As the curtains fall on the group stages of VALORANT Champions 2024, the scene is set for the playoffs in Seoul, South Korea. With the top teams from all four VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Leagues now battling for supremacy, fans are in for a treat as the playoffs kick off on 14 August.

The group stages concluded with a surprising twist, as Paper Rex, a strong contender, fell to EDward Gaming. This shocking result added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense playoff phase.

The Road to the Playoffs

The group stage featured 16 teams divided into four groups, each consisting of one team from each of the four VCT Leagues. Following a double-bracket format, the top two teams from each group advanced to the playoffs. The eight teams that emerged victorious and secured their spots in the playoffs are:

• DRX (Asia-Pacific)
• Sentinels (Americas)
• Trace Esports (China)
• EDward Gaming (China)
• G2 Esports (Americas)
• Leviatán (Americas)
• Fnatic (EMEA)
• Team Heretics (EMEA)

With the group stages behind us, the playoffs draw took place, setting the stage for a double-elimination bracket where teams must fight for their survival. Here’s a look at the playoff matchups and the storylines that make them must-watch events.

DRX vs. Sentinels: A Historic Showdown

The clash between DRX and Sentinels is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the playoffs. Both teams boast a rich history in the VALORANT Champions Tour. DRX, a dominant force from the VCT Pacific region, faces Sentinels, the inaugural VCT Masters champions. While DRX has undergone roster changes to bolster their lineup, Sentinels have been riding high after their victory at VCT Masters Madrid. This will be the first time these two powerhouses meet in the official VCT season, making it a match that could shape the future of the tournament.

Trace Esports vs. EDward Gaming: A Rivalry Renewed

Trace Esports and EDward Gaming are no strangers to each other, having faced off six times before. EDward Gaming has dominated this rivalry, winning five of those encounters. However, this matchup marks their first meeting on the international stage. Trace Esports, making their playoff debut after topping Group C, will be looking to finally turn the tables on their rivals. Can Trace Esports break their losing streak and secure a victory against EDward Gaming, or will history repeat itself?

G2 Esports vs. Leviatán: A Shot at Redemption

G2 Esports and Leviatán are set to clash in what could be a replay of the VCT 2024 Americas grand final. G2 Esports, having secured the top seed in Group D, are eager to prove themselves against Leviatán, who booked their playoff spot after a hard-fought win against Team Vitality. For G2, this match is not just about advancing in the tournament—it’s about redemption and proving that they are still a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Team Heretics vs. Fnatic: The EMEA Showdown

The final matchup of the Upper Bracket quarter-finals sees Team Heretics take on Fnatic in an all-EMEA showdown. Team Heretics, who emerged as the top seed from Group B, have shown their prowess with victories over FunPlus Phoenix and Gen.G. Meanwhile, Fnatic, the reigning VCT 2024 EMEA champions, secured their playoff spot with wins against KRÜ Esports and Bilibili Gaming. This match promises to be a battle of strategies and skill as these two EMEA giants vie for a spot in the semi-finals.

With the playoffs set to begin, the stakes have never been higher. The double-elimination format means that teams have a safety net, but only just. A single loss won’t end their journey, but two will send them packing. As these eight teams prepare to face off, the only certainty is that the competition will be fierce, and the path to the championship will be anything but easy.

VALORANT Champions 2024 in Seoul is shaping up to be a tournament for the ages, where history will be made, rivalries will be reignited, and a new champion will be crowned. The stage is set, and the world is watching.