Covered Always: Best Controller Valorant Pro Players- 2022 Edition*

In discussion with Strafe Esports’ Ganesh and Zen, we’ve assembled a list of the top-rated Valorant players in based roles categories. The categories are Flex, IGL, Entry, Site Anchor, OPer, Recon and Controller. Picks and roles are subjective.

Of all the roles, Controllers and In-Game Leaders are possibly the most difficult to judge objectively. A great controller functions as the backbone of the teams operations and well-timed smokes are rarely the focus of attention and praise. Sadly, there is no firm metric for judging a great controller player. The eye test remains the best and truest form of attaching merit. Without further ado, here is the Strafe Esports 2022 Top 5 Controller Pro Players.

Bryan “pANcada” Luna (1)

Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Topping the 2022 list for controllers is LOUD’s silent backbone, “pANcada”. Earning the reputation of consistency, he is one of the deadliest performers on the roster, moreso because pinning him down for a kill, is a nightmare for opposition. Slippery and resilient, accounts from other pros have placed him as one of their toughest opponents.

Kim “MaKo” Myeong-kwan (2)

Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

It comes as no surprise that the DRX king would make the list. As one of the rising stars of South Korean Valorant, “MaKo” has quickly asserted himself as one of the strongest Astra and Viper players in the world.

Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen (3)

Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

In 2021, “Marved” was a mid-tier NA controller in FaZe Clan. The tutelage of Pujan “FNS” Mehta and time in Team Envy transformed him into the best controller player in the region and one of the best in the world. An expert in playing in and around smokes, he claims the NA title of ‘Smoke Criminal’ in Valorant.

Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart (4)

Image credit: Lance Skundrich/Riot Games

‘Paper Rex has two Indonesian players,’ Aaron once said. He set out to prove it as Paper Rex took the world by storm. And take it he did. He has emerged as one of the best controller players in the world, an extremely prodigious Astra player especially, that had some of the most memorable clutches for the squad.

Shota “SugarZ3ro” Watanabe (5)

Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Despite his squad not making it far, “SugarZ3ro” holds a high standard to his controller game, far and away one of the best players, not just on his squad but in the world. His proficiency especially of Astra, was revolutionary and paved the way for other players such as “MaKo.”

Honorable Mention: Sean “Bang” Bezerra

Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Beginning his Valorant career as a duelist and flex, “Bang” has since transitioned into one of the strongest talents NA has produced. His elevation of his Controller game in 2022 has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. Coaching staff at 100 Thieves sing his praises and project his growth to be even greater in 2023.

Stay tuned for more top five for other roles.

Image credit: Lance Skundrich/Riot Games