The best of the underdogs!
5. Fnatic & Team Liquid: The two teams were the best in Europe during the Stage 2 Masters Reykjavik. Naturally, expectations for them were set high. It came as quite a surprise when both of them were eliminated and didn't even make it into the top 4. | © Fnatic/Team Liquid
4. XSET: One of the biggest surprises in the North America Stage 3 Challengers 1 was XSET. The team that many had forgotten about proved they have what it takes to compete at the top. They were the first team to defeat Sentinels in a tournament. Sadly, they couldn't repeat the feat and that earned them second place. | © XSET
3. Pioneers: The Kansas City Pioneers, now known as simply Pioneers in Valorant, is one of the newest teams in Riot's tactical shooter. The organization assembled its Valorant squad on June 30 and managed to make it through an open qualifier. In the main event they were able to defeat Version1, but ultimately fell to Sentinels. No small feat for a team that's just a week old. | © Pioneers
2. FaZe Clan: Wait a moment, FaZe Clan weren't even in the main event of the NA Stage 3 Challengers 1, so why are they here? Exactly. The team has failed yet again and things are starting to look grim. FaZe had a good run in Stage 1 but ever since then, they've been falling further down. | © FaZe Clan
1. TSM: And the biggest disappointment in the NA Valorant scene goes to TSM. Considered to be the esports powerhouse by many, TSM make FaZe Clan look good. The team has 0 circuit points so far, and we're not sure if they should even have a team at this point. Stage 3 will be a make or break for TSM. | © TSM
Valorant Champions Tour is finally back in action with Stage 3. The first Challenger's event was quite impactful and set the tone for the rest of the season. Many teams made last-minute roster changes, while others remade their entire squad. For some, it worked, for others, it didn't pay off. Today, we present you with the 5 biggest surprises in Stage 3 Challengers!
