From Unknown to Unstoppable: VCT’s breakout Rookies to Watch at Masters Toronto

The countdown is on for the next major international VALORANT showdown: VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025. With twelve of the best teams in the world set to collide, this tournament promises some of the most explosive, high-stakes matches we’ve seen so far this year. Every team is aiming to bring glory to their region, claim international bragging rights, and carve their name into the history books of VALORANT.

While much of the spotlight will shine on familiar faces and championship-winning veterans, this event also marks a huge opportunity for several newcomers—players who are stepping onto the Masters stage for the first time. These rookies have dominated their regional scenes and now face the ultimate test: proving themselves on the biggest stage of their careers so far.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore fan, here are three Masters rookies to watch when the tournament begins on June 22.

XLG Rarga

Not many casual fans will be familiar with Arthur "Rarga" Churyumov, the rising star duelist from China’s XLG Esports. Rarga has already made waves in Stage 1 with a global-high 256 kills during Stage One groups—a staggering feat considering he hadn’t yet competed at the tier-one international level. In China, Rarga led all players with a 260 average combat score and averaged 20.2 kills per map, proving himself as a consistent force in every match he played.

Skeptics may argue that China’s overall competition level doesn’t match up to the likes of EMEA or the Americas, but Rarga’s individual mechanics and decision-making stand out regardless of opponent. His aim is sharp, his positioning is calculated, and he shows a level of composure that’s rare for someone who hasn’t touched tier-one competition until this year.

The big question now is whether Rarga can replicate that dominance against more seasoned, structure-oriented teams from outside his region. If he adjusts quickly to the international pace and pressure, we could be witnessing the birth of yet another global VALORANT superstar.

RRQ Jemkin

Yet another Russian player taking over a foreign region, Maxim "Jemkin" Batorov has been the hard-hitting duelist for Rex Regum Qeon. The 21-year-old superstar has become a standout sensation in the Pacific region, leading RRQ to their first-ever regional title and their first appearance on the international stage.

Jemkin was statistically one of the most dominant players in the region during VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1. He led Pacific in average damage per round (161.3 ADR), ACS, and had the highest number of first bloods (137) of any player in the world. On top of that, his 38% headshot rate makes him one of the most lethal entry fraggers in the tournament.

While RRQ’s run was a true team effort, there’s little doubt that Jemkin was the engine behind their success. His ability to crack open sites, create space for his teammates, and collect multikills makes him a threat in any matchup. In fact, many fans and analysts are calling his Stage 1 performance one of the most impressive carry jobs in VCT history.

If he maintains this level at Masters Toronto, RRQ could easily be considered a title contender—and Jemkin could become a household name worldwide.

FNC Kaajak

In the ever-competitive landscape of EMEA VALORANT, it takes something special to stand out—and Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski has done just that. The 20-year-old Polish phenom joined Fnatic at a transitional moment, stepping into a starting role following the departure of Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev. What followed was one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in recent memory.

Kaajak rose to the occasion during Fnatic’s run through VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Stage 1, culminating in a dominant season performance and a takeover of the EMEA Grand Finals against Team Heretics. In just three maps, he dropped a jaw-dropping 73 kills, dominating duels with ease. He finished the stage with a 249 ACS, 19.7 kills per map, and a 1.37 KD, all of which led the league. Whether he was holding down a site or swinging for destructive multi-kills in chaotic rounds, Kaajak showcased incredible discipline and sharp mechanics beyond his years.

What makes Kaajak stand out isn’t just his stats—it’s his trajectory. Early in the season, he was viewed as a developmental prospect, someone with potential but limited top-level experience. Now, just weeks later, he's entering Masters Toronto as Fnatic’s potential X-factor and a legitimate candidate for breakout player of the tournament.

Still, international competition presents a different challenge. The pressure, the crowd, and the stakes are all higher. But based on what we've seen so far, Kaajak looks ready to meet the moment head-on.

The Stage Is Set

With Masters Toronto rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on these rising stars. International events are where reputations are made and legends are born. For Rarga, Jemkin, and Kaajak, this isn’t just about representing their teams or regions—it’s about proving they belong on VALORANT’s biggest stage. Whether they shine under the spotlight or fall short under pressure, one thing is clear: these rookies are ready to put on a show.

Stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG for full coverage of VCT Masters Toronto 2025, including live match updates, interviews, and analysis as the action unfolds in Canada.