Undoubtedly, 2023 is shaping to be one of the most exciting years in the VALORANT competitive scene. The new era of franchising and partnerships will kick off in a big way at the VCT 2023 Kickoff next February in São Paulo, Brazil.
Recall that the teams that were selected by Riot for its franchise program stepped up during the offseason. Unfortunately, this caused many organizations and players to make changes for 2023.
Some teams decided to wipe the slate clean; others signed one or two players to strengthen their lineups. Finally, others are relying on last year’s team for 2023.
Here are VALORANT’s best teams for 2023
Cloud9
Cloud9 secured the services of one of the best VALORANT players in the world, Jaccob “yay” Whiteaker.
There is no doubt that Cloud9’s 2023 lineup is one of the most fearsome in the world. In addition, the excellent Team Play they have makes them a step above the rest of the teams.
Yay brings three critical characteristics to the team: intelligence, accuracy, and power. In addition to Yay, another tremendous C9 signing is Zellsis, a dynamic and flexible player who can make big plays to lead the team to victory.
Yay – Credits: VCT | Flickr
Fnatic
Fnatic was one of those teams that managed to retain the core of champions that made them one of the best teams in the world in 2022, Boaster, Derke, and Alfajer.
These three players will be joined by two stellar acquisitions that undoubtedly have success all but assured for Fnatic.
Leo is one of the smartest Initiators today, and Fnatic was able to secure his services. At the same time, Chronicle is a certified playmaker who can produce numerous rounds of various kills and should thrive as a flexible option for Fnatic.
Chronicle – Credits: VCT | Flickr
DRX
DRX has given a blow on the table recently as an organization because it was not enough to provide them with the surprise in the Worlds 2022 League of Legends to be the champions. However, in VALORANT, another Riot title, they are also one of the best teams on the planet.
DRX finished in third place in Champions 2022, with two victories over FPX, and was only a couple of rounds away from beating OpTic to advance to the grand final.
BuZzz and Mako are among the most potent duos in the world, playing with fierce fearlessness and seemingly unstoppable at times.
BuZz – Credits: VCT | Flickr
Other teams to follow in 2023
Americas
- 100 Thieves: With a very young lineup and the inclusion of Cryocells, the North Americans can give a big surprise this season.
- NRG: We can’t expect anything but good results from NRG, as the former OpTic lineup forms them.
- Sentinels: zekken and dephh join pancada and Sacy, to surround TenZ and form a very compact team.
- LOUD: The Brazilians already know what it’s like to be at the top, as they are the current VALORANT world champions.
EMEA
- NaVi: The former FunPlus Phoenix lineup joins the Ukrainian organization alongside former world champion cNed.
- Team Liquid: nAts and Redgar join Liquid to put the team at the top of EMEA.
Pacific
- Paper Rex: This team, with the former star-studded lineup, is expected to be one of the most decisive in this region.
- Talon Esports: In addition to acquiring the core XERXIA/X10 players, the team returned Patiphan after a 1-year internship in the Overwatch League.
Header: VCT | Flickr
