The Valorant esports scene, while still considered young, is already delivering top-tier competition, and the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) North American Playoffs are a prime example. Kicking off on April 29th, this four-day spectacle gathers eight of the region's finest squads to battle for supremacy and, more importantly, a coveted spot at the international finals in Reykjavík. The tournament follows a double-elimination format, ensuring every team gets a fighting chance even after a loss. Interestingly, the playoffs will be played on a patch that does not include the new map, Breeze, which is being saved for its grand debut at the Iceland finals. The stage is set for an epic clash between established veterans and hungry newcomers, all vying for the title of NA's best.

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The action begins daily at 1 PM PST, starting April 29th. Fans won't miss a moment, as the event will be broadcast live on multiple platforms. The primary viewing destinations are the official Valorant and Nerd Street Gamers Twitch channels. For those who prefer YouTube, the Valorant esports YouTube channel will also host the stream. The competing teams earned their spots through rigorous qualifiers, and the lineup is stacked: 100 Thieves, Andbox, Cloud9, NRG, Sentinels, Team Envy, Version 1, and XSET. Let's break down three of the most exciting contenders to watch. 😎

Team to Watch: XSET – The Hungry Challengers

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Formed by former FaZe Clan executives, XSET is a team on a mission, riding high after a second-place finish in the Challengers 1 event. What makes them fascinating is their incredibly diverse competitive background. Their captain, thwifo, is a former Fortnite professional, while teammates like AYRIN and BcJ hail from Crossfire and Apex Legends, respectively. This eclectic mix of talent has proven effective, as they've consistently placed well in recent tournaments. Their journey included a notable victory over NRG in the Challengers 1 open qualifiers. However, they fell just short of the top prize, losing 3-1 to 100 Thieves in the grand finals. Fittingly, their first playoff match is a rematch against NRG, giving them a perfect chance to prove their qualifier win was no fluke and to seek redemption on the bigger stage.

Team to Watch: 100 Thieves – The Veteran Powerhouse

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As one of the fan-favorite organizations, 100 Thieves enters the playoffs with immense expectations. They represent the "old guard," boasting a roster composed entirely of veteran ex-Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professionals. Their years of tactical FPS experience have translated beautifully to Valorant. They are the reigning champions of the Challengers 1 tournament, demonstrating their ability to perform when it counts. While they had a surprising early exit in the Challengers 1 open qualifier, they've otherwise placed strongly in every event they've entered. All eyes will be on veteran star Hiko, whose incredible game sense and clutch performances have made him a streaming sensation and the emotional core of the team. 100 Thieves is not just playing to win the playoffs; they're playing to solidify their legacy as NA's elite. 🏆

Team to Watch: Sentinels – The Dominant Force

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If there's a team that strikes fear into opponents, it's Sentinels. Their consistency is terrifying—they have never placed below fourth in any Valorant tournament they've entered. Recently, their firepower received a massive boost with the temporary acquisition of TenZ from Cloud9, filling in for the suspended Sinatraa. The results were immediate and devastating: Sentinels swept through Challengers 2, securing first place with a dominant 3-0 victory over Cloud9 Blue. The statistical dominance they've displayed is a warning to every other team in the bracket. While they are the clear favorites, the double-elimination format means the competition will have multiple chances to devise a strategy to take them down. Can anyone stop the Sentinels juggernaut? That's the million-dollar question of the playoffs.

The Road to Reykjavík

The VCT North American Playoffs are more than just a regional championship; they are the final gatekeepers to the global stage in Reykjavík. Only the top two teams from this event will earn the right to represent North America against the best from Europe, Asia, and beyond. The hype is real, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Each match promises high-octane action, strategic depth, and those iconic Valorant clutch moments.

For new viewers looking to get into Valorant esports, this is the perfect starting point. The narrative is rich:

  • XSET seeks to prove their mixed-background roster can triumph.

  • 100 Thieves aims to leverage veteran savvy for another trophy.

  • Sentinels looks to maintain their throne with relentless aggression.

The entire weekend is packed with must-watch matches that will ultimately crown North America's champions and shape the landscape for the 2026 competitive season. Tune in, because history is being made, and it's all leading to the ultimate showdown in Iceland. Let the games begin! 🔥