Nihon saikyō: Top Players from VCT Masters Tokyo

After the VCT LOCK//IN finals set the stage for VCT 2023, it seemed everything would seem pale in comparison. But, VCT Masters Tokyo was nothing short of a movie. As if every moment was tailored to enhance the experience. Coupled with the amazing Japanese crowd, The VCT Masters Tokyo has to be hands down one of the best Valorant LAN tournaments so far if not the best.

The tournament had everything, an underdog story, an unexpected contender and the overlords. While the tournament ended with the overlords, Fnatic, lifting the trophy. It didn't feel undeserving. A lot of teams had underwhelming shows but EDward Gaming, Paper Rex and Evil Geniuses along with Fnatic carried the tournament.

Tokyo saw a lot of players displaying their true potential, let's highlight some of the best players from VCT Masters Tokyo.

Controller - Alexander "jawgemo" Mor:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

A lot of controllers failed to leave their mark on the event, especially above the sentinels who were riding hot throughout the event. But Jawgemo correctly found his moments throughout the games. For EG, Jawgemo was the point man, he clutched, got crucial kills and was overall the team’s best player. Moreover he did all of it playing the controller role. Obviously Boostio, the team’s IGL was great but Jawgemo’s consistency with stats and impact throughout the event was amazing. If EG had won the event, Jawgemo would definitely be the MVP for the team. Jawgemo had a 32% clutch percentage at the event, with a 74% KAST, highest of any controller in the tournament.

Honorable mention - Sam “s0m” Oh, Gua “Haodong” Haodong

Duelist - Zheng "ZmjjKk" Yongkang:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

A duelist usually is the star player of the roster, a shining light for the team, the center of attraction. And ZmjjKk or KangKang was everything and more for Edward gaming. At the event, EDward Gaming had one of the best showings from a Chinese team yet and ZmjjKk was on the helm of EDG's ship. From their first game, ZmjjKk impressed everyone. His offensive operator captivated everyone, especially NA's only Major MVP Tarik who was sold on ZmjjKk. In the event, ZmjjKk had more than thrice the operator kills of any other player. He was statistically one of the best players at the event. ZmjjKk was more often than not the kill leader for EDG and fulfilled the entry role with pure brilliance. With 82-54 FK-FD and averaging to 0.24 first kills per round, ZmjjKk has to be the best duelist at VCT Masters Tokyo.

Honorable mention - Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev, Wang "Jinggg" Jing Jie

IGL - Jake “Boaster” Howlett:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

A good leader leads the team to victory and the best IGL has to be from the winning team. Thus, Boaster has to be the best IGL in the event. Fnatic entered the tournament as the second seed from EMEA. And started their journey in the playoffs. Their run started with taking down NRG, Paper Rex and Evil Geniuses twice to secure their second international trophy. Boaster’s read made Fnatic look like a class apart. From manipulating to defense to coordinating some of the finest offensive set plays in recent Valorant, under Boaster’s leadership Fnatic player’s shone. Except Evil Geniuses, no team held a candle to Fnatic and Boaster. Boostio, Evil Geniuses IGL called Fnatic perfect and a big part of Fnatic’s dominance lies with the leadership of Boaster. Statistically, Boaster had another decent performance, with 78% KAST. Boaster’s flanks and clutches were really crucial for Fnatic’s success.

Honorable mention - Kelden “Boostio” Pupello, Gua “Haodong” Haodong

Initiator - Leo “Leo” Jannesson:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

Leo was one of the strongest players in Guild, but since joining Fnatic he has risen in ranks. With Fnatic, Leo has found a form like no others. In the tournament where initiators and sentinels showed up big time, Leo led the charge. Playing the back bone for Fnatic, Leo was the last line of defense for the team and was the safest pair of hands on the team. In 210 rounds played, Leo died first twice. With a K:D of 1.47, Leo made the most impact with every single one of his kills. There are multiple rounds where Leo was the key player for Fnatic. The utility usage, the mechanical prowess and not making mistakes defines Leo. With Fnatic going into the Champions as the defending champions, Leo will be a key piece for the success.

Honorable mention - Ethan “Ethan” Arnold, Khalish “d4v41” Rusyaidee

Flex - Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

The only three time International title winner, Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov has to be the definition of flex. Playing almost every possible role coming into Fnatic, Chronicle brought flexibility and skills to the team. In the team, Chronicle plays every filler role needed by the team. Playing Breach, Kay/O and Viper, Chronicle’s ability to switch from offensive and defensive roles perfectly. More often than not, Chronicle is the lead fragger for the team and has posted some insane numbers throughout Tokyo. With 236 average ACS, 0.43 APR and 0.83 KPR, Chronicle put up insane numbers and was the defensive backbone for the team along with the young Alfajer. Going into the Valorant Champions, Chronicle would have a chance to become the first player to win four international trophy.

Honorable mention - Goo “Rb” Sang Min, Khalish “d4v41” Rusyaidee

Sentinels/ Site Anchor - Emer Ali “Alfajer“ Beder:

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

Alfajer is a young Turkish talent recruited by Mini and Boaster. Starting his journey in 2022 with Fnatic, Alfajer has become one of the key members of Fnatic. Playing the Sentinel/Site anchor role for Fnatic, Alfajer bullied the competition. Throughout the tournament, Alfajer had the best K:D with 1.69. He was also named the MVP for the team by his peers at the post match press conference. Along with Chronicle, Alfajer was the defensive backbone for Fnatic and was the definition of site anchor for the team.

Honorable mention -  Kelden “Boostio” Pupello, Dmitry “Suygetsu” Ilyushin

We’d see these players again at Valorant Champions starting August 6th. With more teams joining the fun, Valorant Champions will be a tournament to remember. You can follow the VCT Twitter for all the updates regarding Valorant Esports.

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

Checkout VCT Masters Tokyo on Strafe.