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EDward Gaming among latest slew of teams confirmed for 2024 VCT China
EDward Gaming (EDG) is among the next parade of teams officially confirmed for the 2024 VCT China league. This news comes a day after confirming the entry of other notable organizations to the league, including fellow VCT Champions participant, Bilibili Gaming (BLG). Moreover, EDG is not the only new confirmed entry. TYLOO and Wolves Esports has also officially entered the league.
EDG: The Emperors of Chinese Valorant
As Valorant continues to climb in popularity within the Chinese gaming market, a year into its official release, one team has very quickly begun the first dynasty of rule in China - EDG
The Chinese roster initially debuted at the 2022 VCT Champions. Despite some modicum of resistance, they offered little challenge for the rest of the teams at the event, who enjoyed an immense head start competitively. They exited in the group stage, in 13th-16th place.
Fast forward to 2023, and EDG become the first Chinese Valorant team to stun the competitive community. Their run at Masters Tokyo has quickly become whispers of awe and the roster very swiftly earned respected status for their unique playstyle and much improved results.
Moreover, star player Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang forged his own legendary status at that event, with the world witnessing the global birth of a new superstar. After that one event, ZmjjKK was already receiving accolades considering him in consideration for the best OP player in the world and one of the best players in the world.
At Champions, EDG did not fail to disappoint, placing a respectable 5th-6th place. Their upwards trajectory on the global stage showed no signs of stopping. Moreover, with performances from other Chinese teams at Champions, such as BLG; the narrative of EDG’s performance shifted from just performing incredibly well, to heralding a new exciting region of talent.
EDG would solidify their own domestic rule as well by winning all three Evolution Series. All of this in 2023, alongside the global popularity and near cult following for ZmjjKK, essentially ensured EDG’s presence in VCT China for 2024.
Early Adopters for Chinese Valorant
TYLOO is a name well-known to those familiar with the Counter-Strike scene. Considered one of the pioneering teams in that title, it is of little surprise that they also field a Valorant roster. Their brand’s robustness and enduring quality makes them a strong addition to the VCT China league in 2024. Despite their non-stellar results in all three Evolution series, the talent that TYLOO as an organization can attract, will be a massive boon for the emerging new league.
As the first of the non-LPL (China’s League of Legends professional league) teams to officially be announced today, Wolves is a giant in the Call of Duty Mobile esports sphere, and has won numerous titles since beginning the division. Moreover, they operate as the esports division of the English football team Wolverhampton Wanderers as well, making them a well-connected entity and a powerful threat entering into the league.
Conclusion
EDG’s addition to VCT China was the least unexpected move and yet the most hotly anticipated one. Their track record of success within Valorant makes them the easy frontrunner for both commercial and competitive success within the league.
While TYLOO has not found much success yet in Valorant, their prior track record in other games as well as the strength of the brand, makes them a valuable addition to the league. Wolves’ addition is an interesting one, bringing in expertise from a separate esports title. The following for both these rosters, especially Wolves, begins to shed light on VCT China’s eventual final assembly of teams, and bodes well for the future sustainability and success of the league.
Credit: Lee Aiksoon/Riot Games
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