VCT Masters Tokyo: EMEA Preview

One of the most prestigious events in VALORANT Esports, VCT Masters, is just around the corner. This tournament brings together the finest teams from across the globe to compete for the title of the best in the world.

Masters will feature four teams from EMEA: FNATIC, Team Liquid, Natus Vincere and FUT Esports, these teams are set to make their mark on the international stage.

FNATIC

FNATIC wasn't the most fortunate team when it came to international events, known for falling short in Grand Finals. But, FNATIC managed to turn their fortunes around, winning against LOUD and becoming VCT LOCK IN Brazil despite being down eight rounds on the last map of the series.

FNATIC's performance in the regular season of VCT EMEA was nothing short of perfect, achieving a perfect record throughout it. However, while FNATIC was celebrating their successes, Team Liquid was plotting and polishing their finest strategies for them. Team Liquid, despite losing earlier to FNATIC in the second stage of the competition, managed to bounce back and secure another shot at them. Team Liquid defeated FNATIC in the Grand Finals of VCT EMEA, becoming the region's Champions. But, knowing FNATIC, this team will bounce back and will be looking to show that in Masters.

Expectations are soaring high for FNATIC as this team enters Masters. With their stellar performance in EMEA, FNATIC has captured the attentions of fans and audiences alike. Fans anticipate their continued success and expect nothing less than perfection from them.

Leo and Chronicle, two superstars on FNATIC, have delivered perfect performances, contributing to the team's flawless record in EMEA regular season. So the spotlight shines on this duo to keep a consistent performance or raise the bar even further.

TEAM LIQUID

Reinforcing their lineup with former Gambit Esports members, Team Liquid came in with a fresh look, and despite this team bombing out of VCT LOCK IN, there were glimpses of potential in this team.

After their performance in VCT LOCK IN, Team Liquid was counted out in VCT EMEA. Throughout the regular season, Team Liquid was mocked, but Liquid kept their composure and continued to work hard, and it was about to show. In the next stage of the competition, Team Liquid knocked out Team Vit to the lower bracket, and upset NAVI as well. Despite their loss to FNATIC at the upper finals, Liquid took a jab at FUT Esports and secured another shot at FNATIC, but this time Liquid meant business and after an exciting Grand Final, Liquid was crowned EMEA's best.

Team Liquid's recent successes solidifies their position as a formidable force in VALORANT, and fans anticipate their future triumphs, this is Team Liquid's era.

Nats and Redgar, the newcomers to Team Liquid from the former Gambit Esports lineup, are the highlights of this team. This duo proved to be a pillar of Liquid's recent successes, with Nats' excellent performance on the lurking role and Redgar's unorthodox approach to the game.

NAVI

NAVI signed FunPlus Phoenix's roster after the Chinese organization did not make it to franchising. This team, unlike FNATIC, was more fortunate, winning VCT Masters against Paper Rex, and becoming the best team worldwide last season. This team also placed fourth at VCT LOCK IN.  

NAVI was the second-best team in the regular season of VCT EMEA, despite falling short to KOI and FNATIC, the team kept their composure and pushed forward. In the next stage of the competition, NAVI suffered a massive upset against Team Liquid which knocked them to the lower bracket, and even though NAVI bounced back against Giants Gaming that would be short-lived as FUT Esports shut down their hopes. And because FNATIC won VCT LOCK IN, EMEA gained an extra slot at Masters, which was granted to NAVI after placing fourth.

Although expectations aren't set high for them, NAVI is going to Masters as the underdogs of EMEA and this team will be looking to prove themselves once again.

All eyes will be on Cned and Suygetsu, who delivered an excellent season and helped NAVI get here.

FUT ESPORTS

FUT Esports' performance in Off Season tournaments like Red Bull Homeground and G Loot Clash cemented them as one of the more average teams in franchising. And after being eliminated from VCT LOCK IN, fans just didn't believe in FUT Esports.

FUT Esports' regular season was a bunch of highs and lows, but despite all of that, the team secured their spot in the next stage of the competition, remaining as the singular Turkish team in this stage. FUT Esports came in blazing, knocking Giants Gaming to the lower bracket, and pulling a respectable fight against FNATIC in the semi-finals, but that wasn't enough. Knocked to the lower bracket, FUT Esports had to take the scenic route. FUT won against Team Vit and then NAVI. But their run was put to a half by Team Liquid in the lower finals.

For FUT Esports, this is about national pride, about representing all the Turkish people in Masters and showcasing their abilities to elevate the local scene.

MrFalin and Qw1 showcased a different level of VALORANT, so fans and audiences should be watching this duo go far and beyond for their team.

SCHEDULE

• FUT Esports vs Evil Geniuses : 11/06/2023 4:00AM CET.
• NAVI vs NRG Esports : 12/06/2023 4:00AM CET.
• FNATIC vs TBD.
• TEAM Liquid vs TBD.

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