Following Demon1's dominant?MVP win at VCT 2023, the offseason saw a frenzy of player transfers. Following the February 2024 VCT Kickoffs, fans are buzzing about the year's best Valorant stars. We'll dive into the top 10 contenders, considering both in-game performance and fan popularity.

Best Valorant Players?

While the Valorant Champions Tour 2024: Masters Madrid is in full swing with teams and players showcasing their best, let's take a look back at this analysis of the top 10 Valorant players of 2023, considering both in-game prowess and fan appeal.?

Individual Player Breakdown

This list breaks down the top 2023 players based on their stats. We'll look at the K/D ratio, Average Combat Score, and other key metrics to see what makes them so good. We'll also explore the skills and strategies that set these players apart at the highest level of Valorant.

Demon1 (Max Mazanov) - VCT 2023 MVP

image credit: liquipedia

Demon1's bold Jett plays were key to Evil Geniuses' wins. He constantly made lifesaver plays and led the charge when attacking sites. This was a big improvement from his performance earlier in the year at VCT Masters Tokyo. ?

Statistics:

• K/D Ratio:?1.37?
• Average Combat Score:?246?
• Average Kills Per Map:?19.9?
• Maps Played:?20

Game Highlights:

• Broke his record for most kills in a best-of-three series (101 kills) at Valorant Champions 2023
• Consistently high headshot rate (reported at 40% during Champions)

Ethan (Ethan Arnold) - Top Earner

image credit: liquipedia

Ethan's smart use of Viper was a game-changer for Cloud9. He controlled key areas, did consistent damage, and helped his team out in many ways, not just by getting kills. His high KAST score shows this. Even though he wasn't the one getting the most kills, he was super important to their wins!

Statistics:

• K/D Ratio:?1.07
• Average Combat Score:?205.7?
• Average Damage Per Round:?131.9?
• Kill-Assist-Trade-Survive (KAST) Percentage:?76.6%
• Maps Played:?5353?

Game Highlights:

• VCT North America Stage 2 Challengers:?Played a pivotal role in Cloud9's dominant run, averaging over 140 damage per round.
• VCT Masters Reykjavík:?Showcased exceptional strategic use of Viper smokes and utility, helping Cloud9 reach the semifinals.
• Valorant Champions 2023:?Maintained consistent performance throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to Cloud9's strong showing.

According to recent reports, Ethan is the top-earning Valorant player overall, surpassing the $288,000 mark in prize money throughout his competitive career.

Leo (Leo Jannesson)

image credit: liquipedia

Leo's switch to a support role in 2023 was a big win for Fnatic! His Sova skills helped his team by finding enemies and stopping their attacks. Stats like kills don't show everything, but Leo's map control and info gathering were key to Fnatic's wins.?

Statistics:

• Rating:?1.24?
• Average Combat Score (ACS):?232.4?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?150.0?
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?81.5%?
• First Blood Success Rate:?63%?
• Headshot Percentage:?22.1%?

Game Highlights:

• VCT Lock In / S?o Paulo:?Played a crucial role in Fnatic's victory, earning the THESPIKE.GG MVP trophy. His Sova recon arrows and crucial stuns were instrumental in their success.
• VCT Stage 3 EMEA:?Maintained a high level of performance throughout the stage, helping Fnatic secure a strong position.
• Valorant Champions 2023: Showcased his strategic use of Sova's utility.

F0rsakeN (Jason Susanto)

image credit: liquipedia

F0rsakeN's proactive Phoenix plays and heroic moments were key to Paper Rex's VCT 2023 wins. Great stats show he's a top Duelist, but his true strength is flexibility with other Agent

Statistics:

• Rating:?1.24?
• Average Combat Score (ACS): 255.3?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?161.7?
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?74.6%?
• First Blood Success Rate:?56%
• Headshot Percentage:?26.4%?

Game Highlights:

• VCT Pacific Stage 2 Challengers: Led Paper Rex to a dominant run, highlighting his aggressive playstyle with Phoenix.
• Valorant Champions 2023:?Showed exceptional versatility, performing well with Omen on Haven and continuing to be a menace with Phoenix on Bind.

Aspas (Erick Santos) - Most Popular Player in VCT 2024

image credit: liquipedia

As an aggressive Jett player, Aspas terrified opponents in VCT 2023. His crucial first kills and map control made him a top Duelist. He dominated on both LOUD and Leviatán, proving his skill.

aspas is currently the most popular player in the recent VCT 2024: Kickoffs with his name mentioned over 11,300 times on official broadcast Twitch chats. His presence undeniably boosted Brazilian-Portuguese viewership for his team, highlighting his immense popularity.

Statistics:

• Rating:?1.25?
• Average Combat Score (ACS):?254.7
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?162.9?
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?0.90?
• First Blood Success Rate: 61%
• Headshot Percentage: 26.2%?

Game Highlights:

• VCT Champions 2022:?Led LOUD to victory, highlighting his exceptional Jett play on Breeze.
• VCT 2023:?Continued his dominant performance as Leviatán's star Duelist.

Boaster (Jake Howlett)

image credit: liquipedia

Boaster's positive energy and loud voice are a staple for Fnatic. But lately, his stats show he's not getting first kills as often. This might mean his role on the team is changing. If Boaster plays differently, it could affect him and how Fnatic works as a team. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out!

Statistics (Past 3 Months):

• Rating:?0.96
• Average Combat Score (ACS): 186.7?
• Kill/Death Ratio (K/D):?0.97?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?119.8?
• Kill Participation Rate (KPR):?0.64?
• Assists Per Round (APR):?0.38?
• Deaths Per Round (DPR):?0.65?
• Headshot Percentage:?20.7%?
• Maps Played:?358?
• Rounds Played:?7513?
• First Blood Success Rate (FBSR):?46%

ZmjjKK (Zheng Yongkang)

image credit: liquipedia

Known for his ruthless Phoenix play, ZmjjKK was ranked the 15th-best Asian player in 2022 by VALO2ASIA. He's a constant threat, often getting the first kill (60% of the time!), which throws off the other team and lets his teammates attack. He does this consistently, making him a valuable asset.

Statistics (VCT 2023):

• Rating:?1.29?
• Average Combat Score (ACS):?273.7?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?166.7
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?73.6%?
• Headshot Percentage:?20.5%?

Alfajer (Emir Ali Beder)

image credit: liquipedia

Despite being the youngest player at Champions 2022, Alfajer is already a star. He earned MVP honors in the VCT 2023: EMEA League, proving his skill. Known for exceptional plays and amazing aim, Alfajer can shut down enemies and turn the game around for Fnatic.

Statistics:

• Rating:?1.19
• Average Combat Score (ACS):?244.9?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?160.9
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?77.2%
• First Blood Success Rate:?57%
• Headshot Percentage:?29.7%?

Game Highlights

• MVP?and?Sentinel awards at the S-Tier VCT 2023: EMEA League (May 2023)
• MVP at the B-Tier VRL 2022 Turkey: Birlik Stage 1 Playoffs (March 2022)

Derke (Nikita Sirmitev)

image credit: liquipedia

This former Counter-Strike pro brings incredible mechanical skill to Fnatic. After a disappointing fourth-place finish at Valorant Champions 2023, Derke looks to redeem himself and climb the ranks.

Statistics:

• Rating:?1.24?
• Average Combat Score (ACS):?261.8?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR):?163.8?
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage:?73.5%?
• First Blood Success Rate:?58%
• Headshot Percentage:?26.6%?

Game Highlights:

• 2023:?Claimed the?Duelist?award at the prestigious S-Tier VCT 2023: EMEA League.
• 2021:?Secured a remarkable streak of Most Valuable Player (MVP) titles at the S-Tier VCT 2021: Stage 2 Masters - Reykjavík (Day 1, Day 5, and Day 6).
• 2021:?Further solidified his dominance with MVP wins at both the A-Tier VCT 2021: Europe Stage 2 Challengers 2 and the B-Tier VCT 2021: CIS Stage 1 Challengers 2 tournaments.?

MaKo (Kim Myeongkwan)?

image credit: liquipedia

MaKo is a star Duelist, especially with Jett, for DRX VS. He often gets the first kill (57% of the time!), messing up the enemy's plans and opening up areas for his teammates to attack. His high combat score and damage dealt each round show just how much he helps his team win.

Statistics (Recent Performance)

• Rating: 1.18?
• Average Combat Score (ACS): 225.5?
• Average Damage Per Round (ADR): 143.2?
• Kill-Assist-Survive-Trade (KAST) Percentage: 78.9%?
• Headshot Percentage: 25.5%?

Final Analysis of the Top Valorant Players

Best Valorant 1v1 Players

• Demon1 (Max Mazanov):?VCT 2023 MVP, known for aggressive Jett plays and clutch moments.
• aspas (Erick Santos):?Feared Duelist with a knack for opening kills and creating space (Jett).
• f0rsakeN (Jason Susanto):?Aggressive Phoenix player and a versatile threat adaptable with various Agents.
• ZmjjKK (Zheng Yongkang):?Exceptional first blood success rate (Phoenix) disrupts enemy plans.
• MaKo (Kim Myeongkwan): High-impact Duelist (Jett) with strong entry fragging and clutch plays.

Best Strategic Players

• Ethan (Ethan Arnold):?Cloud9's strategic Viper user, controlling key areas and inflicting damage (high KAST%).
• Leo (Leo Jannesson): Fnatic's support player with exceptional map control and intel gathering (Sova).

Best Supporting Players

• Boaster (Jake Howlett):?Fnatic's vocal presence with a possible shift in role (statistics suggest less focus on securing opening kills).
• Alfajer (Emir Ali Beder):?Youngest competitor at Champions 2022, known for clutch plays and exceptional aim (Sentinel).
• Derke (Nikita Sirmitev): Former CS:GO pro with incredible mechanics, aiming to redeem himself after a disappointing 2023 finish.

This list highlights the diverse skillsets and strategies that excite Valorant esports. With VCT 2024 underway, these players will continue to battle for dominance. Will your favorites top the list?