en
A Celebration of Year One of VCT EMEA
Kaustavmani Choudhury
Kaustavmani Choudhury
9 Nov, 2023, 07:07
|Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 18:30
The inaugural VALORANT EMEA Awards are unveiled.
As the sun sets on a riveting year of intense competition, breathtaking plays, and passionate fandom, the inaugural VALORANT EMEA Awards have been unveiled to honor the standout players, creators, and contributors who have left an indelible mark on the VALORANT community. This prestigious event not only recognizes the triumphs on the battlefield but also pays homage to the artists, entertainers, and rising stars who have collectively shaped the narrative of VALORANT esports in the EMEA region.
As we bid farewell to 2023, a year that has seen the VALORANT scene in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa reach new heights, it is only fitting to acknowledge and celebrate those who have elevated the gaming experience for players and fans alike. The VALORANT EMEA Awards encompass a wide spectrum, from the seasoned professionals who have clinched tournament victories to the creative minds who breathe life into the characters and narratives beyond the game.
The majority of the awards were determined through a combination of voting from Rioters, talent, and the community, and the enthusiastic participation of everyone involved is appreciated by Riot..
Game Changers Rising Stars & Graduates
Image Source: Riot Games
The Game Changers Rising Stars & Graduates category recognizes three influential players who have excelled in the Game Changers ecosystem, showcasing exceptional skills and proving themselves among the best. The winners are:
- Aleyna “Vania” Keskin (BBL Queens)
- Yağmur “Smurfette” Gündüz (FUT Female)
- Michaela “mimi” Lintrup (G2 Gozen)
Furthermore, these three players have taken the next step into the Challengers scene, demonstrating immense potential and setting the stage for a promising future. The winners are:
- Lidia “Didii” del Moral de la Torre (Rebels Velvet)
- Paula Blanco “Devilasxa” Martínez (Rebels Velvet)
- Minh “Thu” Pham (Unicorns of Love)
Minh "Thu" Pham gave a small statement upon receiving the award.
"I am feeling honored to get this award and I am very thankful for all the support I got from everyone, especially from my family and friends. Without them I would have never ended up here, so I will continue giving my best and show everyone that no one should give up on something they love."
Challengers Rising Stars
Image Source: Riot Games
Acknowledging the top three players from the Challengers scene in 2023, the Challengers Rising Stars award goes to:
- Georgio “Keiko” Sanassy (Team Liquid)
- Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish (Team Heretics)
- Mert “Wo0t” Alkan (Team Heretics)
These players have not only showcased their talents consistently but have also earned their spots in the upcoming VCT EMEA.
Wo0t expresses deep appreciation for the award, emphasizing its meaningful impact and thanking everyone who supported him. He concludes with a spirited #vamosheretics.
Meanwhile, benjyfishy expresses gratitude for the votes, acknowledging the unexpected success of the past year. He commits to making supporters and Heretics proud in the future, aiming to demonstrate the team's greatness.
Ascension Tournament Winners
Image Source: Riot Games
The Ascension Tournament Winners, Gentle Mates, secured their victory with an impressive lower bracket run, defeating top contenders and earning a well-deserved spot in VCT EMEA next year.
The winning squad consists of:
- Beyazit “beyAz” Körpe
- Jonathan “TakaS” Paupard
- Nathan “nataNk” Bocqueho
- Wailers “Wailers” Locart
- Logan “logaN” Corti
- Kévin “Ex6TenZ” Droolans
- Kévin “madcoach” Ducourtioux
- Aurélien “Sylkaos” Matiwejko
Game Changers Tournament Winners
Image Source: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
BBL Queens emerged victorious in the Game Changers Tournament, overcoming challenges and securing their spot in the Stage 3 Grand Final, ultimately triumphing over Acend Rising.
The Winning squad are:
- Aleyna “Vania” Keskin
- Nur “eva” Çakır
- Gülce Eda “Wens” Sürmeli
- Azra “alkyia” Erin
- Zehra “Felipa” Durak
- Melih Serkan “Meseka” Kaya
VCT Tournament Winners
Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
Team Liquid secured a 3rd place in the regular season with a 6-3 record, trailing only Natus Vincere (7-2) and Fnatic (9-0). In the playoffs, they triumphed over Team Vitality, Natus Vincere, and the undefeated Fnatic to reach the Grand Final. Facing Fnatic once more, they clinched victory with a 3-1 series score, claiming the VCT EMEA trophy.
The winning squad are:
- Igor “Redgar” Vlasov
- Dom “soulcas” Sulcas
- Elias “Jamppi” Olkkonen
- Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin
- Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel
- Emil “eMIL” Sandgren
- Eamon Drea
- Brittany Lattanzio
Best Community Watch Party
Image Source: Fnatic Valorant/VCT LOCK//IN/ Valorant Esports
Fnatic provided an unforgettable community watch party experience for LOCK//IN. Which was highlighted by a nail-biting Grand Final and an epic comeback, demonstrating the passion and excitement of the VALORANT fanbase.
Cosplayer, Entertainer & Breakthrough Creator of the Year
Image Source: Riot Games
Recognizing outstanding contributions in various creative fields, the awards go to:
Cosplayer of the Year: Farbenfuchs
Entertainer of the Year: Kuba
Breakthrough Creator of the Year: Hellian
Each winner has left a significant mark, be it through breathtaking cosplays, engaging content, or consistent creativity.
Grassroots Rising Stars
Image Source: Riot Games
The Grassroots Rising Stars award recognizes five promising players with immense potential:
- Christina ‘Chrissy’ Krasnov
- Dağhan 'Da1mon' Eryılmaz
- Nicole ‘Ginger’ Rott
- Khalid ‘Aimhunter’ Mohammed
- Francesca ‘Juptears’ Di Carlo
These rising stars are poised to make a significant impact in the future of VALORANT esports.
A Promising Future
The 2023 VALORANT EMEA Awards not only celebrated the achievements of this year but also paved the way for the continued growth and success of individuals and teams within the VALORANT community. As we reflect on the accomplishments of these exceptional players and creators, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding narratives in the upcoming year.
Featured Image Source: Riot Games
Read More:
Riot Games dominate the Esports category at The Game Awards
Evil Geniuses parts ways with Game Changers roster days after Championship run
