The first stage of VCT Challengers is now in the books for almost all of the regions, with EMEA, NA, Brazin, Japan, Korea, and APAC sending their representitives.
Unfortunately for the Valorant scene and FunPlus Phoenix, the CIS-based team will not be able to compete in Masters 1 - despite winning the EMEA playoffs.
Team Liquid will be taking their spot after placing fourth in Challengers Stage 1.
Riot Games
When looking at the preliminary bracket, we have quite a bit of parody when compared to last year, with several teams making their international debut at Masters 1.
Fnatic, Liquid, G2, OpTic (as Envy), Zeta Division, and Paper Rex will be returning to the international stage.
Meanwhile, we'll get to see The Guard, DRX, XERXIA, and LOUD face other regions for the first time.
As an NA fanboy, I'll be rooting for The Guard to complete the underdog story and win the whole thing.
Now, onto all of the teams that will be competing:
EMEA
- Fnatic
- Team Liquid
- G2 Esports
NA
- OpTic Gaming
- The Guard
KR
- DRX
JP
- Zeta Division
APAC
- Paper Rex
- XERXIA Esports
BR
- LOUD
LATAM
- TBD
BR/LATAM (LCQ)
- TBD