Keep a close watch on these five Valorant players during the VCT 2024 Masters Madrid to witness some exceptional Valorant gameplay
With the regional kickoff events coming to an end, we are heading into the first international VCT event of the year, Masters Madrid. Taking place at the Madrid Arena from March 14th, this tournament will feature eight best teams from four regions battling it out for 3 VCT points and a substantial prize pool.
Each participating team boasts an impressive roster, with many players currently in peak form. Amidst this pool of exceptional talent, we have decided to list five players who have consistently put themselves above the competition so far in the 2024 Champions Tour and are expected to do the same in the upcoming Masters Madrid event.
It’s almost time for the first global VCT event of 2024! @Mixwell takes you through everything you need to know about #VALORANTMasters Madrid! pic.twitter.com/LnXFaYyL8M
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 4, 2024
Players to Watch at Masters Madrid
Here’s who we think are the five players to watch during VCT 2024 Masters Madrid-
5. Kim “t3xture” Na-ra- GenG
Credit: Riot Games
- Role: Duelist
- VLR Rating: 1.15
- Average Combat Score: 250.8
- Kill-Death Ratio: 1.29
- Kill/Assist/Survided/Traded: 73%
- Average Damage Per Round: 164.3
- Headshot Percentage: 29%
After a disappointing stint with Global Esports, t3xture joined GenG for the 2024 season. The decision to bring on a player not in the best form as the team’s primary duelist was a significant gamble for the Korean organization. However, the Pacific Kickoff event marked a turning point for t3xture. He solidified his reputation as the new Korean Jett and ended the event with the highest ACS among all the duelists.
Known for his flashy and ultra-aggressive playstyle, t3xture on the duelist role is the ultimate entertainer for the fans. If he is in the groove, the spectators are definitely in for a treat. Such was the case in most of the matches GenG played in the Kickoff event in Korea. Of the seven matches the team played in the event, t3xture was series MVP in five, including the grand final victory against Paper Rex.
Korean Jetts are popping off tonight. Clean ace from @t3xture_kr!
📺 https://t.co/h4MPtwXkRl#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/6ugWhljbah
— VCT Pacific (@vctpacific) March 25, 2023
Although he tops the stats chart in almost every significant metric, his most remarkable stat is the Kill-per-round of 0.9—the highest in the event—despite playing at least double the rounds of players from other teams. If the Korean sensation maintains his exceptional form, the atmosphere at the Madrid Arena is destined to be electrifying every time he graces the stage.
4. Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang- Edward Gaming
Credit: Riot Games
- Role: Duelist
- Rating: 1.25
- Average Combat Score: 267.8
- Kill-Death Ratio: 1.28
- Kill/Assist/Survided/Traded: 75%
- Average Damage Per Round: 190.1
- Headshot Percentage: 27%
Following last year’s performance, the name KangKang is enough for everyone to look out for the Chinese megastar. If the 20-year-old has anything left to prove, it is showing that he is no one-season wonder. So far this season, he is doing more than an adequate job regarding this.
In the China Kickoff event, EDward Gaming, thank to their superior seeding, only needed to play three matches in total. To no one’s surprise, Zmjjkk emerged as the standout player in all the series he played. To illustrate his sheer dominance, check out the following stat: during the playoff stage, he averaged nearly 300 ACS and an impressive 22 kills per map.
@zmjjkk is him.
ACE & 1v4 PERFECT CLUTCH, that’s our KANGKANG!!!#VCTCN pic.twitter.com/iRXJ7tZhUV— VALORANT Champions Tour CN (@valesports_cn) February 25, 2024
Kangkang was by far the most entertaining player in last year’s Masters event. Judging by his performances this season, a repeat of such brilliance seems not only likely but highly probable. So, make sure to catch him in action.
3. Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish- Team Heretics
Credit: Riot Games
- Role: Sentinel
- VLR Rating: 1.05
- Average Combat Score: 214.4
- Kill-Death Ratio: 1.09
- Kill/Assist/Survided/Traded: 75%
- Average Damage Per Round: 141.7
- Headshot Percentage: 35%
The former Fortnite player debuted in Valorant last season. Team Heretics, being a franchise team, were heavily criticized for their decision to sign a rookie with no professional tactical FPS experience. The young player from the UK, however, showed signs of promise during the off-season Red Bull events, and it was in the 2024 EMEA Kickoff event that he truly shined.
Donning the role of Sentinels, benjyfishy arguably played the most pivotal role in Team Heretics’ run to the grand final. While he may not top the leaderboards most of the time, his exceptional mechanics and game sense enable him to execute his sentinel responsibilities flawlessly.
In the Masters Madrid, the 19-year-old will make his international debut against Sentinels, and the Valorant community cannot wait for the battle between two of the best aimers in the game, Tenz and benjyfishy.
2. Tyson “TenZ” Ngo- Sentinels
Credit: Riot Games
- Role: Controller
- VLR Rating: 1.10
- Average Combat Score: 212.9
- Kill-Death Ratio: 1.11
- Kill/Assist/Survided/Traded: 76%
- Average Damage Per Round: 139.8
- Headshot Percentage: 26%
Witnessing Tenz depart from his usual duelist role has been an unusual sight, especially given his exceptional mechanics dating back to his Counter-Strike days. In the revamped Sentinels roster, the Canadian was handed the role of Controller. While there were initial doubts regarding how well he would fit into the new role, the 22-year-old dispelled all doubts with his performance in the Americas Kickoff event.
Sentinels had a roller-coaster ride in the Kickoff event that culminated in a dramatic win, and Tenz was the undisputed MVP in their first major event victory since the 2021 Masters Reykjavik. From the very start of the tournament, we saw Tenz being the most consistent performer on the team. However, we witnessed his best performance in the playoffs.
In both the semifinals against NRG Esports and the grand final against LOUD, Tenz was named the series MVP. If the kickoff event indeed started the revival of Sen Tenz, all eyes should be on the Canadian maestro in Masters Madrid.
1. Martin “marteen” Pátek- Karmine Corp
Credit: Riot Games
- Role: Duelist
- VLR Rating: 1.14
- Average Combat Score: 241.1
- Kill-Death Ratio: 1.20
- Kill/Assist/Survided/Traded: 73%
- Average Damage Per Round: 156.4
- Headshot Percentage: 23%
Karmine Corp, considered weakest among VCT partnered teams last season, have undergone a remarkable transformation and won the EMEA Kickoff event last week. While the team’s collective improvement played a role, the lion’s share of credit undoubtedly goes to the rookie sensation, marteen. The 19-year-old’s ascent mirrors a Demon1-like rise to the top, delivering one masterclass after another.
.@KarmineCorpENG is getting the round lead with an amazing play from @imthemarteen on Lotus!#VCTEMEA
🔴 LIVE now – https://t.co/RkYcDEZq5s pic.twitter.com/I6p66SLf8u
— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_emea) February 29, 2024
Widely regarded as the best pro-Yoru in the world right now, marteen is a menace on every duelist agent he plays. It is not only his aim that sets him apart but also his flawless utility usage, especially on Yoru.
Another notable fact about him is his confidence and ability to hold his nerves in big games. For example, how he gave zero respect and dominated the FNATIC players in the semifinals was incredible to see. Given the level of composure seen from him so far, we predict yet another domination from the Czech rookie in the Masters Madrid.
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