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    4. Rookies and veterans collide: The oldest and youngest teams at Masters Toronto

    Rookies and veterans collide: The oldest and youngest teams at Masters Toronto

    Written By Tyler Esguerra Freelance Writer
    Last UpdatedJune 4, 2025 at 11:39AM
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    VALORANT fans, the VCT has officially arrived in Canada. For the first time ever, the international spotlight is on the Great White North as Toronto plays host to one of the most anticipated events of the 2025 competitive season: VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025.

    With the best teams from around the world converging on Canadian soil, Masters Toronto promises fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and high-stakes drama as rosters battle for a coveted international title. But beyond the tactical depth and mechanical skill lies another fascinating storyline heading into this tournament—the age gap between teams and what it could mean for performance on stage.

    Across the board, Masters Toronto features a wide spread in average team ages. Some teams are built on youthful promise and raw aggression. Others lean on veteran leadership and tried-and-true experience. This disparity brings an extra layer of intrigue to an already stacked event—and raises a compelling question: will experience win out under pressure?

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    Whzy screams after a big win on stage. Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

    Youthful Energy: Bilibili Gaming Bring the Heat

    Among all the competing teams, Bilibili Gaming comes into Masters Toronto as the youngest roster at the tournament, with an average age of 21 years and 17 days. While this may paint them as underdogs in the eyes of many analysts, it also means this team has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

    The roster is spearheaded by Wang "whzy" Haozhe, one of the hottest players coming out of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - China Stage 1. Not only did he post the highest Average Combat Score in the region, but he also topped the leaderboard in total kills while maintaining an impressive 1.7 KDA. With an average of 19.2 kills per game, he was just behind Chinese heavyweights Zheng "ZmjjKK" Yongkang and Arthur "Rarga" Churyumov—a clear indicator of his potential impact on the international stage.

    Now, some critics may downplay his stats, pointing to the notion that China is still considered a developing region compared to powerhouses like Americas or EMEA. But that shouldn’t take away from what he’s shown so far—his mechanics, confidence, and consistency are undeniable, and Masters Toronto is the perfect proving ground for him to silence any remaining doubt.

    The team’s youngest members, Wang "rushia" Xiaojie and Lu "Levius" Yinzhong, may lack international experience, but they bring the kind of fiery energy typical of players attending their first global event. Their unproven status may work in their favor, giving them a fearless edge against more seasoned opponents.

    At the center of it all is Marcus "nephh" Tan, the oldest and most experienced player on the roster. As Bilibili’s in-game leader, Nephh’s guidance will be essential. His leadership and poise could be the stabilizing factor that allows this explosive, young team to break through the Swiss stage and surprise the world.

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    Boaster poses for a picture on stage. Photo by Liu YiCun/Riot Games

    Fnatic: Wisdom, Depth, and a Legacy to Defend

    On the opposite end of the spectrum is Fnatic, the oldest team attending Masters Toronto with an average age of 24 years and 83 days. But don’t let that stat fool you—this team is anything but outdated.

    Fnatic boasts a roster that blends veteran leadership with emerging firepower, starting with their iconic in-game leader, Jake "Boaster" Howlett. At 30 years old, Boaster is the oldest player at the tournament, but his impact extends well beyond age. As one of the most respected in-game leaders in the world, his understanding of macro play, his mental fortitude, and his ability to adapt mid-match make him an invaluable asset to the team. Plus, let’s not forget—his pre-game dance moves are legendary.

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    Image via THESPIKE.GG

    On the younger end of the spectrum, Fnatic fields Emir "Alfajer" Ali Beder, a 19-year-old prodigy whose ice-cold composure in high-pressure situations has helped elevate Fnatic in recent months. His clutch performances in the Stage 1 playoffs—especially against Team Liquid—was instrumental in securing their ticket to Masters Toronto. He’s not just a rising star anymore; he’s one of the most feared opponents in the server.

    Then there’s Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski, the team’s newest addition and potential X-factor. At just 20 years old, he’s already shown flashes of brilliance on the big stage. His bold, confident playstyle fits seamlessly into Fnatic’s identity, and if he finds his rhythm in Toronto, he could be the difference-maker in Fnatic’s campaign.

    With this mix of old and new, Fnatic’s depth of experience could prove pivotal—especially in tense elimination scenarios where composure can mean everything.

    Average Team Ages at Masters Toronto

    The wide range in average team ages sets the stage for a fascinating contrast in styles and narratives. Here’s a full breakdown of each team’s average age heading into the tournament: Team

    • Bilibili Gaming: 21 years, 17 days
    • MIBR: 21 years, 53 days
    • Wolves Esports: 21 years, 206 days
    • Team Heretics: 21 years, 209 days
    • Team Liquid: 22 years, 128 days
    • XLG Esports: 23 years, 15 days
    • G2 Esports: 23 years, 43 days
    • Paper Rex: 23 years, 112 days
    • Gen.G Esports: 23 years, 138 days
    • Rex Regum Qeon: 23 years, 166 days
    • Sentinels: 23 years, 216 days
    • Fnatic: 24 years, 83 days

    This age spread highlights just how varied the competition is at Masters Toronto. From rookies still getting their footing on the global stage to veterans chasing yet another trophy, every player has a reason to give it their all.

    Final Thoughts: Age vs. Experience—Who Has the Edge?

    As the matches begin, the age debate becomes more than just trivia—it becomes a storyline that could influence outcomes. Will the youthful spark and fearless energy of teams like Bilibili Gaming be enough to shake the stage and defy the odds? Or will the battle-hardened experience and unshakable discipline of veteran squads like Fnatic rise to the occasion when everything is on the line?

    Ultimately, Masters Toronto is shaping up to be a generational clash—and that’s what makes this event so compelling. Every player, regardless of age, will step on stage with the same goal: to win, to dominate, and to make their mark in VALORANT history.

    For more coverage, breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insight into VALORANT Masters Toronto, stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG.

    Tyler Esguerra

    With a bachelor's in Digital Communication, Tyler Esguerra began his journey in the esports journalism scene by combining his passion for writing and content creation with his love for competitive gaming. Starting off in 2018 as a freelance writer for Enthusiast Gaming, Tyler worked his way to a position with Dot Esports as a League of Legends writer. Over the next six years, Tyler earned the Lead LoL writing position, and helped build a formidable coverage team that included some of the most in-depth looks into the LoL and VALORANT space, both from the game side and the esports scene.

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