As a dedicated Valorant esports analyst with years tracking the pro scene, the buzz around VCT Stage 3 is palpable. Following Stage 2 Masters in Reykjavik, Iceland—the first major LAN post-launch—teams have reshaped rosters and strategies. Based on recent form and key insights, here are the top five contenders for Masters Berlin, Riot's biggest international LAN yet in the Champions Tour circuit spanning Challengers, Masters, and Champions.
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VCT represents Riot's premier year-long global tour. Masters Berlin stands as the largest international LAN event to date, drawing elite squads worldwide.
Sentinels rank among NA's elite—and arguably the world's best—with a powerhouse roster of US and Canadian talent. VCT Stage 1 victors, formed in 2020, they secured star duelist TenZ early on.
Current lineup:
This coordinated unit, packed with NA standouts, is primed for a deep run.
Founded in the Netherlands in 2000 as a Brood War clan, Team Liquid transitioned to StarCraft II in 2010's beta, becoming a foreign powerhouse. They entered Valorant on August 7, 2020, signing fish123. Current roster:
TSM, the American esports giant born from the SoloMid community, fields consistent performers with strong NA Valorant dominance. Despite recent hurdles, their stability bodes well for Stage 3. Roster:
Vision Strikers, a Korean Valorant squad built from ex-CS:GO stars like MVP PK, has leveled up and eyes a breakout at Masters Berlin.
F4Q, another Korean powerhouse, gained fame by snapping Vision Strikers' 104-game unbeaten streak. Expect fireworks from this rising team.
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