First Strike is RIOT’s first-ever large-scale official tournament. Split into different regions; the First Strike event will set the standard for upcoming VALORANT tournaments.
The European eSports scene is super congested & diverse at the same time. The region is home to VALORANT powerhouses like G2 Esports & Team Liquid. First Strike Europe will bring out the absolute best from the participating teams like FunPlus Phoenix, Team Heretics & SUMN FC. In this fight of survival of the fittest, G2 Esports is currently miles ahead of other European teams by statistics. However, they have been heavily challenged by Team Liquid & FunPlus Phoenix several times.
First Strike EU Teams, Match Format & Maps
Like First Strike North America, the European region will also follow a BO3 format for Quarter and Semi-Finals. Only Grand-Final will feature a BO5 format match.
Participating Teams & Rosters:
- Team Liquid: ScreaM, ec1s, soulcas, Kryptix, L1NK.
- SUMN FC: Boaster, doma, Mistic, Moe40, tsack.
- G2 Esports: mixwell, paTiTek, pyth, ardiis, Davidp.
- Nolpenki: vakk, xajdish, cNed, JESMUND, zeek.
- Team Heretics: AvovA,loWel, pAura, nukkye, niesoW.
- FunPlus Phoenix: Zyppan,ANGE1, Shao, ShadoW, Meddo.
- Purple Cobras: Honeybee, fanCy, Hugstar, M4CHINA, VlaDéDé.
- OrglessV: Happy, pipson,Boo, delezyh, hoody.
Format:
- Quarter-Finals: Best of Three
- Semi-Finals: Best of Three
- Grand-Final: Best of Five
Map pool:
- Ascent
- Bind
- Split
- Haven
- Icebox
First Strike Stream Schedule for EU
VALORANT’S Official Twitch channel will stream these matches according to match schedule.
Match Schedule & Timings:
The three days long event will commence on 3rd December. After seven decisive matches, RIOT will crown one champion for the European region.
- Quarter-Finals: December 3 & 4
- Semi-Finals: December 5
- Grand-Final: December 6
Quarter-Finals Match Schedule:
| Match 1 | Team Liquid 1 – 2 Team Heretics | December 3 | GMT 3:30PM | EST 10:30AM |
| Match 2 | G2 Esports 2 – 0 OrglessV | December 3 | GMT 6PM | EST 1PM |
| Match 3 | Purple Cobras 0 – 2 SUMN FC | December 4 | GMT 3:30PM | EST 10:30AM |
| Match 4 | FunPlus Phoenix 2 – 0 Nolpenki | December 4 | GMT 6PM | EST 1PM |
Semi-Finals Match Schedule:
| Match 5 | Team Heretics 2 -1 G2 Esports | December 5 | GMT 3:30PM | EST 10:30AM |
| Match 6 | SUMN FC 2 – 1 FunPlus Phoenix | December 5 | GMT 6PM | EST 1PM |
Grand-Final Match Schedule:
| Match 7 | Team Heretics Vs. SUMN FC | December 6 | GMT 3:30PM | EST 10:30AM |
So far, G2 Esports won six consecutive tournaments in Europe. Meanwhile, Team Liquid & FPX are also strong contenders for the Best of Europe title. Since its formation in August, Team Liquid has improved a lot. With the former Counter-Strike professional Scream on the roster, Team Liquid’s chance at winning the tournament should not be undermined. On any given day, SUMN FC & Orgless can pose serious threats to any team that shows a slight amount of ignorance. It’s tough to assume who will come out victorious in this European showdown.
Read More: RIOT is reportedly bringing some changes to Sage’s abilities
European teams had to go through a precarious elimination process to reach the Final event of First Strike. After 3 days of battle, Europe will crown its VALORANT champion. The long-lasting debate of “Best in the West” will conclude with the completion of First Strike.
