Valorant esports has rapidly emerged as one of the most thrilling and competitive scenes in the gaming world. Since its release, Valorant has captivated both players and fans with its tactical gameplay, unique agents, and intense team-based action.
As the game continues to evolve, the Valorant pro scene has grown exponentially, giving rise to a vibrant esports ecosystem filled with intense Valorant tournaments and high-level competition. In this article, we will explore the rise of Valorant esports, its key players, iconic tournaments, and the journey to becoming a professional in the game.
What is Valorant esports?
Valorant esports is the competitive scene for the tactical shooter Valorant, developed by Riot Games. It features professional teams and players competing in tournaments, such as the Valorant Champions and Valorant Champions Tour (VCT).
Major Valorant tournaments and events
These are some of the most significant events in the Valorant competitive scene:
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)
The VCT is the premier global tournament series for Valorant, featuring regional qualifiers and culminating in the world championship. It includes multiple stages: VCT Challengers, VCT Masters, and VCT Champions. VCT is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Valorant esports, with the Champions event being the most prestigious.
Valorant Champions
As the final event in the VCT, the Valorant Champions tournament brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. The tournament showcases top-tier gameplay and offers substantial prize pools.
Masters tournaments
Held during the VCT season, the VCT Masters tournaments are major global events that feature the best teams from each region. These events are critical for teams aiming to qualify for Valorant Champions and often feature intense, high-level competition.
Valorant game changers
This event is designed to support and promote women in the Valorant competitive scene, featuring tournaments and competitions where female players compete at a professional level. It aims to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups in the competitive scene.
Red Bull home ground
This event is a smaller but notable competition that brings together some of the top Valorant teams in a unique, invite-only setting. It has become known for its high-energy atmosphere and intense matches.
Other regional tournaments
In addition to global events, there are several regional tournaments such as VCT Pacific, VCT EMEA, VCT Americas, and more, where teams compete within their specific regions for a chance to qualify for global stages.
Top teams
These are the top teams in the Valorant competitive scene:
Sentinels
One of the most successful and well-known teams in Valorant, Sentinels rose to prominence early on by winning the first VCT Masters tournament. Known for their strong roster and consistency, they have remained a dominant force in North America.
LOUD
Based in Brazil, LOUD made a massive impact by winning Valorant Champions 2022. Their victory solidified their reputation as one of the best teams in the scene, especially in the Latin American region.
Fnatic
A major European powerhouse, Fnatic has consistently been one of the top teams in the VCT circuit, making deep runs in several VCT Masters events. Their strategic play and strong team synergy have made them a top contender in international tournaments.
Paper Rex
Hailing from the Asia-Pacific region, Paper Rex has become a fan favorite for their aggressive and fast-paced playstyle. They have consistently placed well in VCT events and are known for their exciting matches.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid is a globally recognized organization with a strong presence in Valorant. The team has been a staple in the VCT Europe circuit and continues to compete at the highest levels.
ZETA Division
Based in Japan, ZETA Division has made significant strides in the scene. Known for their strategic depth and team coordination, they have been a dominant force in the VCT Asia-Pacific region.
Top players
These are the top players in the Valorant competitive scene:
Shahzeeb “Shahzeeb” Khan (Sentinels)
As a key player for Sentinels, Shahzeeb has played an integral role in the team’s success, showcasing exceptional skills in both individual play and team strategies.
Derke (Fnatic)
Known for his incredible aim and clutch plays, Derke is considered one of the best Valorant players globally. His performances in high-pressure situations have made him a standout figure in the VCT Europe scene.
Scream (Team Liquid)
A former professional Counter-Strike player, Scream is famous for his sharp shooting skills and impeccable mechanics. His leadership and gameplay have helped establish Team Liquid as a top-tier team in Valorant.
Saif “Sayf” Ghanem (LOUD)
As one of the standout players for LOUD, Sayf played a crucial role in their victory at Valorant Champions 2022. His versatility and exceptional game sense made him one of the key figures in Brazil’s rise in the Valorant scene.
Jojonak (ZETA Division)
Jojonak is widely recognized for his strategic gameplay and ability to make critical decisions under pressure. His consistency has helped elevate ZETA Division as one of the top teams in Asia-Pacific.
How to get involved in Valorant esports?
Getting involved in Valorant esports can be an exciting journey, whether you’re aiming to become a professional player, an event organizer, or just a dedicated fan. This is a guide on how to get started:
1. Play the game regularly
To break into the scene, you first need to develop a deep understanding of the game. Playing consistently will help you master its mechanics, strategies, and agent abilities, which are crucial for competitive play.
Aim for precision, tactical thinking, and teamwork. Communication with your team and understanding maps and game strategies are key. Progressing through the ranked system (Iron to Radiant) will help you get noticed by higher-level teams and players.
2. Join a competitive team
Once you’re comfortable with the game, consider joining a competitive team to gain experience and exposure.
There are many amateur and semi-professional tournaments where you can participate, like VCT Challengers or local competitions.
You can find teams by joining communities or through platforms like Discord, Twitter, or FACEIT. Many players start by teaming up with others in ranked matches or scrims.
3. Compete in tournaments
Participating in tournaments is a great way to get noticed by the broader Valorant pro scene. Many websites host smaller events, and platforms like Battlefy, Toornament, and Challenger Mode allow players to enter local or regional tournaments.
For aspiring professionals, keeping an eye on VCT qualifiers and regional events is essential. Starting from local events can help you progress toward bigger stages like VCT Challengers and VCT Masters.
4. Stream and create content
Building a personal brand and gaining visibility is important for those who want to get into Valorant.
Use platforms like Twitch or YouTube to showcase your gameplay. Engage with your viewers, share tips, and highlight your skills to gain a following.
Share your achievements and clips on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram to gain attention from fans, teams, and sponsors.
5. Network with the community
Connecting with other players, teams, coaches, and fans is crucial for growth in the scene. Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Twitter are great for connecting with players and learning about upcoming tournaments, tryouts, and team opportunities.
Whether virtual or live, attending events can help you meet industry professionals, players, and other fans.
6. Consider coaching or casting
If playing professionally isn’t your goal, there are other ways to be involved in Valorant esports.
Experienced players can become coaches to help teams develop strategies and improve their performance. If you have a strong understanding of the game and excellent communication skills, casting (commentating on matches) is a popular and rewarding role.
7. Stay dedicated and be patient
Breaking into the scene takes time and effort. Whether you are aiming for a pro career or a supporting role, consistency, dedication, and networking are key. Keep improving, participate in as many events as you can, and make connections to increase your chances of success.To enhance your Valorant esports experience, consider using ExitLag, a powerful tool that reduces lag and improves your connection for smoother, more competitive gameplay.