The inaugural VCT crowned Acend as the first VALORANT World Champions, however the long road to Champions saw countless memorable matches. Throughout the year long circuit, several players rose to the occasion. Whether coming up clutch in a decisive game or improving their overall performance, these were the top five most improved players from 2021.
5. Keznit
KRÜ were one of the few teams that made every international competition of the year. At the beginning in Masters Reykjavk, the team fell flat despite is regional dominance in the LATAM region. By the end of the year, KRÜ had one of the most memorable matches at VCT Champions, nearly taking down Gambit in the Semi-Finals.
This effort largely led by Keznit, the team’s duelist flex player. Pulling of some incredible plays especially in the game three decider, Keznit pushed his team to the extents of their ability. When looking at KRÜ at the beginning versus the end of the year, Keznit clearly aided the squad’s development.
4. Redgar
The Gambit IGL is an often overlooked player on the roster. While nAts and d3ffo stole the show in terms of pure fragging ability, Redgar’s shotcalling clearly elevated the team to new heights. After failing to qualify for Reykjavik, the team won Masters Berlin in a decisive manner and appeared as the strongest team going into VCT Champions. Despite losing out in the grand finals, Redgar’s efforts made Gambit one of the best teams of the year.
3. Yay
Yay has almost always been the best player on whatever team he’s played for, however his move to Envy saw the Jett Operator truly flourish. When playing on Andbox Yay showed clear promise, pulling of incredible plays on a regular basis. When surrounded by a more supportive squad, Yay became a far more consistent player.
With Yay’s constant pressure, Envy were able to reach the Masters Berlin finals to face off against Gambit. Though the team had a rather poor end to the year, Yay came quite a long way since his time on Andbox.
2. L1nk
L1nk has been a constant on his squad even before the squad was acquired by Team Liquid, dating back to the roster’s time as Fish123. The VALORANT player has stuck aroud for some of the squad’s best and worst times, though 2021 was a clear up swing for the European team. From struggling to defeat their domestic opponent, L1NK became well known as one of the most clutch players in VALORANT.
1. BONECOLD
Acend were underdogs turned kings of VALORANT. The team did not always perform as well as they did at VCT Champions. While cNed had maintained an incredibly high level of play almost all year long, the squad around him truly grew as the team matured. BONECOLD, as the IGL of the team, had plenty to do with the team’s sudden development. Going from an incredibly poor performance at Masters Berlin to lifting the Champions trophy, both BONECOLD’s improved shotcalling and individual play a key factor in the team’s growth.
Read more:
- No in-game Champions skins for VCT Champions winner, says Riot
- Riot is buffing Yoru – This is what they’re changing
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