As you immerse yourself in the competitive world of VALORANT esports, gaining familiarity with the top players is crucial. These masters of the tactical shooter game stand at the forefront, shaping strategies and setting skill benchmarks for all players. If you're serious about ascending the ranks, it's imperative to glean insights from the best players in the VALORANT universe.
So, what sets someone apart as the best in the business? It extends beyond flamboyant plays and breathtaking flick shots, even though these moments are iconic in highlight reels. The distinction of being the finest VALORANT player hinges on excellence across all facets of the game: from strategic prowess and game sense to sharpshooting skills and collaborative teamwork. Let's delve into specifics.
5. Jake “Boaster” Howlett
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The year 2023 introduces us to Jake Howlett, one of the veterans within Fnatic, renowned for his charismatic personality, humor, astute leadership, and infectious positive demeanor that's hard not to adore.
Whether you are an ardent fan or an impartial observer, it's tough to harbor any animosity toward Booster. His exceptional in-game leading skills have elevated Fnatic to become one of VALORANT's most formidable teams. He epitomizes the "brains over brawn" archetype, having maintained a consistent presence with Fnatic, a remarkable feat in the fast-evolving realm of esports. His legacy boasts numerous remarkable tournament results and impressive placements, consolidating his status as one of the most respected in-game leaders in the VALORANT domain. Notably, his earnings sum up to a staggering $214,422, propelling him into the echelons of the highest-earning VALORANT professionals.
4. Nikita “Derke” Simitev
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Derke, at the tender age of 18, has already etched his name in the annals of VALORANT esports through stellar performances with Fnatic.
Renowned for his impeccable aim and adeptness with the Operator, Derke shines as a formidable Duelist. His ability to secure swift eliminations and open up sites for his team forms the bedrock of Fnatic's success. During Champions 2021, Derke boasted the highest Average Combat Score (ACS) per round amongst all players, underscoring his exceptional skills and profound impact on matches.
As he continues to accumulate experience competing at VALORANT's pinnacle, his performance and skill set are likely to burgeon further. Guided by experienced mentors like Boaster, Derke possesses the potential to emerge as one of the premier players in the EMEA region, if not globally.
For those aspiring to excel as entry fraggers, Derke's gameplay offers invaluable lessons.
3. Max “Demon1” Mazanov
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Max 'Demon1' Mazanov has etched his name as one of the elite VALORANT players in 2023. His extraordinary skill and game sense have propelled Evil Geniuses to dominate the North American circuit.
Mazanov's esports journey commenced in 2020, rendering his rapid rise even more remarkable, seemingly emerging from the shadows to become one of the game's foremost players. Since joining Evil Geniuses in early 2023, Mazanov has proven pivotal to their victories. His capacity to adapt to various agents and evolving metas empowers Evil Geniuses to devise innovative strategies.
Mazanov excels, notably, when commanding Duelists like Jett and Raze, capitalizing on their mobility to assert map control aggressively and create space for his squad. His marksmanship and reflexes are of world-class caliber, regularly notching over 20 kills per map. Demon1's prowess and gameplay are cornerstones of Evil Geniuses' international triumphs, unequivocally establishing him as one of 2023's premier VALORANT players. Should he maintain this level of performance, his legacy as a VALORANT legend is all but assured.
2. Erick “aspas” Santos
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Erick 'aspas' Santos is widely hailed as the world's preeminent VALORANT player, a position earned through a year of extraordinary skills and performances.
Santos embarked on his VALORANT journey during the closed beta in April 2020, swiftly ascending the leaderboards and sustaining his apex stature. In 2022, Santos led in numerous statistical categories, including the highest headshot percentage, most first bloods, and the highest kill/death ratio. His knack for securing critical picks and unearthing opportunities for his team is unparalleled.
Santos predominantly favors Duelists like Jett and Raze, leveraging their mobility to manipulate space and outwit opponents. His precision and reflexes are lightning-fast, permitting him to triumph in aim duels even against the most elite adversaries. Santos is equally celebrated for his sagacious positioning and game sense, consistently discerning the enemy's whereabouts and capitalizing on it.
Santos played an instrumental role in LOUD's triumph at VCT 2022 and secured a 2nd place finish at LOCK//IN Sao Paulo in the same year. Even though LOUD narrowly missed victory in VCT 2023, they attained an impressive 3rd place. This consistency in an ever-evolving VALORANT esports scene is a testament to Santos' unwavering prowess.
1. Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto
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f0rsakeN is lauded as one of the most mechanically gifted VALORANT professionals, his aim and reaction times are without peer, enabling him to clinch duels that appear insurmountable. He delivers high-level plays and frequently secures clutch rounds through his superior gunplay.
However, f0rsakeN's prowess extends beyond individual skill; he has mastered a plethora of agents. Renowned for his expertise with Reyna and Jett, he exploits their abilities to outmaneuver opponents. But he also excels with versatile agents like Killjoy, Breach, and Omen, adept at locking down sites, facilitating pushes, and leading his squad.
In addition to his stellar individual performance, f0rsakeN shines as a natural leader. He often directs his teammates and guides their strategies. His leadership and communication are instrumental to his team's victories, fostering coordination and informed mid-round decisions.
For those aspiring to become the finest VALORANT player, f0rsakeN serves as the ultimate exemplar. His unmatched skills, agent versatility, and leadership have solidified his status as an exceptional player.
Conclusion – Best VALORANT Players of 2023
While VALORANT's landscape is teeming with talent, these players have unequivocally demonstrated their mettle at the highest echelons. Their performances in 2023 stand as an inspiration and a testament to the dedication and mastery requisite to achieve the pinnacle of the game.
Undoubtedly, new luminaries will emerge in the ensuing years, but these players have etched their place in VALORANT's history through their accomplishments and dominance of the esports arena.
The future of VALORANT esports is promising, and, for the moment, these luminaries shine the brightest.
If you are curious about how professionals approach the game, don't hesitate to explore our article on the best crosshair Placement in VALORANT.