The World Championship has concluded, marking one of the best series ever seen on the international stage. It was record-breaking in numerous ways, showcasing the two best teams currently on the planet—one from EMEA and one from China. This leaves the Pacific region as the only one yet to win a major international event. Edward Gaming, which emerged from relative obscurity in recent months, has ascended to become the best team in the world, lifting the trophy in style.
KangKang EDG’s star player dropped a whopping 111 kills in the grand final making him one of the best players to ever grace the game.
Offseason News
This offseason will likely prompt significant changes across teams. Discussions are already underway about what teams might need to do to stay competitive. Heretics deserve a special mention, particularly BenjyFishy, who transitioned from Fortnite to Valorant two years ago. His journey from Enterprise Esports to Heretics has been remarkable, with few expecting him to reach the level he has. Even Tex jokingly said that Benji was coming for his job, a prophecy that seems to have come true.
Edward Gaming’s Rise and Grand Final win
The Grand Finals were a grueling best-of-five series. Heretics took the first map comfortably, but Edward Gaming quickly bounced back, dominating the second map. The series continued to be fiercely contested, with standout performances from players like KangKang and CHICHOO. Edward Gaming ultimately claimed victory, securing their place in history as the first Chinese team to win the Valorant World Championship.
Edward Gaming’s victory in the 2024 Valorant World Championship marks a historic moment for the Chinese region, which has long been considered a rising force in global Valorant. The team’s victory is not just a testament to their skill but also a sign that the region as a whole is becoming a significant player in the international scene.
Events and Team Changes
There will be co-ed events this offseason, bringing together the main circuit and Game Changers teams to compete, which is exciting. Many teams will need to consider roster changes, especially in light of the levels Edward Gaming and Team Heretics reached in the Grand Finals. It’s clear that other teams must step up if they want to compete at this level next season.
Early Season Expectations
At the start of the season, it was unclear that Heretics and Edward Gaming would be the teams in the Grand Finals. Heretics, in particular, surprised many, emerging as strong contenders early on, while Edward Gaming, though known to be strong domestically, had yet to perform on the international stage. However, key changes, such as the addition of Simon to Edward Gaming, have significantly impacted their performance.
America’s Performance and Heretics’ Journey
Heretics recently secured a victory against Leviathan, the last remaining Americas representative, in a winnable series. Despite the emotional strain on players like K, who expressed his disappointment at not being able to defend the trophy, Heretics proved too strong on the final map. Leviathan, who many thought might flop this year, gave credit to Rans, comparing him to Leo, a compliment considering his skill in Valorant.
