VALORANT Champions 2023: 3 Sleeper Agents to Watch Out For
The highly anticipated VALORANT Champions 2023 event is just around the corner, where sixteen teams will compete for the ultimate prize of a world championship. As fans gear up for this thrilling tournament in Los Angeles, they can expect to witness exciting plays, intense matches, and the use of familiar agents that have dominated the VCT calendar.
However, what if the secret to victory lies in the hands of niche agent picks that have been largely overlooked throughout the year? After analyzing the data, I’ve identified three agents that have the potential to make a significant impact in the tournament, despite their underutilization.
Reyna: Unleashing the Ranked Nightmare
It’s surprising to see that Reyna, one of the most popular agents in ranked play, has been neglected at the professional level. However, considering the high skill level of VCT players, it makes sense as Reyna lacks utility for her team and possesses a weak blind ability.
Nonetheless, in the hands of skilled players who are in their prime, Reyna can snowball and completely dominate a map. Paper Rex showcased this during their VCT Pacific victory, relying on their superstar player using Reyna’s pure aim ability to secure multiple kills and strike fear into their opponents. While Reyna may face tougher competition at Champions, we all know the impact a hot streak can have in a match.
Chamber: Making a Comeback
Chamber, once a meta-defining agent, has seen a resurgence of interest in his gameplay. Despite various nerfs, he still offers value with his ability to secure opening kills without trading, as well as stabilize a team’s economy with his Headhunter and Tour de Force abilities.
ZETA DIVISION’s successful LCQ run saw Laz returning to Chamber, delivering outstanding performances in both the winners final and grand final matches. His exceptional performance on Bind, winning six out of seven opening duels, showcased Chamber’s impact in critical matches.
Gekko: The Hometown Hero
In the city of L.A., a local talent may have what it takes to help a team secure a championship. Gekko’s unique abilities make for an interesting case. While gunfire can easily destroy most of his kit, he excels at creating meticulous space and utilizing Wingman plants to gain advantageous post-plant positions and secure successful defuses in smoke.
Paper Rex and EDward Gaming have successfully utilized Gekko in their matches, resulting in victories at Masters Tokyo and the China Last Chance Qualifier, respectively.
While it’s unlikely that these three agents will drastically increase their pick rates at Champions 2023, they possess the potential to turn the tide in critical matches. Whether it’s a team making a surprising comeback or a new strategy being implemented, keep an eye on these sleeper agents as Champions begins on August 6.