2022 North American Valorant Champions Tour Stage Two Playoffs: A Recap
The Stage Two playoffs of the 2022 North American Valorant Champions Tour have come to an end, and the final results mirror those of the previous stage. The top teams from 2021 continue to struggle, while a consistent favorite and an unproven but dangerous team on a hot streak have emerged as the teams to watch. Let’s dive into the highlights of the playoffs and see what unfolded.
The group stage eliminated big names like Sentinels, Cloud9, and The Guard, leaving eight teams to battle it out in a double-elimination playoff bracket. A total of 35 maps were played, showcasing intense action and creating compelling storylines for the remainder of 2022. These playoffs mark a significant turning point before the upcoming changes in the next year.
If you missed any of the matches, don’t worry. Here’s a quick TL;DW recap of the NA VCT Stage Two playoffs:
XSET Surprises Everyone
XSET, a Valorant team that has often been overlooked as a top-tier team, proved their worth in Stage Two. Despite consistently finishing in fourth place throughout previous tournaments, they delivered their best performance yet. Their methodical playstyle secured them a decisive victory against 100 Thieves, breaking their fourth-place curse. Although they faced a setback against OpTic, they bounced back with two consecutive 3-1 wins against FaZe and OpTic, securing their spot in Masters Copenhagen as NA’s top seed. XSET has also qualified directly for Champions, lifting a burden off their shoulders.
OpTic Aims for Back-to-Back Trophies
Despite several team members battling COVID-related health issues, OpTic continues to perform at an elite level. In their playoffs run, they dominated Evil Geniuses, securing their spot in Masters. Despite facing challenges, OpTic’s championship journey started in the group stage as the second seed. They are in a familiar starting position and ready to pursue back-to-back victories.
FaZe and 100 Thieves Go Head-to-Head
Two standout teams, FaZe and 100 Thieves, faced each other not once but twice in the playoffs bracket. Their encounters delivered exhilarating three-map battles. FaZe stumbled in the first series, losing despite holding a significant lead in all three maps. However, they redeemed themselves in the rematch, holding off 100 Thieves to secure their spot. It wouldn’t be surprising to see these two teams meet again in the NA LCQ bracket.
Speaking of…
Looking Ahead to the Future
With significant changes on the horizon for the competitive NA Valorant scene, the Last Chance Qualifier becomes even more crucial. It’s not just a last chance to make Champions; it’s an opportunity for organizations and players to leave a lasting impression on Riot. Organizations like 100 Thieves, FaZe, Sentinels, and more are vying for a partnership in 2023, and a strong performance in Champions could be the deciding factor. The competition is fierce, as everyone fights to keep their dreams of being a top-tier team alive.
- Related: All Valorant teams that have applied for North American VCT partnership in 2023
Keep a close eye on the upcoming Last Chance Qualifier, as it’s shaping up to be a thrilling event that will determine the future of Valorant in North America.
XSET, OpTic, FaZe, 100 Thieves, Valorant playoffs, Masters Copenhagen, North American VCT