Aspas is the VCT Americas 2024 Season MVP

Valorant

30 Jul

Foo Zen-Wen

Returning a tradition that began in 2023, the VCT circuit has begun their announcements for Players of the Year. With a total of 7 categories and 55 players, competition is fierce as players battle for individual recognition to close out the domestic season for this year. Without further ado, here are the award winners for the 2024 VCT Americas Players of the Year.

Duelist of the Year

Erick “aspas” Santos of Leviatán stands tall with this achievement. Since leaving LOUD at the end of 2023, questions abounded on whether or not the acclaimed Brazilian would be able to continue finding success apart from decorated IGL Matias “Saadhak” Delipetro, and yet by the time Stage 1 rolled around, the few questions still remaining quickly faded under the lamplight that is aspas’ aura.

Considered one of the greatest if not the greatest duelist player to ever play VALORANT, he was a massive reason for Leviatán’s success in Stage 1 and 2, delivering incredible carry performances throughout the regular season. More than anything, his ability to create miracles for his team, and to allow them to win rounds they should never be able to, is widely regarded as his best and greatest attribute - much like a force of nature.

Controller of the Year // IGL of the Year

Jacob “valyn” Batio has reshaped the underdog story in North America. With his former The Guard squadmates, he has proven that with tenacity and resilience, the top was attainable.

While the roster had a relatively quiet start to the year, with a mediocre Kickoff and missing out on Madrid, G2 bounced back with fierce tenacity to claim the second seed after making it to the Grand Finals of Stage 1 Playoffs.

From there, G2 proved themselves quickly on the international stage, taking down teams such as Team Heretics. In Stage 2, they proved that their run was not a fluke - by doing it all again. And throughout all of this, valyn has proven to be one of the biggest drivers for this team’s success.

His ability to maximize the value of each of his teammates has allowed G2 to shine - a true example of a sum being greater than its parts. More than that as well, his utility usage as a controller is absolutely sublime in controlling and denying areas of the map.

There are few controller players with as wide of a vision for the game as valyn and he truly lived up to the role’s name in 2024, earning him this double award.

Initiator of the Year

Daniel "eeiu" Vucenovic. One of 100 Thieves 3 new additions and the one least spoken of. The best description of eeiu that could probably be given is that he is the bedrock of the 100 Thieves roster.

By now, most are aware of the monstrous peaks that the individual members are capable of delivering and how powerfully they play with momentum on their side. However, whenever they falter, eeiu is right beside them.

To define the initiator role as the ultimate support role in some sense, setting up the rest of the team, eeiu would certainly fit the description. His deliverance in 2024 as one of the best silent partners to 100 Thieves’ peak is a testament to his consistency and skill.

Sentinel of the Year

Nathan “leaf” Orf, the lockdown specialist. In 2 words, he could be described as the perfect sentinel. Throughout 2024, leaf’s role on the G2 roster was to serve as their final pillar, especially on defense.

His consistent ability to always deliver a kill and prevent any site take from going costless meant that G2 rarely found themselves at a disadvantage. More than that, what made him truly unique among sentinels, was hisVCT AM awareness. He knew when to seize momentary opportunities and display aggression in the right moments, often being the difference maker in close G2 rounds.

Coach of the Year

Josh “JoshRT” Lee wins Coach of the Year to the surprise of few. From delivering the Ascension win last year, to amplifying the roster’s success in 2024 in the space of a few short months, JoshRT proved his dedication through his roster’s many victories.

What makes it his success in particular is the level of strategic depth and preparation that is plainly visible for the G2 roster whenever they enter a server, signaling a coaching staff that has well prepped his troops.

VCT Americas MVP

Erick “aspas” Santos wins his second award of 2024 by also securing the VCT Americas MVP award. Throughout 2024, aspas has proven himself to be a true force of nature for Leviatán, often forcibly winning rounds for his team singlehandedly.

Moreover, thanks in large part to aspas's extremely high numbers, Leviatán managed to secure 3rd place at VCT Americas Stage 1 and 1st place at VCT Americas Stage 2. Leviatán attended VCT Masters Shanghai, however, did not find a solid footing in their first international showing of the year.

For all that, aspas has undeniably earned MVP for his impact throughout the year.

The variance between the 1st and 2nd year of the VCT Americas Players of the Year awards on serves to showcase how incredibly competitive the region is and how versatile its players are.

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Credit: VCT Americas // Riot Games

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