The four remaining Challenger Qualifier slots have been filled by Cloud9, NRG, Sentinels, and Andbox.
After a long series of qualifiers, the eight teams in contention to fight for a spot at the first VALORANT LAN event are set.
Cloud9 poised to strike
Beginning the Challenger series as one of the more unlikely teams to qualify, Cloud9 has had an unprecedented return to form. Lending out their star player, TenZ, and transitioning over two CS:GO players, Floppy and Xeppaa (the former occupying a spot on the bench) it certainly appeared as those the squad would need some time to recover from this massive roster changes. C9 however started hot in the open qualifier and so far are undefeated in the upper bracket of the closed, averaging 216 ACS across only four maps.
This has largely been facilitated by the retained core of C9 in poiz, xeta, and leaf. Overall poiz has been statistically the best performing duelist in the tournament, topping the charts in K/D (1.54), ADR (163), KPR (.99), and overall ACS (262) all on his signature Reina pick.
Sentinels overcome an early setback
The NA Masters reigning champions have given themselves another shot at the crown despite an early loss to Andbox in the first round. Their game against Immortals today clinched a Challengers Final berth. Once again on loan to the team, TenZ provided an invaluable asset in what was their strongest showing so far in the closed qualifier.
A team known for having incredible carry potential from any of their five players, their series this tournament have largely hinged on their two primary duelist players, SicK and TenZ. Though Sentinels can breath a sigh of relief after qualifying, the battle for seeding could determine whether or not they can book a trip to Iceland.
TSM falls, Andbox stays
A truly tragic day for TSM, the efforts of WARDELL, hazed, and Subroza could not translate into a series win. Andbox’s constant Operator presence, Yay, ending with 36 total kills and a highlight reel’s worth of clutches.
Though signing Brax before the start of the closed qualifier, TSM opted to leave him on the bench for the entirety of the event. Given TSM’s underwhelming result today, and Culter’s recent struggles since First Strike, it certainly seems more likely the roster swaps are in TSM’s immediate future.
Also read:
- VALORANT – Everything you need to know about Episode 2 Act 3
- Which Agents to play on Haven
- Cloud9 switches floppy to their VALORANT roster
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Image credit: Sentinels