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In the build-up to the 2024 VCT EMEA Kickoff event, few in the professional VALORANT scene would have placed Team Heretics among the region’s top contenders.
Yet, this young roster has defied expectations, securing a spot at VCT Masters Madrid without dropping a single map thus far.
Heretics’ victories in the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA Kickoff have been both decisive and impressive, all secured with a 2-0 margin.
Team Heretics have punched their ticket to #VALORANTMasters Madrid! #VamosHeretics pic.twitter.com/HBJiGf143I
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) February 29, 2024
They kicked off their winning streak by defeating former VALORANT world champion Mehmet “cNed” İpek and the formidable Turkish super team on FUT Esports.
Subsequently, they showcased dominance against Karmine Corp with commanding 13-4 wins on both Split and Lotus.
The playoffs presented their toughest challenge yet in the form of the reunited Natus Vincere roster with Ardis “ardiis” Svarenieks.
Despite NAVI’s initial resistance, Heretics emerged victorious, surviving Sunset in overtime and then crushing NAVI on their own pick of Breeze.
Analysts had initially underestimated Heretics, ranking them low in their power rankings due to their lack of experience and the inclusion of a substitute player.
While in-game leader Ričardas “Boo” Lukaševičius provided most of the VCT experience, it was his brother, Dominykas “MiniBoo” Lukaševičius, who shone the brightest.
MiniBoo leads all players at the event in key statistics such as average combat score, damage per round, and first kills per round, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the team.
Heretics’ qualification for Masters Madrid marks a significant achievement, with the opportunity to claim three championship points by winning the Kickoff finals.
Their unexpected success has made them home crowd favourites and a team to watch out for on the international stage.
On the other hand, Fnatic, a dominant force in European VALORANT, suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Karmine Corp.
Despite boasting a star-studded roster, Fnatic succumbed to Karmine Corp’s aggressive gameplay and superior team coordination.
This unexpected loss marks Fnatic’s first absence from an international tournament in three years, highlighting the rise of new challengers like Karmine Corp and Team Heretics in the EMEA region.
Karmine Corp’s victory over Fnatic in the semi-finals of the VCT EMEA Kickoff Playoffs was nothing short of remarkable.
.@KarmineCorpENG are heading to the #VCTEMEA Kickoff Grand Finals!@KarmineCorp are heading to Masters Madrid! pic.twitter.com/aXD5X9eFai
— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_emea) February 29, 2024
With standout performances from players like Martin “marteen” Pátek and Marshall “N4RRATE” Massey, Karmine Corp emerged as the victors, securing their spot in the grand final and qualifying for VCT Masters Madrid.
Overall, these developments signal a shifting landscape in the EMEA VALORANT scene, with emerging teams like Heretics and Karmine Corp challenging the established order and setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
