VCT 2022 Stage 2 Masters - FPX brings the trophy back to Europe

Zoran Papak -

VCT 2022 Stage 2 Masters is officially in the books. After intense two weeks in Copenhagen, EMEA's representatives FunPlus Phoenix secured the victory after they defeated Singaporean powerhouse Paper Rex in the Grand final.

Incredible playoff run by FPX

FPX made an incredible run through the lower bracket after they lost to Fnatic in upper bracket quarterfinals. First, they defeated Guild Esports and DRX before finally taking down Fnatic in lower semifinals. It was their first win vs. Fnatic after four defeats throughout Stage 2.

In the lower bracket final, FPX took down reigning Masters champions OpTic Gaming 3-1 in an epic EU vs. NA clash. Eventually, they faced APAC's Paper Rex, who defeated OpTic 2-1 in the upper bracket final.

In the Grand final, FPX defeated Paper Rex in a nail-biting best-of-five series. Alongside a live audience in Copenhagen, almost 800 thousand peak viewers witnessed the match go to distance, as FPX secured the win 3-2 after full five maps.

FPX's succeeded despite the challenges

It is admirable to see FPX fight off all the issues they faced in 2022 and secure a Masters title.

The team couldn't even attend Stage 1 Masters in Reykjavik earlier this year due to travel restrictions caused by the war in Ukraine. However, they showed up again in Stage 2, falling only to Fnatic throughout EMEA Challengers.

Furthermore, FPX had to play the entire Group stage in Copenhagen with a substitute because SUYGETSU couldn't get his visa in time. Despite joining the team mid-tournament and lacking practice with the team, he showed up big time and earned himself a finals MVP with his performance.

Source: FPX Esports

Teams qualified for Valorant Champions

A month and a half before the pinnacle of 2022 Valorant competition, ten teams have already booked their tickets to Istanbul:

  • North America: OpTic Gaming and XSET
  • EMEA: FunPlus Phoenix and Fnatic
  • APAC: Paper Rex and XERXIA
  • Brazil: LOUD
  • LATAM: Leviatán
  • Korea: DRX
  • Japan: ZETA DIVISION

Six more Champions places are up for grabs for the rest of the teams. Final spots will be determined via regional Last Chance Qualifiers in August. LCQ will feature the best performing teams throughout the year from EMEA, North America, APAC, South America, and East Asia.