Esports
Oct 14, 2024

VALORANT Rostermania 2024: A Year of Unprecedented Changes

The valorant roster championships is upon us.

Introduction

VALORANT’s Rostermania 2024 has been an explosive offseason for the competitive scene, seeing monumental roster shake-ups, retirements, and new faces taking center stage across regions. This chaotic period marks a critical time for teams looking to gear up for the VCT 2025 (VALORANT Champions Tour), and here’s a breakdown of the major changes shaping the landscape of the game.

Video Source: YouTube.com/VALORANTChampionsTour

North America: Sentinels, Cloud9, and 100 Thieves Making Big Moves

The North American scene has always been a hotbed of competitive VALORANT, and Rostermania 2024 has proved to be no different. Sentinels, a team that has consistently drawn fanfare, made significant changes by adding N4RRATE and bang to their roster. These new signings aim to fill the gaps after a somewhat disappointing season in 2024. As Sentinels reshuffle, many are eager to see how these new players synergize with the team's veterans like TenZ​

Cloud9 also captured attention by signing v1c, a player fresh off winning the Red Bull Home Ground NA Qualifier. Their roster has been evolving to stay competitive as the team eyes VCT 2025 with heightened expectations. Meanwhile, 100 Thieves also made waves by signing Boostio from Evil Geniuses to lead as their in-game leader (IGL), alongside Derrek, who was retained for his solid performance​

Multiple teams will be making big moves at this event.

EMEA: Fnatic and Team Liquid Retain Core Strengths

In the European, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, some of the biggest names in VALORANT have been busy securing talent. Fnatic, one of the top teams globally, retained its star core, including Boaster, Derke, and Leo. While there were no drastic changes to their roster, stability may serve as their greatest asset going into the next season​

On the other hand, Team Liquid made noteworthy additions to their roster. They brought in Enzo, Jamppi, and Keiko, hoping to build a solid foundation for the 2025 season. This comes after a turbulent 2024 season, where Liquid struggled to maintain consistency on the global stage. With these new players, Liquid aims to regain its position among Europe’s top teams​

Roster changes to both Fnatic and Team Liquid are in place.

Pacific Region: DRX and Gen.G Opt for Bold Restructuring

The Pacific region has been a source of intrigue during the 2024 Rostermania, especially with Korean giant DRX making major roster moves. They benched key players Rb and Zest, which shocked many fans, as both had played pivotal roles in the team's success. These players are now restricted free agents, leaving their future in competitive VALORANT uncertain. Flashback from DRX’s prospects team was promoted to the main roster, signaling a new direction for the organization​

Meanwhile, Gen.G strengthened their roster by signing Karon and other notable players. They are aiming for a stronger showing in the upcoming VCT Pacific season. The Pacific region's rising talent pool, bolstered by these moves, makes it one to watch in 2025​

video Source: YouTube.com/DailyValorant

Latin America: Leviatán’s Revival

Leviatán, one of the premier teams from Latin America, is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2024 season. The team signed C0M, a former Evil Geniuses star, in an attempt to revitalize their gameplay and make a significant run in the 2025 VCT season. The addition of C0M is expected to bring firepower and leadership to the squad, following the departure of Nozwer​

After a difficult season Leviatán’s are back at it revitalizing their gameplay strategies once more.

Free Agency: Top Players in Limbo

One of the most exciting parts of Rostermania is watching high-profile free agents weigh their options. Players like Victor, Crashies, and ScreaM are currently free agents, with their contracts ending in late 2024. These players have been linked to multiple teams, but no official signings have been confirmed. Their next moves will undoubtedly shape the competitive scene, as many teams are vying for their talents​

Free agents are professional players that wait and watch their teams participate, this is to allow contracts for team players to be signed.

Coaching Staff Shakeups

It's not just players that are on the move during Rostermania. Coaching staff changes have also been abundant, with teams opting for new leadership to complement their roster overhauls. For instance, Fnatic brought back mini as an assistant coach, a strategic move that could help them maintain their dominance in EMEA. NRG, meanwhile, hired bonkar as their new head coach alongside player additions mada and Verno​

Coaching changes have also been made, with teams requesting new leadership to complement their roster changes.

Looking Ahead to VCT 2025

With the bulk of Rostermania 2024 complete, the focus now shifts to how these revamped teams will perform in the VCT 2025. As teams finalize their rosters and begin training, fans eagerly await the season opener. The influx of fresh talent, experienced veterans, and coaching staff shakeups all point to an exciting and unpredictable year for competitive VALORANT. The stakes are higher than ever, with each team aiming for the coveted spot at VALORANT Champions 2025, where the world’s best will clash​

Video Source: YouTube.com/VALORANTChampionsTour

Conclusion

Rostermania 2024 has lived up to the hype, with major roster changes across all regions and a few surprises along the way. As we look forward to the 2025 VCT season, the competitive VALORANT landscape has been reshaped in ways that promise thrilling matchups and a level of unpredictability that fans crave.