The 2024 Valorant esports season kicked off with a bang as each international league completed a kickoff tournament to determine the representatives for the first Masters tournament in Madrid. With two more major tournaments left to complete, here are the standout players in professional Valorant thus far this year.
The 2023 Valorant esports season concluded with Evil Geniuses raising the Valorant Champions trophy, following Fnatic’s claim to the two international titles preceding them. However, 2024 heralds a new year with fresh metas, weaponry, and agents. The slate is now clean regarding who reigns as the top professional Valorant players, and Dexerto is diligently updating a list of the top five pros globally.
This list primarily ranks players based on their international tournament performances, statistics, placements, and domestic dominance. While some of the world’s best players might miss a tournament or two, the crème de la crème of professional Valorant should be able to grace a Masters LAN and earn their place on this list.
BEST VALORANT PLAYERS OF 2024 SO FAR
No. 5: Felipe “Less” Basso
Less has frequented multiple international events with LOUD. Despite LOUD missing out on the top three spots at the VCT Masters Madrid, this veteran of the international stage showcased another solid performance. Less, primarily playing smoke and Sentinel roles, ranked in the top five for Kill/Death ratio, Kill/Assist/Survive/Trade Percentage, and VLR Rating, further highlighting his exceptional skills.
No. 4: Jason ‘f0rsakeN’ Susanto
F0rsakeN, a seasoned contender in international competitions, continues to be a linchpin in Paper Rex’s roster. With versatility across various agents and roles, he maintains a high level of play and is known for his adaptability. Despite statistically excelling primarily in Assists Per Round, his impact during matches and for his team remains unparalleled.
Podium
No. 3: Kim ‘Meteor’ Tae-o
Meteor’s flexibility has been instrumental for Gen.G, propelling them to their first international Grand Finals appearance at their debut VCT Masters. His prowess on Duelists and Sentinels, combined with his partnership with teammate Kim ‘t3xture’ Na-ra, proved formidable. Meteor’s top 10 finishes in Average Combat Score, K/D, and Average Damage Per Round further underscore his significance.
No. 2: Tyson ‘TenZ’ Ngo
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, TenZ showcased his prowess at Madrid, particularly with his Omen and KAY/0 plays. Operating in a supportive role for Sentinels, he consistently turns the tide of matches with his remarkable ability to win crucial fights. TenZ’s tournament-leading average assists per round solidify his status as a top-tier player.
No. 1: Zachary ‘zekken’ Patrone
Zekken’s standout performance at Masters Madrid earned him the top spot. Often the pivotal player for Sentinels, he clinched numerous rounds for his team with crucial picks and strategic movements. Leading the tournament in crucial statistics like ACS, ADR, Average Kills Per Round, and First Kill Per Round, zekken’s dominance internationally in 2024 secures his position as the world’s best player thus far.
