Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter game developed and published by Riot Games. Since its release in 2020, it has become one of the most popular esports titles, with a growing competitive scene and a number of professional teams and players.
Valorant esports tournaments usually consist of teams of five players competing in best-of-three or best-of-five matches. The game's competitive mode, which is similar to other popular esports games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, features a ranking system that allows players to progress and compete at higher levels.
Some of the biggest Valorant esports tournaments include the Valorant Champions Tour, which features regional and international competitions, and the Valorant First Strike series, which was the game's first major tournament.
As with other esports titles, there is also a growing betting scene for Valorant, with fans able to place bets on matches and tournaments through a variety of online sportsbooks and betting platforms.
International and Regional competitions
Valorant is a relatively new game, but it has quickly become a popular esport, with a growing number of regional and international competitions. Here are some of the major Valorant tournaments:
- Valorant Champions Tour (VCT): This is the biggest and most prestigious Valorant tournament series, organized by Riot Games. The VCT features regional competitions in North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa, culminating in a global championship.
- Ignition Series: Before the VCT was introduced, Riot Games partnered with third-party organizers to create the Ignition Series, a series of tournaments that helped establish the competitive scene for Valorant. The Ignition Series included events in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- First Strike: Riot Games organized the First Strike tournament in late 2020 as the first official Valorant tournament. The tournament was region-specific, with events held in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and North Africa.
- Masters: Regional Masters tournaments are organized by Riot Games as part of the VCT. These tournaments feature top teams from each region competing for prize money and a spot in the global championship.
- Challengers: Challengers tournaments are also part of the VCT, featuring lower-ranked teams competing for a spot in the regional Masters tournaments.
- Other third-party tournaments: In addition to these major tournaments, there are also several third-party organizers who host smaller Valorant tournaments, such as the Valorant Conquerors Championship in Southeast Asia and the Valorant Champions Tour Game Changers in North America, which is an all-women's tournament.
These tournaments attract top Valorant teams from around the world, including teams like Sentinels, G2 Esports, Fnatic, and Team Liquid, as well as up-and-coming teams looking to make a name for themselves.
Some of the Best Valorant Players
There are many talented and skilled Valorant players in the world, and opinions on who the best players are can vary depending on factors such as region, team, playstyle, and personal preference. That being said, here are some of the top Valorant players based on their recent performances and achievements:
- TenZ - A Canadian player who currently plays for Sentinels. He is known for his incredible aim and game sense, and has been a consistent performer in the NA region.
- ScreaM - A Belgian player who currently plays for Team Liquid. He is renowned for his accuracy and precision with the game's weapons, earning him the nickname "The Headshot Machine".
- ShahZaM - An American player who currently plays for Sentinels. He is known for his versatility and leadership, and has helped lead his team to multiple victories in the NA region.
- Mixwell - A Spanish player who currently plays for G2 Esports. He is a skilled operator player, and has been a consistent top performer in the European region.
- ZywOo - A French player who currently plays for Team Vitality. He is considered one of the best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players in the world, and has recently shown his skill in Valorant as well.
- Sinatraa - An American player who currently plays for Sentinels. He was a former Overwatch League MVP and has transitioned well to Valorant, showcasing his skill in the NA region.
- Yoru - A Korean player who currently plays for Vision Strikers. He is known for his exceptional game sense and strategy, and has helped lead his team to multiple victories in the Korean region.
- nitr0 - An American player who currently plays for 100 Thieves. He is known for his leadership and experience, having played at a professional level in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive before transitioning to Valorant.
- AvovA - A Turkish player who currently plays for Acend. He is known for his versatility and ability to play multiple agents at a high level, and has helped lead his team to victories in the European region.
- XiaoWeiXiao - A Chinese player who currently plays for FunPlus Phoenix. He is known for his skill with the game's controllers and has helped lead his team to victories in the Asian region.
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive or definitive list, and there are many other talented players out there who deserve recognition.
Betting on Valorant
Valorant betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of Valorant esports matches and tournaments. Similar to other esports betting, bettors can wager on various markets such as match winners, map winners, and handicap betting.
Valorant betting has become increasingly popular since the game's release in 2020, and many sportsbooks now offer betting options for Valorant matches and tournaments. It is important to note that betting on esports carries risks, and it is crucial to gamble responsibly and stay informed about the teams and players before placing bets. It is also important to use reputable and licensed websites like GG.BET to ensure a fair and secure betting experience.