North America might have disappointed at VALORANT Champions, but the region created some of the best memories of the first major year for VALORANT esports. With 2021 winding down, it’s time to take a look back at five of the most memorable moments from the North American VALORANT Champions Tour. These top-five moments of NA VCT feature some of the best plays and results, domestically and abroad, for the region.
5. Sentinels win NA Masters 1
Shortly after adding Tyson “TenZ” Ngo to the roster on loan from Cloud9, Sentinels rose to the occasion by winning VCT Stage 1 Masters in North America. They had a near-flawless run at the tournament outside of one series loss to Luminosity in the opening match. This trophy would be the first of many for the Sentinels team as their victory put them in a good position to make it to VCT Stage 2 Masters Reykjavík.
Pros don't fake. @sick_cs pic.twitter.com/jljIoQ5dCn
— Sentinels (@Sentinels) March 21, 2021
4. Version1’s performance at Masters Reykjavík
Version1 defied all odds by qualifying for the first international VALORANT LAN alongside Sentinels. That alone would have been enough to make it onto the list, but it was their valiant effort at the tournament that makes it No. 4. After beating Crazy Raccoon and knocking Team Liquid to the lower bracket, Version1 exited the event in fifth place. Fans from NA will forever remember cheering on the underdog team at Iceland.
3. 100 Thieves defeat Europe at Masters Berlin
VCT Stage 3 Masters Berlin was 100 Thieves’ first international LAN, and they did not disappoint. They were the only team to take a series from Gambit Esports, who went on to win the entire event. In a nail-biting best-of-three series, 100 Thieves pulled through to beat Gambit. Shortly after finishing first in their group, 100 Thieves went on to eliminate Acend from Masters Berlin. Despite a loss to Envy in the semifinals, 100 Thieves brought the hurt to Europe at Berlin.
2. Envy make it to the finals of Masters Berlin
As the third seed from North America at Masters Berlin, there wasn’t much hype for Envy at the event. However, they were able to come together despite working around a recent addition to the roster. They finished first in their group before knocking out both Sentinels and 100 Thieves to make it to the finals. While they were unable to beat Gambit Esports for the title at Masters Berlin, they still impressed with their showing.
1. Sentinels win Masters Reykjavík
The crowning achievement for North America in 2021, and the No. 1 moment in our top-five list for North America in the VCT, was Sentinels’ lights-out performance at Masters Reykjavík. Throughout the tournament, Sentinels defeated teams left and right without dropping a series. Even in the finals against Fnatic, Sentinels were able to sweep them 3-0 to bring home the trophy.
