NA VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs Power Rankings
The journey to Masters Berlin is challenging, but for eight North American VALORANT teams, it’s within reach with just a few matches left.
The VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs start on Wednesday, Aug. 11, featuring eight of the best teams from NA competing for a spot at Masters Berlin. This event marks the culmination of the Stage Three NA circuit, with only three teams advancing to the international competition. While the usual top teams aim to continue their VCT success, there are underdogs hungry to make a name for themselves on the big stage.
Here are the power rankings from the staff for the eight teams heading into the NA VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs.
- Sentinels
- TSM
- 100 Thieves
- XSET
- Envy
- FaZe Clan
- Rise
- Luminosity
The Big Three: Sentinels, TSM, 100 Thieves
It has been a while since these three teams were talked about in the same sentence, but the big three might be making a comeback.
Sentinels, the champions of Masters Reykjavík, hold the top spot in the power rankings with a unanimous decision. They have established themselves as the best team in North America, dominating in the international setting. Since TenZ joined the team, Sentinels have won 32 out of 35 matches, only recently losing to XSET. While they may not be invincible, their track record speaks for itself.
TSM’s performance in the Challengers Playoffs will be crucial. With a newly crafted winning lineup and a nine-match win streak, they are proving their strength. However, they still need to face off against top teams like Envy, 100 Thieves, and Sentinels to solidify their reign.
100 Thieves, composed of experienced players, haven’t played a match in almost a month. This break may work in their favor as they have time to strategize, study their opponents, and come up with surprises. Led by team captain Hiko, they have the potential to secure a spot in Berlin.
Middle of the Pack: XSET, Envy, FaZe
XSET has risen from being a tier-one gatekeeper to becoming top-tier competition. With their recent additions of IGL dephh and fragger zekken, they have found success and defeated top teams on their way to the playoffs. While they fell to Sentinels in the grand final, they showed resilience. A win against Luminosity will secure their ticket to Germany.
Envy, once a dominant team, made changes to their roster with the inclusion of Marved from FaZe. While their journey through Challengers One was shaky, they still qualified for the playoffs. Their first match against TSM is an opportunity to prove themselves and regain their position in the scene.
FaZe, known for their “Smeag-style” gameplay, has found their footing with the new recruit BabyJ. Despite a difficult Challengers Two main event, they fought their way through the lower bracket and made it to the grand final. Their resilience is crucial as they aim to bounce back and make a comeback.
Plenty to Prove: Rise, Luminosity
Ranking Rise as seventh is difficult, considering their recent performances. Made up of players with pro team experience, they have proven themselves against Gen.G and FaZe. They now need to show consistency and earn their place in the conversation. Qualifying for Masters Berlin would be a fitting achievement.
Luminosity comes into the playoffs with a new lineup, providing an ideal situation to work out any potential issues. With players like dazzLe and ban, combined with experienced veterans, there is no immense pressure on them to perform. Their focus is on qualifying for Masters Berlin, and any wins along the way would be a bonus.
The NA VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs commence on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 2pm CT.
VALORANT esports, NA VCT, Challengers Playoffs, Masters Berlin, power rankings, Sentinels, TSM, 100 Thieves, XSET, Envy, FaZe Clan, Rise, Luminosity