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The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA 2024 Kickoff tournament signals the start of a new competitive season, leading into the Masters Madrid event. It's a key event for the EMEA region, showcasing top teams from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The VCT has become a cornerstone of Valorant esports, celebrating past champions like Fnatic and Evil Geniuses. 

Fnatic stood out in 2023 with wins at VCT LOCK//IN and VCT Masters Tokyo, while Evil Geniuses captured the Valorant Champions 2023 title. The upcoming Kickoff tournament is a crucial opportunity for teams aiming for success in the 2024 season​​​​.

Dates and Format

Scheduled to begin on February 20, 2024, the VCT EMEA Kickoff tournament introduces a novel format designed to test the mettle of participating teams. This year's tournament boasts a three-group stage, where 11 teams are divided based on their performance in the previous year. The group allocation sees two groups of four teams each and one group of three, with the highest-placing squad from the 2023 Champions receiving a strategic bye in this unique setup.

The competition adopts a double-elimination bracket within each group, with all matches played in a Best-of-3 format. This rigorous structure ensures that only the most resilient and skilled teams advance, with the top team from each group moving on to the playoffs. The second-placed teams aren't left behind; they progress to a play-in stage, vying for a chance to join the playoffs through a round-robin format.

 

Beyond the Kickoff: Championship Points and Future Qualifications

The VCT 2024 introduces a revamped championship points system, a strategic move aimed at rewarding consistency and excellence throughout the season. Teams amass points through victories at regional Kickoffs, Masters events, and stage playoffs, with additional points awarded for match wins during the regular season. 

The points system intricately ties together the season's narrative, from the kickoff tournament to the crowning of champions, ensuring that every match and every victory counts towards the ultimate goal of global Valorant supremacy.

Favorites in the VCT Kickoff Tournaments

The VCT Kickoff tournaments for China, Pacific, and EMEA regions are poised to set the stage for an electrifying start to the Valorant competitive season. Esports betting fans can place their wagers on the tournament from anywhere in the world and benefit from esports bonuses like DraftKings promo code.

VCT China Kickoff Favorites

EDward Gaming emerges as the frontrunner with odds of -200, reflecting widespread confidence in their capabilities. Their recent performance at Valorant Champions 2023, particularly a notable 2-1 victory over Giants Gaming, underscores their resilience and strategic depth. EDward Gaming's roster, featuring talents like Haodong "Haodong" Guo and Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in high-stakes matches.

 

Bilibili Gaming and FunPlus Phoenix, with odds of +500 and +550, respectively, round out the top three in China. Both teams have showcased their potential in various tournaments, with Bilibili Gaming often celebrated for their innovative strategies and FunPlus Phoenix for their robust team synergy.

VCT Pacific Kickoff Favorites

Paper Rex, leading with odds of +150, stands out for their dynamic playstyle and adaptability. Their performances in recent tournaments have highlighted a team capable of overcoming adversity and executing complex strategies effectively.

DRX and T1, with odds of +300 and +450 respectively, follow closely behind. DRX's consistency and depth of talent make them a formidable opponent. In contrast, T1's blend of experience and emerging talent has seen them compete at the highest levels, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game's nuances.

VCT EMEA Kickoff Favorites

Fnatic, at the top with odds of +110, has consistently been at the forefront of the EMEA region, thanks to their aggressive playstyle and cohesive team play. Their ability to adapt and overcome various competitive scenarios has kept them in the spotlight.

Natus Vincere and FUT Esports, with odds of +450 and +500, are also among the favorites in the EMEA region. Natus Vincere's strategic gameplay and FUT Esports' rising stars have significantly impacted the scene, setting them up as teams to watch in the upcoming tournament.

Summary

As we look forward to the battles that lie ahead, the VCT EMEA 2024 Kickoff tournament is more than just a series of matches; it is a celebration of the spirit of competition, the passion for Valorant, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. The road to Masters Madrid is paved with challenges, but for those who dare to embark on this journey, it promises the chance to etch their names in the annals of Valorant history. 

The anticipation is palpable, the stage is set, and as the teams prepare to clash, one thing is certain: the Valorant Champions Tour EMEA 2024 Kickoff will be a spectacle unlike any other, heralding the dawn of a new era in esports.