Counting down to LOCK//IN: The dark horses at VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo 2023
Starting 13th February, VCT LOCK//IN will kick off the three premier VCT Leagues. The LOCK//IN event in São Paulo, Brazil, will feature 30 partnered teams and 2 invited Chinese representatives for a total of 32 teams. It is the introductory tournament for the thirty partnered teams and previews what's to come. You can read about the VCT LOCK//IN Format, Teams, Fixtures, and Schedule here.
With seven days left for the live event to start, let’s continue counting down to the event with the attending teams’ introductions. Now we will begin listing the B-tiers, the teams that are this close to achieving greatness but are missing that key element. They are the teams that have the potential for deep runs.
The Rising Suns- FunPlus Phoenix (FPX)
Surely China Numba Wan right? FPX has revitalized their Valorant roster following the departure of their previous members (now Na’Vi). It now hosts some of the best talents in China, and they look to continue the debut of China into the Valorant scene following EDG’s explosive introduction at the Istanbul Champions 2022. The roster includes: Zhang “AAAAY” Yang (张杨), Zhang “BerLIN” Bo-lin (張柏霖), Tang “TZH” Zhehao (唐哲昊), He “WudiYuChEn” Cai (何财), and Huang “Yuicaw” Yung-chieh (黃湧傑).
The ex-Overwatchers- T1
The Korean Esports scene is so multitalented that T1 have elected to bring on some ex-Overwatch players into their Valorant foray. The roster includes: Son “xeta” Seon-ho, Byeon “Munchkin” Sang-beom, Joseph “Ban” Seungmin Oh, Ha “Sayaplayer” Jung-woo, Lee “Carpe” Jae-hyeok, and Kim “BeomJun” Beom-jun. Their most notable names are likely ex-C9 player “xeta” and ex-The Guard “Sayaplayer”, the latter of whom, is recognized as one of the strongest sniper and stars in North America during his tenure there.
The Goliaths Born Again- Giants Gaming
Constructed of the ashes of European left-over Valorant talent, Giants is an amalgamation that just might work, with a deadly blend of tactics and firepower. Their roster includes ex-G2 duo, Aaron “hoody” Peltokangas and Žygimantas “nukkye” Chmieliauskas, as well as ex Na’Vi member Kirill “Cloud” Nehozhin, Giants mainstay Adolfo “Fit1nho” Gallego and journeyman Emir “rhyme” Muminovic.
The French Experiment- Karmine Corp
Oh, là là! Belgian aim-prodigy Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom takes to the stage once more on this French laden roster. On paper, aside from the brother duo, there’s not a lot to gasp about on this roster, however, we rate them fairly well because there’s always a chance they can take down some big beasts this tournament. Their roster includes: “ScreaM”, Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom, Alexis “Newzera” Humbert, Ryad “Shin” Ensaad, and Alexandre “xms” Forté.
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Image credit: Valorant Esports/ Riot Games