The Declaration of War: VCT Masters Tokyo Pre-event press conference

VCT Masters Tokyo kicks off tomorrow where the twelve International teams will take on each other. In order to set the stage for the media, Riot arranged a pre-event press conference where multiple people from the media attended and asked the panel some burning questions. Strafe was part of the press conference and had an opportunity to ask some amazing questions to the panelists.

Q. This will be the third time EDG will attend an International event. What did you learn from the previous experiences and what were the preparations like coming into the VCT Masters Tokyo?

EDG Haodong: “We have learned a lot from the losses the previous two times. In think with the previous two losses we have learned a lot and improved a lot as team before coming to VCT Masters Tokyo”

(EDG is the second seed from China placed in the group alongside NaVi, NRG and T1. They’d face T1 in their first VCT Masters Tokyo game)

Q. What was the focus(T1) for the team while preparing for Tokyo?

T1 Xeta: “Our preparations for Tokyo mostly revolved around testing our experience at Big International tournaments like VCT Masters Tokyo. Our previous LOCK//IN tournament wasn’t really good. I think we have prepared really well compared to before. So I think we are just looking to play and show up to fight at Tokyo”

(The Korean powerhouse T1 shares it’s group with EDG, NaVi and NRG and have to defeat either two teams to reach the playoffs)

Q. This is your (ASE Life) second time playing an International tournament. But for the rest of your team, Tokyo will be the first. How did you guys prepare for it?

ASE Life: “we definitely had a lot of adjustments in terms of strategy. And we had some roster changes in terms of preparing for this masters, and before we head to Tokyo here we had a lot of preparations like, go through the videos of different teams that are gonna play this time. So we had a lot of preparation for this international tournament.”

(Attacking Soul Esports is a relatively newer name in Valorant Esports in China. Consisting of multiple rookie players. They would face the Korean Powerhouse DRX in their first VCT Pacific game)

Q. Evil Geniuses had one of the most amazing season comebacks. What do you think was the turning point for the team?

EG Ethan: “ yeah, I think demon1 coming in was a big addition and definitely helped the team out a lot. And I think we definitely had a slow start but we figured out our system towards the end, I think that really showed”

(After a salvaged season, EG will return to the international stage to clean their previous records. They face EMEA third seed FUT at the opening game of Tokyo)

Q. What was the biggest concern to address after the VCT EMEA playoffs for Natus Vincere. What was the focus on while preparing for VCT Masters Tokyo?

NaVi Ange1: “Our main goal was to find the proper style we want to go with to this tournament to simplify all those things, and just fix the mistakes we made in the playoffs.”

(Boasting some of the most amazing players, Natus Vincere faces one of the biggest challengers in the group stage in their opening game. The team had a struggling EMEA playoffs but will be back with vengeance)

Q. Paper Rex’s compositions are pretty aggressive most of the time and players play multiple roles. Do you think having no consistency in the roles might hinder the team's performance?

PRX Alecks: “I mean, it's never bothered us before. So I don't think so hopefully. Like I would just continue what we're doing. And it kind of works

(Paper Rex are the top seed from Pacific and have left a lasting impact in the minds of audiences with their amazing talent. They’d be top contenders to lift the masters Tokyo trophy)

The VCT Masters Tokyo action will kick-off on 11th June with FUT taking on Evil Geniuses. You can follow the VCT Twitter for all the updates regarding VCT Masters Tokyo.

Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour

You can also follow VCT Masters Tokyo on Strafe.