Top performers of each region at Stage 1: Players to watch at Masters Toronto

As the curtains fall on Stage 1 of the VCT Regional Leagues and the dust settles from intense playoff battles, all eyes now turn to VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025. With three teams from each major region earning their place in the Canadian spotlight, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which stars will shine on the international stage.

These are the top the top performers from each region who have not only led their teams through regional dominance but are also poised to make a major impact at Masters.

Americas: zekken

Sentinels’ resurgence in the VCT Americas scene has many factors, but few have been as crucial as the impact of Zachary "zekken" Patrone. Since joining the team, zekken has transformed into the go-to entry fragger and high-impact duelist that few can contain. Whether it’s creating space, clutching critical rounds, or consistently putting up high kill numbers, zekken has become one of the most feared players in the region.

While he may not top the MVP charts when compared to big names like Nathan "leaf" Orf or Erick "aspas" Santos, zekken’s performances in the playoffs - particularly outfragging both of them in the Upper Final and Grand Final - speak volumes. His ability to show up when it matters most makes him a major threat heading into Masters Toronto, where his aggressive style could be the x-factor against international opponents.

China: whzy

Bilibili Gaming’s climb to the top of VCT China has been built on consistency and firepower, and no player embodies that more than Wang "whzy" Haozhe. A carry force for BLG since Champions 2023, whzy has stayed under the radar internationally, in part due to China’s relative underrepresentation at global events. But that perception may soon change.

Putting up staggering kill totals - like 50+ kills in a Bo3 and 92 in a Bo5 - whzy is proving that he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. His mechanical skill, game sense, and calm under pressure make him a potent weapon for BLG, especially now that EDward Gaming is no longer in the mix. With China eager to reclaim a top spot in international VALORANT, whzy is the name fans and teams alike need to remember.

EMEA: kaajak

Replacing a player like Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev was never going to be easy, but Fnatic found lightning in a bottle with the signing of Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski. The Polish duelist had big shoes to fill, but he’s done more than just step into the role - he’s made it his own. After a rocky start at Kickoff, Fnatic stormed back in Stage 1, claiming yet another EMEA title with kaajak leading the charge.

Against top teams like Team Heretics in the playoffs, kaajak was consistently the most impactful player on the server. His mechanical excellence, fearless entries, and highlight-worthy plays have made him the new face of Fnatic’s aggressive style. Heading into Toronto, kaajak’s form and confidence will be vital to Fnatic’s hopes of finally claiming another Masters title.

Pacific: Jemkin

Rex Regum Qeon’s dream run in the VCT Pacific playoffs was one of the most exciting stories of the stage, and much of that success can be credited to the explosive performances of Maxim "Jemkin" Batorov. A duelist with unshakable confidence, Jemkin was the driving force behind RRQ’s deep playoff run, even against Pacific's giants like Gen.G Esports and Paper Rex.

With four MVPs to his name during the Pacific stage, Jemkin’s numbers speak for themselves. But his impact goes beyond statistics. His presence on the map constantly tilted the balance in RRQ’s favor. Whether it was opening up rounds with first bloods or holding his ground in clutch situations, Jemkin proved to be the cornerstone of RRQ’s tactical execution. Now, with an international audience watching, it’s his chance to shine on the biggest stage yet.

From Americas to EMEA, Pacific to China, each region brings not just strong teams to Masters Toronto, but also standout individuals who have carried their squads through the fire of regional competition.

As the first Masters of the year kicks off, keep your eyes on these names, as they might just shape the course of VALORANT’s international story in 2025.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games