This is the fourth installment of the George Geddes’ Mail Room, a bi-weekly article series that will answer questions from Twitter regarding VALORANT news.
You can ask some questions for future editions on my Twitter or through my Discord which you can join here.
The upcoming North American VALORANT Championship Tour Stage 3 Challengers 2 Open Qualifier will begin later today.
Some of the best teams in the region will be competing for the chance to qualify. However, there is another major region that has undergone significant changes to several rosters.
In Europe, Vitality and Team BDS are two teams that have made changes to their team, while most teams in North America are settled.
Upon the completion of the upcoming North American VCT, almost every team that did not qualify will make changes to its roster.
EZ5
Any news on EZ5?
— n0ah (@overzealoused) July 22, 2021
One of the most talked about semi professionals rosters, EZ5, is yet to be signed to an organization.
They have been close, however. While little information can be released publicly at the time of publication there have been attempts to sign the roster.
They will likely play today’s VCT as free agents.
Team Liquid
https://twitter.com/batallasmoreno/status/1418191922305376262
While Team Liquid has struggled recently I do not believe they have planned changes unless they fail to qualify for EMEA Challengers Playoffs.
They have to finish inside of the top two during Challengers 2 to secure a place.
A fun story; before Fish123 joined Team Liquid they were offered to join Ninjas in Pyjamas, according to one source close to the team.
NBK
any news on NBK being signed?
— Zilo (@ZiloZX) July 22, 2021
Speaking of changes, one player that should be on the radar of top tier organizations is Nathan “NBK” Schmitt.
While I’m unaware of any offers he has received, he’ll likely only settle for a top team.
Upon the conclusion of Challengers 2 if a top roster fails to secure qualification for Playoffs they could look at NBK as a solution.
Best Free Agent rosters
Which free agent rosters do you feel should get signed? And also any update on the big EU orgs (Rogue, Mad lions) entering the scene?
— ch (@chimneyhedge) July 22, 2021
There are plenty of free agent rosters that should be signed in VALORANT. But here’s some of the most notable.
- Former Noble (NA)
- VIRTUOSO (NA)
- EZ5 (NA)
- Abdo “C4lypso” Agha’s team (NA)
- Teal Seam (NA)
- Rejects (EU)
- NoPoach (EU)
Most recently, Cosmic Divide was picked up by a new esports startup DIVIZE, it was announced July 21.
No update on big organizations entering the scene, yet. Some are waiting for financial incentives while others ponder whether VALORANT is worth entering long-term. This week and the beginning of the next I’ll be reaching out to some of the most prominent to try and get an answer.
Ever wonder the reasons why organisations don't enter VALORANT?
Over the next week I'll be asking them that exact question to see if I can find out which tier 1 organisations are going to enter or not going to enter and for which reasons.
— george (@GeorgeGedd) July 21, 2021
Underrated Casters
Whose your favourite casting talent that don't get enough recognition?
(Not looking for praise myself so disclude me, I just feel a lot of casters get more shit than praise sent their way)
— RyanCentral (@RyanCentral) July 22, 2021
I appreciate members of talent that dedicate time to learn about VALORANT even if it isn’t their first major title they’ve had experience in.
With that said there are some that have shone, especially in both Europe and North America. Adam “dinko” Hawthorne and Matt “Twiggy” Twigg are both incredible commentators in Europe while 17-year old Ethan “Sully” Tran and 20-year old Gustavo “Upmind” Franco Domingues are severely underrated members of talent in North America.
Invisible people in the scene
Since esports is incredibly vast there are some members of staff that remain behind the curtain to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Sean Morrison, Upcomer’s editor in chief, is the most notable ‘invisible’ person I can think of.
Other members of Riot Games like Daniel Ringland and Riley Yurk are two members of the VALORANT department that contribute massively behind the scenes. There’s plenty of others, but these two I can name off the top of my head.
Published: Jul 22, 2021 05:38 pm