Since its launch in 2020, Valorant has quickly made its mark in the eSports realm, revolutionizing the competitive shooter genre. With its unique character-driven mechanics and intense strategic gameplay, Riot Games’ FPS masterpiece has amassed a passionate player base and an equally fervent spectatorship. The blend of vibrant hero-based abilities with sharpshooting precision has not only redefined what we expect from a shooter but has also created an eSports scene bursting with potential and dynamism.
The landscape of eSports is in constant flux, always evolving to cater to the demands of fans and players alike. However, even in this ever-changing ecosystem, Valorant’s meteoric rise stands out. Within a mere span of three years, the game has transitioned from its humble beginnings to grand global tournaments, drawing attention from veteran eSports enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This year, the introduction of the “Premier” competitive system marks yet another significant milestone in the game’s rich journey, promising more intense matchups, broader global outreach, and an unprecedented level of competitive play.
Valorant Champions 2023: A Recap
Valorant Champions, often referred to as the pinnacle of Valorant eSport competitions, witnesses the best teams from across the globe vying for the ultimate crown.
A Glimpse of Teams and Matches
- DRX’s Surprise Start DRX began their campaign with a bang, defeating the defending champions LOUD from the Americas. Though they initially lost a round, the team rebounded, winning the subsequent matches. This included a surprise victory over Na’Vi, propelling them to the top of the ‘Group of Death’.
- Turnaround Against Billy Billy Gaming In an unforgettable match against Billy Billy Gaming from China, DRX showcased their tenacity. Trailing with a score of 2:10, many wrote them off. However, they staged an incredible comeback, scoring 12 consecutive points to clinch the match 13-10.
- End of the Road While their journey in the Champions ended with a defeat against Fnatic from EMEA, the impact they made was undeniable. They had even managed a massive 13-1 victory in one of the sets against Fnatic. Their aggressive gameplay left a mark.
“The way DRX played against the smoke ambush set by Fnatic, especially the play by ‘Stacks’ Kim Gutak, sent shivers down the spine of many.”
The Standout Performances
| Team | Highlight |
| DRX | Stunning comeback against Billy Billy |
| Fnatic | Winning over DRX despite prior setbacks |
| LOUD | Initial strong performance in early rounds |
| Na’Vi | Consistent gameplay across matches |
The Rise of Valorant: Riot Games’ Brainchild
Riot Games, founded in 2006 in the USA, aimed to be the “most player-centric game company in the world.” Their debut, League of Legends, launched in 2009, revolutionized the MOBA genre, garnering global acclaim.
“League of Legends not only became the most played PC game in the world but, over the past decade, consistently drove the exponential growth of global eSports.”
Post the 10th anniversary of League of Legends, Riot Games made another significant move. In June 2020, they introduced Valorant, marking it as a dual pillar along with League of Legends in the eSports arena.
Valorant At A Glance
- Gameplay: A 5v5 tactical FPS game.
- Features: Superior gunplay mechanics; A diverse arsenal of weapons; Agents with unique skills; Competitive maps offering hours of gameplay
Premier: Valorant’s New Competitive System
Premier is the embodiment of Valorant’s commitment to elevating its eSports stature. As a groundbreaking addition, it is designed to foster a more hierarchical and structured competitive environment, ensuring that only the best teams clash on the world stage. This novel system promises not only heightened gameplay experiences for the players but also an enriched viewing spectacle for the global fan base.
What is Premier?
Premier allows players to indulge in a team-based face-off, echoing the vibe of professional matches. The system lets you:
- Experience Team Dynamics: Understand and strategize gameplay style.
- Achieve Milestones: Feel the pride of successfully executing high-quality team plays.
- Build Team Identity: From selecting team members, designing logos, to establishing the team’s unique vibe.
The experience of Premier goes beyond just playing. It involves building a team, strategizing, and fine-tuning strategies based on opponents.
Timeline of Premier
Premier underwent about a year of pilot testing:
- Alpha Launch: October of the previous year.
- Open Beta Phase: Fine-tuned based on feedback.
- Ignition: The final testing phase.
- Official Launch: August 30, 2023.
Structure of Premier
- Team Composition: Teams are formed with 5 to 7 players.
- Tournament Style: Weekly matches and playoff tournaments.
- Season Duration: Aligned with Valorant’s Act update cycle, lasting around two months.
Reflecting on Valorant’s Competitive Journey
2023 has been a landmark year for Valorant eSports. From high-octane matches in the Champions tournament to the introduction of Premier, the game’s ecosystem continues to expand, offering players and fans experiences like never before. As the curtains close on this year’s Champions, with the finals on August 27, the stories and experiences move to Premier, starting a new chapter in Valorant’s eSports saga.
