As the popularity of Valorant continues to soar, so does the number of talented professional players emerging in the scene. These rising stars have showcased their exceptional skills, game sense, and teamwork, captivating audiences with their thrilling performances. In 2023, we can expect to witness the emergence of a new generation of pro Valorant players who will undoubtedly leave their mark on the competitive landscape.
This article highlights the 10 best pro Valorant players to watch. These players have already shown immense potential and are poised to become the next big names in the Valorant esports scene. From their exceptional mechanical skills to their strategic prowess, these rising stars are set to redefine the standards of excellence in competitive Valorant.
Valorant Pro Players Selection Criteria
To determine the best pro Valorant players to watch in 2023, several criteria were considered. These criteria encompassed various aspects of a player’s performance, both individually and as part of a team. The following factors were taken into account:
Individual Skill
One of the primary criteria for selection was the individual skill of the players. This includes their mechanical abilities, aim, reflexes, and game sense. The players who showcased exceptional individual skills and demonstrated the potential to outperform their opponents were given higher consideration.
Team Performance
Another crucial factor in determining the best pro Valorant players was their team’s performance. While individual skill is important, Valorant is a team-based game, and a player’s ability to contribute to their team’s success is vital. Players who consistently performed well in team-based scenarios, coordinated effectively with their teammates, and contributed to their team’s victories were given preference.
Consistency
Consistency played a significant role in the selection process. Players who consistently performed at a high level, regardless of the circumstances, were highly regarded. This includes maintaining a high level of performance across multiple matches, tournaments, and seasons. Consistency is a key indicator of a player’s skill and potential for growth.
By considering these criteria, the selection process aimed to identify the rising stars in the Valorant professional scene who possess exceptional individual skills, contribute to their team’s success and demonstrate consistency in their performance. These factors collectively contribute to the overall evaluation of the best pro Valorant players to watch in 2023.
Best Pro Valorant Players (2023)
With so many talented players competing in Valorant, it can be hard to keep track of who are the best and most exciting ones to watch. That’s why we have compiled a list of the 10 best pro Valorant players to watch in 2023, based on their performance, stats, and impact in the VCT so far.
These are the players who have shown exceptional skill, consistency, versatility, and clutch factor in their matches, and who have helped their teams achieve impressive results. Whether you are a fan of aggressive fraggers, smart controllers, or clutch defenders, there is a player for you on this list.
Here are the top 10 pro Valorant players to watch in 2023:
Aspas (LOUD)
The Brazilian star is the undisputed king of the Americas region, dominating the entire player pool in rating, ACS, overall K/D, and opening kills per round. He plays as a duelist, mainly Jett and Reyna, and is known for his incredible aim, movement, and aggression.
He can single-handedly win rounds for his team with his flashy plays and clutch moments. He led LOUD to win the regular season and the playoffs of the VCT Americas league, earning a spot at Masters Tokyo.
Alfajer (Fnatic)
The Swedish sensation is the top-rated player in the EMEA region, despite missing some time at the beginning of the season due to health issues. He plays as a sentinel, mainly Killjoy and Cypher, and is adept at locking down sites, gathering information, and denying plants and defuses.
He also has a high impact in fragging, often topping the scoreboard for his team. He was instrumental in Fnatic’s dominant run in the regular season and the playoffs of the VCT EMEA league, securing a place at Masters Tokyo.
Demon1 (Evil Geniuses)
The Canadian prodigy is one of the youngest players in the scene, but also one of the most talented. He plays as an initiator, mainly Sova and Skye, and excels at providing utility, vision, and support for his team.
He also has a knack for finding kills with his abilities or his rifle, making him a versatile and dangerous player. He was a key factor in Evil Geniuses’ surprising run to the finals of the VCT Americas playoffs, where they lost to LOUD in a close series.
Chronicle (Fnatic)
The Russian veteran is one of the most experienced players in Valorant, having played since the beta. He plays as a controller, mainly Viper and Astra, and is masterful at using his smokes, walls, and stars to create space, pressure, and opportunities for his team.
He also has a high game sense and clutch ability, often making smart decisions and playing in crucial situations. He was a consistent performer for Fnatic throughout the VCT EMEA season, helping them reach Masters Tokyo.
Sayf (Liquid)
The Swedish star is one of the most explosive players in Valorant, capable of taking over games with his sheer firepower. He plays as a duelist or an initiator, mainly Raze or Breach, and is fearless in his aggression and entry.
He can also switch to other agents like Sage or Yoru depending on the map or strategy. He was the driving force behind Liquid’s triumph in the VCT EMEA playoffs, where they defeated Fnatic in the grand finals to qualify for Masters Tokyo.
s0m (NRG)
The American prodigy is one of the most promising players in Valorant, having transitioned from CS:GO last year. He plays as a duelist or an initiator, mainly Phoenix or Sova, and is skilled at creating openings, finding picks, and applying pressure for his team.
He can also play other agents like Reyna or KAY/O depending on the situation. He was the highest-rated player on NRG throughout the VCT Americas season, where they finished third in the playoffs and earned a spot at Masters Tokyo.
Derke (Fnatic)
The Finnish phenom is one of the best Jett players in Valorant, showcasing his incredible aim, movement, and aggression with the agent. He can also play other agents like Reyna or Raze depending on the map or strategy.
He is a prolific fragger and a clutch master, often delivering jaw-dropping plays and highlights for his team. He was a vital part of Fnatic’s success in the VCT EMEA season, where they qualified for Masters Tokyo.
nAts (Liquid)
The Kazakhstani star is one of the best Viper players in Valorant, demonstrating his creativity, utility, and impact with the agent. He can also play other agents like Astra or Cypher depending on the map or strategy.
He is a versatile and intelligent player, able to adapt to different situations and roles for his team. He was a key contributor to Liquid’s victory in the VCT EMEA playoffs, where they secured a place at Masters Tokyo.
leaf (Cloud9)
The American talent is one of the most consistent players in Valorant, delivering solid performances and stats with a variety of agents. He plays as a duelist or an initiator, mainly Reyna or Skye, and is effective at finding kills, providing utility, and supporting his team.
He can also play other agents like Jett or KAY/O depending on the situation. He was a reliable performer for Cloud9 throughout the VCT Americas season, where they finished fourth in the playoffs and qualified for Masters Tokyo.
kiNgg (Leviatan)
The Brazilian prodigy is one of the most exciting players in Valorant, showing his flair, skill, and confidence with a range of agents. He plays as a duelist or an initiator, mainly Raze or Breach, and is fearless in his aggression and entry.
He can also play other agents like Jett or Yoru depending on the map or strategy. He was a dominant force for Leviatan throughout the VCT Americas season, where they finished second in the regular season and fifth in the playoffs.
