Counting down to LOCK//IN: The Top challengers at VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paulo 2023 Part 2
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 eight days for the Live event to start, let's count down with attendee team introductions. Now introducing the second set of teams who will challenge the top dogs of the competition.
Demonios De LATAM - Leviatan
Leviatan was the biggest surprise in Valorant 2022. In the second part of the year, Leviatan made it to the VCT Masters Copenhagen 2022. Despite losing their first match-up in the playoffs, Leviatan eliminated XSET to play against Fnatic. Leviatan made an amazing attempt but lost to Fnatic 1-2. They also made it to the playoffs in the Valorant Champions 2022. Leviatan added Mazino, keznit and Nowzerr to the partnered roster and will look strong going into the VCT LOCK//IN.
The W Gaming Royalty - Paper Rex
The W gamers dominated the SEA in Valorant 2022. With ingenious compositions and unrivaled aggression, Paper Rex was one of the, if not the most exciting teams to watch in 2022. Going into 2022, Paper Rex is going to continue with the line-up. With Chamber gone, It will be interesting to see what composition Paper Rex plays with and how far they'd stretch the meta. Paper Rex coming into VCT LOCK//IN, will be the most unpredicted strong team and have a decent chance to surprise and surpass everyone.
The Gilded Cavalry - Team Liquid
Team Liquid has been a constant tier 1 name in the International Valorant scene in 2021-22, but they have yet to make a significant run. With Redgar, Sayf and Nats coming in, The team's major problem with the IGL situation is taken care of. With the meta somewhat returning to the Pre-Chamber meta, Nats and Redgar will be an asset to the team. Additionally, Sayf will be a good Raze and duelist replacing Scream. With Soulcas and Jammpi on the team, the team has a good balance of roles, and it will be great to see how the players gel with each other and what Liquid brings to the table. On paper, The current Liquid is the best Liquid has ever been.
The Wasps of War - Team Vitality
Vitality fielded a french roster and played VRL, but with the partnership acceptance, they released all the players. Vitality fielded an international roster. The roster features Twisten, MOLSI, Destrian, Bonecold and ceNder. The team played the Red Bull Home Ground, defeated Heretics, KRU Esports and Fokus, and displayed great things on the server. With much more time in practice, Vitality is sure to be a strong challenger going into the VCT LOCK//IN competition. Facing Global Esports in the first round, Vitality will have the upper hand in terms of practice and terms of raw talent.
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Credits: Valorant Esports