Ready, Get Set: Galaxy Racer Valorant Invitational India Tournament Preview

Something Exciting’s Happening

The Valorant Invitational India, organized by Galaxy Racer, is revving up its engines for the 18th of Nov. The largest esports, gaming, and lifestyle organization in the world, Galaxy Racer has organized a Tournament of Champions in conjunction with Riot Games. The Invitational tournament is part of the OFF//SEASON series of events organized and promoted by Riot during the Valorant esports off-season.

[twitter url="https://twitter.com/galaxyracerind/status/1591401514819813377"]

After a month of competition, that involved multiple levels of qualifiers, 8 teams have finally been determined for the main event. Beginning on the 18th of Nov, 5 teams have been invited to join the 3 qualified teams for a total prize pot of 100,000 USD. The event is situated in Hyderabad, India, and revolved around early competition for Pacific teams.

Who’s coming?

The invited teams include four Riot-partnered organizations and another competing in the Challengers League next year. The full list of teams slated to competed for the India Invitational is:

• Paper Rex
• Team Secret
• Rex Regum Qeon
• BOOM Esports
• Team Heretics
• Enigma Gaming (qualified)
• Global Esports (qualified)
• Bleed esports (SEA closed qualifiers)

A total of 24 teams participated in the qualifiers, with the three emerging, the victors of each respective one. With representatives from across the Pacific, this invitational provides an early look at the state of the team’s representing the region next year. Moreover, in an effort to generate more interest and excitement, EMEA partner organization, Team Heretics has been invited as the sole European representative.

Favorites to Win

Of the eight teams participating, every one of them has undergone drastic roster changes in recent times. With the onset of the 2023 VCT season fast approaching, more than just offering an early look of their state, the Invitational provides an opportunity to assess the strength of the region.

Regional favorites, and one of the highest rated teams in the world, Paper Rex are in participation. Their attendance at the India Invitational suggests them as heavy favorites to win the tournament. In 2022, Paper Rex exploded in popularity globally, with their unique style of play that has garnered acclaim and top international placements. A 4th place at Masters Reykjavik turned into a finals finish at Masters Copenhagen.

Another team in attendance to watch out for is newly re-formed roster, Team Heretics. Headlined by one of Europe’s greatest, Óscar “mixwell” Colocho, Team Heretics includes names such as Wassim “keloqz” Cista, Alexander “zeek” Zygmunt, and Auni “Avova” Chahade in a reunion of G2 alum.

[youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh-7Rwf_9Fo"]

New Generation of Talent

Historically successful teams are only one of the angles to consider for contention. Bleed Esports is another organization to keep an eye on. In 2022, Bleed Esports was one of the few organizations that was right there with Paper Rex in terms of strength. Often slotted in at number two or three within the region, the roster fell off slightly towards the end of the year. However, the addition of Xerxia’s Nutchaphon “sScary” Matarat might just be the stabilizing element for the fledgling roster.

Team Secret, representative from Singapore, is another partner organization with the makings of champions. Despite their potential, they have never been able to live up to it fully since the roster’s days as Bren Esports. Global Esports, with their ambitious 7 man lineup, is a roster most within the region has been anxious to watch. Success or failure, they are a roster no one can keep their eyes off.

Image credit: Galaxy Racer India