Cherry on Top: FUT shatters expectations as they make deepest run yet with all Turkish roster, Top 8

FUT Esports have made top 8 at Champions 2023. They celebrate as the first all-Turkish roster to do so, paving the way hopefully for more representatives from the region to emerge as well. FUT made it after defeating T1 in their decider series, successfully defeating the South Korean core twice to qualify out of the group. FUT opened up with an impressive showing against T1, taking them down 2-0. Their next opponent, Evil Geniuses, did not prove to be as merciful, as they were in return taken down 2-0. Despite late game comebacks on both maps for the Turkish roster, they were unable to complete their comeback against the American roster. In a rematch against T1, FUT showcased their continued superiority with another more convincing win over T1 to qualify for Playoffs.

Bred Different

It is difficult to summarize all the things that are exciting with the FUT Esports roster in the short time I have. This roster comprises a mixture of talent that far surpasses what they have managed to show and achieve thus far. They have an extremely flexible core and capable mid-round shot caller, one of the best and more underrated flex players in the game, and an explosive star that can take over games.

Moreover, for the longest time in competitive Valorant, Turkey has consistently been named by other teams as a region that breeds uber talented players, capable and willing to take duels of all manner.

“But it doesn’t stop here. I think the real victory will come when a Turkish team again attends Champions the next year.”

In the post-game press conference, after qualifying, Furkan “MrFaliN” Yeğen had this to say: ‘Being in here, as a full Turkish roster, is already a success in itself. And now, qualifying for Playoffs, is like the cherry on top.’ He went on to say: ‘We managed to show that Turkish Valorant can exceed levels and play on an even higher level. But it doesn’t stop here. I think the real victory will come when a Turkish team again attends Champions the next year.’

Wild Cards take on the Ultimate Fighters

What happens when a team that loves to take duels, takes on another team that loves to fight? That is a question that will be answered in the next series. FUT are now set to face Paper Rex, 1st seed of the Pacific in their opening Playoffs match. The chaos incarnate that is Paper Rex will be no easy opponent for FUT and will be in fact one of the strongest opponents they have faced to date.

Ata “ATA KAPTAN” Tan spoke on his team’s expectations heading into Playoffs, stating that: ‘The level of play we’ve already displayed is quite good, I think. We’ve come here with the goal of attaining Top 8 or better. So, if we fix our mistakes, if we play our own game, I believe we can go even further in the next parts of the tournament.’

Bold words that will quickly be tested in the fires as Champions 2023 now narrow to the best 8 teams in the world. Can FUT continue their dream run? Or will they be interrupted?

FUT will face off against Paper Rex in the second match of Champions 2023 Playoffs. The series will begin at 2300 BST, 16th August. For more updates on Valorant Champions 2023, follow Valorant Champions Tour Twitter. Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest coverage on Valorant Champions 2023 and all other esports related news.

Credit: Liu YiCun/Riot Games