Masters Tokyo Predictions for Group Stage – VCT 2023

Here are our Masters Tokyo predictions on which teams will move forward from the Group Stage

The second biggest Valorant tournament is at our doorstep, and it’s time to make the boldest of predictions! Masters Tokyo’s Group Stage will begin on June 10, and two out of four squads from each group will be making it to the Playoffs. 

From NRG on Group A to Group B’s DRX, you can already guess which rosters are likely to dominate the opening matches – but don’t be too comfortable with the favorites, as teams like T1 and FUT can cause upsets any time. 

Without further ado, here are our official predictions for VCT 2023 Masters Tokyo Group Stage.

Masters Tokyo Predictions – Teams to Qualify from Group A

Screenshot via VLR

NRG Esports

The North Americans are our first pick from Group A. Even though we are predicting NRG to have a clean 2-0 journey in the Group Stage, they will have to do it by facing two tough enemies – NAVI from the EMEA league and T1, who impressed us in VCT Pacific. 

NRG had a rocky start in the Americas League, with inconsistency becoming their main challenge in the starting weeks of the Regular Season. However, they learned from their mistakes by placing Ardis “ardiis” Svarenieks on Duelist roles in most maps and letting Victor “Victor” Wong be in charge of Raze and Neon, which helped them reach the tournament’s Grand Final.

Natus Vincere

It wouldn’t have been possible for NAVI to be here without FNATIC’s LOCK//IN victory, which allowed EMEA to bring four teams to the Masters. The Europeans are our second pick from Group A, who will make it to the Playoffs with a 2-1 record with the help of raw talents like Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky and Mehmet “cNed” İpek.

NAVI were the second-best roster in the Regular Season of VCT EMEA, thanks to their incredible 7-2 run. However, this domination didn’t continue in the Playoffs, and they barely held onto the #4 placement with a 1-2 record. Going into the Masters, it will be interesting to see if the roster continues its Yoru composition, which failed to work out in their most recent game against FUT.

Masters Tokyo Predictions – Teams to Qualify from Group B

Screenshot via VLR

DRX

DRX are likely to secure the Playoffs with a 2-0 run in Group B. Their opening match against Attacking Soul Esports shouldn’t require too much effort since the Chinese Valorant scene is still pretty new in international competition. On the other hand, FUT will be a tough contender in DRX’s second match, where we may see the series go to a third map.

The South Koreans remained the best team in the Pacific League until the Playoffs, where Paper Rex snatched their crown and took the event’s trophy. DRX had an impressive 8-1 run in the Regular Season of the event, a record similar to LOUD. Throughout their journey of domination, Controller player Kim “MaKo” Myeong-kwan had been brilliant and consistently secured the MVP spot for the team.

Evil Geniuses

Now that we know that Max “Demon1” Mazanov will be in Tokyo for his team, Evil Geniuses may have a chance to reach the Playoffs. We are sensing a 1-2 defeat in EG’s opening match against FUT, which will throw them into the elimination game against Attacking Soul Esports, a series that shouldn’t be too tough for them to win. Next, a rematch versus FUT, which will test the brainpower of Kelden “Boostio” Pupello and head coach Christine “potter” Chi and together they will likely plan their revenge to secure a Playoffs spot.

Evil Geniuses weren’t even supposed to be in the Playoffs of the Americas League, a fate they achieved through MIBR’s upset against 100 Thieves in the Regular Season. With the help of the rookie talent, Demon1, the North Americans picked up two jaw-dropping victories against NRG and Cloud9, securing the #3 spot and a ticket to the Masters. 

Who Will Win Masters Tokyo?

We are going with LOUD as the Champions of Masters Tokyo. 

Credit: Riot Games

The Brazilians are currently waiting in the Playoffs as they secured a trophy in the Americas League. In that bracket, their toughest contenders will be teams like FNATIC and DRX, who have dominated their own regions. However, LOUD have the talent, expertise and courage to trample over any teams at this event, and they will be planning to continue their journey of mastery since Champions 2022.