With VCT Americas Stage 2 approaching, here are the five key storylines every Valorant fan should follow, from G2’s potential decline to NRG’s late-season surge.
Theexcitement is building as VCT Americas Stage 2 kicks off, marking a return toregional competition following the global spectacles of Masters Toronto and theEsports World Cup (EWC). While some teams are riding waves of momentum, othersare looking for redemption or fighting for survival. With qualification forVALORANT Champions 2025 in Paris on the line, Stage 2 is poised to answer someof the biggest questions in the Americas region.
G2Esports have ruled the Americas with an iron grip in 2025. After securingback-to-back titles in Kickoff and Stage 1, and impressive internationalshowings including a runner-up finish at Masters Bangkok, they have rightfullyearned their place as the top team in the region.
However,cracks may be forming in G2’s seemingly impenetrable armor. The absence ofNathan “leaf” Orf due to health issues ahead of the Esports World Cup led to anearly 0-2 exit. That loss, coupled with speculation about a temporary stand-in(possibly Demon1, currently inactive from Leviatán), casts uncertainty overtheir current form.
Furthermore,with Champs qualification already locked in, G2 might be tempted to withholdstrategies and rest players. Even if leaf returns, their strategic focus mayshift to long-term preparation rather than all-out dominance in Stage 2. Ifthat happens, other teams may finally get a chance to topple the reigningkings.
IfG2 slows down, all eyes will turn to Sentinels. Second-best in both Kickoff andStage 1, they’ve been constantly knocking on the door of greatness. With G2 outof form, Stage 2 might just be Sentinels’ moment.
Theirperformance at the Esports World Cup was promising, going deeper than G2 andcollecting valuable international experience. Zachary “zekken” Patrone, one ofSEN’s standout stars, noted the team benefitted from testing new styles andgathering fresh VOD material to study and adapt.
Withproven consistency, improved team synergy, and momentum on their side,Sentinels are in prime position to claim their first Americas title since 2024Kickoff. All they need is to seize the opportunity.
InStage 1, MIBR firmly held third place in the Americas hierarchy, and finallyearned their shot at international competition again at Masters Toronto. Theirsuccess was seen as validation, particularly with superstar Erick “aspas”Santos leading the charge.
YetToronto turned into a nightmare. A pair of 2-0 defeats against Gen.G and TeamLiquid saw MIBR exit without winning a single map, or putting up much of afight. They won only 19 total rounds across four maps, and aspas, usually astatistical juggernaut, managed just 31 kills across the two series. It was ashocking drop in performance for one of the most hyped teams.
Stage2 is now a crucial crossroads for MIBR. They’ve accumulated enough points to bein a good position for Champs qualification, but another collapse could openthe door for rivals to leapfrog them. MIBR must rebound quickly, or riskwasting their golden ticket.
WithG2 locked in and Sentinels all but assured, the race for the final two spots atVALORANT Champions Paris is heating up. Based on current standings, MIBR seemslikely to claim one, but their form must rebound, as discussed.
Nextin line is KRÜ Esports, holding a slim lead over Evil Geniuses, Cloud9, and 100Thieves. With just a couple of points separating them, Stage 2 playoffs will bea battleground for every round, match, and point.
Themargins are razor-thin. A single upset, a clutch round, or a standoutperformance could mean the difference between Paris and heartbreak. Every teamin this tier knows what’s at stake, and Stage 2 may be their last shot at theinternational spotlight.
NRGentered the Esports World Cup with modest expectations, after all, they hadn’tplaced higher than 7th/8th in either Kickoff or Stage 1. But what followed wasa major resurgence.
NRGpicked up six wins in EWC qualifiers, doubling their total wins from the restof the year combined. Then in Riyadh, they delivered upsets over Team Hereticsand RRQ, two regional champions, before falling to Gen.G in playoffs.
Thisresurgence has revived hopes of a Champs run, but NRG still sit low on theChampionship Points leaderboard. Only a deep playoff run or top-three finish inStage 2 can get them back into contention. If G2 falters and NRG maintainstheir EWC form, don’t be surprised if they sneak into Paris as a dark horse.
Image Source: Riot Games
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