Two of VALORANT Champions Tour‘s biggest stages, North America and EMEA, are coming to an end. After this week’s VCT 2022 playoffs competition, the teams advancing to Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen and the champions of the regions will be crowned. Here are the first day’s series and predictions:

Guild Esports vs Fnatic

Predictions: Total maps over 2.5

Odds: 1.98

Betting Site: Odds provided by GG.Bet

When: June 24, 2022 – 16:00 CEST

The match everyone has been waiting for on the EMEA stage has finally arrived. The top two teams of the season, Guild Esports and Fnatic, will square off in the VCT 2022 EMEA Stage 2 Playoff Upper-Final. Both teams have qualified for the upcoming Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen. However, they will fight for the crucial first seed.

As a VALORANT fan, I am sure we can expect a great series. Both teams have played near-perfect games during the season. In addition, all players are close to their peak form. In a series where it is very hard to predict the winner, it is very likely that we will see the third map.

FunPlus Phoenix vs M3 Champions

Predictions: FunPlus Phoenix to win

VALORANT Odds: 1.61

Betting Site: Odds provided by GG.Bet

When: June 24, 2022 – 19:00 CEST

Although they didn’t exactly perform convincingly in the group stage, M3 Champions increased their momentum in the playoffs and made it all the way to Lower-Round 3. Now they will take on FunPlus Phoenix, the best team from Stage 1, who failed to carry their success into Stage 2.

Contrary to expectations, M3 Champions struggled in the group matches. With only two wins, the Russian representative made it to the playoffs at the last moment. On the other hand, although not as good as last season, FunPlus Phoenix were able to hold off some tough opponents. 

It is a fact that M3 Champions improved their performance in the playoffs. However, FunPlus Phoenix seem to be one step ahead in this series. 

XSET vs OpTic Gaming

Predictions: OpTic Gaming to win

Odds: 1.35

VALORANT Betting Site: Odds provided by GG.Bet

When: June 24, 2022 – 22:00 CEST

It’s the same story on the North American scene. The two best teams of the group stage will face each other in the Upper-Final. Group A leader XSET and Group B winner OpTic Gaming will battle for NA’s first seed.

OpTic Gaming, the Stage 1 Masters champion, have continued their success in this season, albeit on a difficult schedule. The team adapted well to the meta and hasn’t lost many matches since.

XSET, on the other hand, managed to find the successful season they have been chasing for a long time in this Stage. They have been narrowly missing out on first place for a very long time. Now their patience has paid off by qualifying for Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen. This is not enough for them and they are aiming higher.

I have no doubt that both teams will give us a super series. However, OpTic Gaming are one step closer to the win thanks to their experience.

NRG Esports vs FaZe Clan

VALORANT Predictions: FaZe Clan to win

Odds: 1.3

Betting Site: Odds provided by GG.Bet

When: June 25, 2022 – 03:00 CEST

The last North American ticket for Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen is up for grabs. And these two teams will be in a do-or-die battle to qualify for the second international tournament of the year. 

Despite not having a great group stage, NRG Esports exceeded expectations, defeating Ghost Gaming and Evil Geniuses in the first two rounds of the playoffs. FaZe Clan, on the other hand, started the playoffs with a last-gasp loss to 100 Thieves. The team did not let this result affect their morale, eliminating Luminosity and 100 Thieves in the lower-bracket.

Although NRG Esports played above their expected form, FaZe Clan are closer to winning the last ticket.