If you didn’t catch it, the official VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA account has just asked a question we all wanted to ask: Who do you think deserves the MVP of Stage 2? As usual, the replies are pretty wild, in a good way. While the discussion is always focused on the best player, we are now also debating the staff members? I’ll try to explain the situation.
First of all, the tweet mentions multiple people — analysts, casters, community figures such as kaquka, billieeidk, minijake_, YinsuCollins, hypoc, MitchMan, Tombizz, and pansy. The community was quick to share their opinions. What stood out to me is that the community was not yelling the usual player names, Alejandro Ferenus wrote “La única basada la goat @kaquka que valora al staff,” which translates to kaquka is the only based person who appreciates the staff. That same sentiment was shared by Antonella who stated “que poco valorados los staff, solo una visionaria podria votar por uno 😎” — talking about how little the nurturers are appreciated. MitchMan got a lot of love as well, with different people saying “Mitchman know ball” for his choice, which is also a staff member. This is surprising.
There are, of course, still the players. Evergarden just stated, “Pal for sure,” and Leo tagged @PAL_TTV, saying, “ofc.” So it is clear that Pal is a strong contender. Bilal said “Magnum or lewn,” while 71NX said “Either Keiko, Ruxic, or Lewn.” Liquid Leon4ides had a conditional opinion: “If NAVI wins stage 2, then it is Ruxic. If not, then it must be KEIKO my goat💙.” Seems like team success matters to some voters.
Next is the whole thinkiiCS case. Many people are screaming “AGUANTA @thinkiiCS POR FAVOR,” which is Spanish for “Hold on @thinkiiCS, please” — this looks like a huge push on his behalf. Both kaquka and thinkiiCS were branded “goats” by Sergio Ferra Salcedo. Then a bizarre conversation about Thinki on Jampi’s back entering Turkey after winning the world championship erupted. The Valorant scene is something else.
Billie, who was mentioned in the original tweet, said this in response jokingly, “MVP without even playing bro @PAL_TTV that’s some respect.” Maybe due to Pal’s impact, this particular conversation has non-competitive elements. That kind of respect is beyond normal.
What I find remarkable is that the community is not zeroing in on the main players. They are applauding analysts, the staff, and the folks behind the broadcast and the league. This is a very mature opinion to a community that is rather young for esports. Valorant esports is not only about kills and clips, they recognize the complete ecosystem.
Interactions like this from the official account, asking for fans’ opinions on something big like the Stage MVP, strengthens this relationship. It makes everyone feel as if they can help in some way. Although, to be honest, the final decision is probably data-driven and made by a panel. Still, the discussion is what makes it fun.
Regions like Turkey, Spain, and the CIS have always overflowed with talent, so there really must be difficulties choosing an MVP. There are mechanical dogs, IGLs with brilliant systems, and support players who uplift everyone, and now it seems, even the desk crew. Why not?
Esports stands out from other sports, in a good way, because of this kind of exchange. The gap between the people associated with the sport and the spectators is very close. You can tweet at a caster or an analyst and get a reply, while NFL commentators do not do that.
For so many people to be considered, Stage 2 must have been epic. The full list of nominees is yet to be revealed. Yet, the community is already showing support for their preferred ones. Some with reasoning and others with nothing more than pure meme energy. And that is what makes it great.
So, thanks to VCT EMEA for sparking this conversation, and a shoutout to all the players, staff, and everyone who helps out the league. I think many people are putting in work behind the scenes that deserves some recognition as well. I was thinking, maybe they should have a separate award for that. Just a thought.
Every player’s performance gets even more important with the season heating up and Champions getting closer. I’m very keen on discovering the actual winner of the prizes. Also, the most chaotic, beautiful thing to ever happen in esports will be if a staff member wins. Never change, Valorant fans.
