After their dominant run at the VCT Masters: Copenhagen, FunPlus Phoenix is primed to win the VCT Champions, which happens to be the biggest event in all of VALORANT.
However, bet365 favors Brazilian squad LOUD to raise the trophy coming in with the lowest odds in the field at 4.00. LOUD had a very disappointing performance in Copenhagen but has dominated their region the entire season. This includes coming in second in Reykjavik. Purely speculative but that performance may have convinced the oddsmakers enough to propel them over FPX Phoenix who are priced at 4.75.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 25th, 12:00 P.M. (EST)
Copenhagen runner up and APAC’s finest, Paper Rex, are also favorites to win falling just short after losing to FPX Phoenix in full five map fashion. The series went all the way with both teams going back and forth on Breeze; however, eventual MVP Suygetsu proved too much despite the sheer aggressiveness of Paper Rex in winning the map for his squad 13-9.
Despite losing, it is evident that Paper Rex are the crowd favorites with their aggressive pushing style spearheaded by top APAC players Forsaken and Jing with their signature double duelist comp. They will be the opening match against Chinese team Edward Gaming.
Another squad to watch will be North American titans Optic Gaming. They have been atop the VALORANT esports scene ever since last year’s champions circuit. It will be exciting to see if they have what it takes to win it all this time. Especially with the nerfs onto Chamber, who happens to be their superstar Yay’s signature hero, it will be interesting if the “El Diablo” will still menace the server with his Operator.
Meanwhile, EMEA boasts team Liquid and Fnatic. Fnatic is of course fun to watch both on and off the game with Boaster’s usual antics outside the game and their strategy inside the game. Icebox has always been their home turf, but with teams like 100Thieves who favors the map just as much, Fnatic will have their hands full trying to come up with new tactics that should unfold this tournament.
Team Liquid bested M3 Champions in the Last Chance Qualifiers for their region in a dominating 3-1 victory after losing during the winner’s bracket finals. It’s about time for Liquid to showcase their skills internationally in Turkey given their star-studded lineup led by long-tenured CS:GO legend Scream alongside his younger brother, Nivera, who recently switched to VALORANT as well after his stay with the French CS:GO powerhouse Team Vitality.
The VCT Champions in Turkey is packed with the best teams across the world and the competition is as high as ever. Will Brazilian pride LOUD prove their worth against them all?
