3 consecutive first place finishes for Sentinels. The player's near constant presence on the Jett Operator role has been a massive contributing factor for Sentinels in his relatively short stay. Now on LAN with zero ping, TenZ can perhaps unleash his full potential.
Sentinels are entering VCT Masters Reykjavik as the favorites largely because of their duelists. Whether or not Sentinel's domestic dominance can translate to an Icelandic victory will be contingent on TenZ's performance.
3. Lakia - The titan slayer punches NUTURN's ticket to VCT Masters Reyjkavik
NUTURN made a name for themselves internationally by snapping Vision Strikers' 100+ game winning streak and denying them a spot in VCT Masters Reykjavik. After countless middling results across VCT events, Lakia's sudden rise brought NUTURN to the top of Korean VALORANT scene. The team ended Challengers Finals Korea with a 1.49 KD, 161 ADR, and an impressive 62% ESR, acting as both duelist and initiator. For most of the Valorant scene, Masters Reykjavik will be their first introduction to the Korean representatives. To make a meaningful impression, Lakie will need to have a good showing.
4. Derke - EU's premier Jett
The Fnatic roster (formerly SUMN FC) had a persistent presence in EMEA although the team often fell flat with its performance. The introduction of Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev and Martin "Magnum" Penkov infused the roster with new life. Derke specifically seemed to elevate Fnatic's general level of play. In EMEA Challengers playoffs, Derke only fell behind ScreaM in K/D (1.42) and KPR (0.97).
As one of the premier Jett Operators coming into VCT Masters Reykjavik, the burden will be on Derke to contend with the likes of TenZ to keep Fnatic competitive.
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5. Sacy - Brazilian legend powers the VCT Masters Reykjavik dark horses
The two Brazilian contenders have appeared as dark horses to take VCT Masters Reykjavik. While most eyes are fixated on the NA vs EU matchups, Brazil could be a surprise package.
A duel esports legend, Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi was an ADC in League of Legends since 2013 before eventually switching to VALORANT. The multi-game esports veteran has not lost his form as he continues to impress in the FPS title.
One of the most well rounded players from the Brazil Challengers Finals, Sacy finished second in K/D (1.55), ESR (68%), and ACS (245). A near constant on Sova, Sacy's info gathering ability and frag potential have made Vikings a known scrim threat.
6. Penny - A promising duelist that needs to step up
Version1's sudden rise to success is the Cinderella story that seemingly has no end. Unfortunately, V1 are not going into VCT Masters Reykjavik at full strength. Maxim "wippie" Shepelev was unable to attend due to visa complications. Down one duelist and with a replacement who is admittedly more passive, it is now on Erik "penny" Penny to carry his team as the sole starting duelist.
Penny was able to hold his own in Challengers Finals, finishing with the 5th highest overall rating (1.17). To make his team a real threat, Penny will have to exceed expectations on LAN.
7. Munchkin - A career odyssey that transcends games
Byeon "Munchkin" Sang-beom's story starts in Overwatch on the Seoul Dynasty, one of the strongest teams in the inaugural season of the Overwatch League. Munchkin started his VALORANT career on Cloud9 Korea as one of the few viable contenders against Vision Strikers. After a second place finish in First Strike and the C9K roster dissolved, Munchkin switched regions to Japan.
Shortly after joining Crazy Raccoon, the Japanese organization usurped the domestic champions in Absolute JUPITER. Munchkin thus far has seen success only across the two regions he's played in and could potentially lead Crazy Raccoon to a surprisingly successful VCT Masters Reykjavik run.
8. Patiphan - Looking to put SEA on the map
The SEA region has struggled to make a name for itself in most FPS titles, but Patiphan "Patiphan" Chaiwong is looking to change that. Also a former Overwatch player, X10 has had close to a monopoly over the Thai and SEA leagues. One of the region's brightest duelist players, Patiphan had the second highest kills (244) with an impressive 1.17 K/D during the Challengers Finals.
VALORANT Masters: Reykjavík - First international LAN brings different regions together
The VALORANT Masters: Reykjavík is the first international LAN for Riot Games' FPS title. It will being together teams from all across the globe in what will determine the best team and region. VCT Masters Reykjavík kicks off on May 24 with $600,000 on offer. The first match will be between Fnatic and Kru Esports in a double-elimination bracket. and will be streamed live on Twitch.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest Valorant news and updates.
