© 2026 Riot Games. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Riot Games. All Rights Reserved.
As the year comes to an end, we are excited to announce the inaugural winners of the 2023 VALORANT EMEA Awards. Aside from this year’s tournament winners, these awards are a celebration of the most outstanding content creators, cosplayers, watch parties and promising new players that truly made this VALORANT EMEA year unique.
Most of the awards were decided by a mixture of Rioter, talent and community voting and we’re grateful that so many of you were willing to get involved.
We look forward to seeing these individuals continue to flourish in the VALORANT community and build a legacy that will be remembered by our fans in EMEA and around the globe. Come join us in our celebration of the 2023 VALORANT EMEA Award Winners.
2023 VALORANT EMEA Awards: Winners
Game Changers Rising Stars & Graduates
Three of the most influential players in Game Changers this year, who have performed exceptionally well and shown that they are truly some of the best players in the ecosystem. We look forward to seeing where their professional careers take them next year!
These three players competed in the next layer of the ecosystem (Challengers) this year and have shown immense skill. We have been delighted to see them take that next step and hope to continue seeing more Game Changers competing in Challengers in the years to come.
"I am feeling honored to get this award and I am very thankful for all the support I got from everyone, especially from my family and friends," says Minh "Thu" Pham, Player for Unicorns of Love. "Without them I would have never ended up here, so I will continue giving my best and show everyone that no one should give up on something they love."
Challengers Rising Stars
This award highlights the top 3 players who competed in Challengers in 2023, who have shown their talent game in and game out. For this reason, it’s no wonder that our three winners have all found themselves in VCT EMEA next year.
TH Wo0t says: "I'm truly thankful for the award. It means a lot, and I appreciate the support from everyone who has been part of this journey. #vamosheretics"
TH benjyfishy says: "Thank you to anyone who voted for me, it's been a really great year for me and I never would have expected to be where I am so soon. I hope i can make those supporting me and heretics proud next year and prove to you how great we really are''
Ascension Tournament Winners
Gentle Mates won Ascension following an excellent lower bracket run in the playoffs of the tournament. The side overcame SAW and Acend before defeating Apeks 3-0 in the Grand Final to prove that they were worthy of the trophy and a spot in VCT EMEA next year.
Game Changers Tournament Winners
After losing the Grand Finals of Stage 1 to G2 Gozen, and placing 5th-6th in Stage 2, BBL Queens ensured their season would end in style in Stage 3. Defeating NASR Ignite and Team Falcons Vega to secure their spot in the Stage 3 Grand Final, BBL Queens then went on to defeat Acend Rising 3-1 to ensure they won this season of Game Changers EMEA!
VCT Tournament Winners
Placing 3rd in the regular season after going 6-3, with just Natus Vincere (7-2) and Fnatic (9-0) above them, Team Liquid went into the playoffs in good form. Their run to the Grand Final was no easy feat, defeating Team Vitality, Natus Vincere, and the previously undefeated Fnatic. They then were forced to take down Fnatic once again, winning the series 3-1 to lift the VCT EMEA trophy.
Best Community Watch Party
Occuring at Fnatic’s former HQ in the bustling east London district of Shoreditch, groups of fans from across the country and beyond gathered for a watch party to witness one of the year’s most nail biting Grand Finals of the year. 11-3 down and their backs against the wall on final map Icebox, Fnatic staged one of the most epic comebacks in VALORANT esports history to lift the LOCK//IN trophy.
Between the games fans enjoyed free pizza, the chance to win exclusive prizes via quiz questions, and a free trading card featuring a member of the iconic roster.
Fnatic LOCK//IN - Saturday 4th March 2023
Cosplayer, Entertainer & Breakthrough Creator of the Year
Grassroots Rising Stars
This final award recognises five of the most promising players who are showing immense potential in their gameplay. The sky is truly the limit for them, and we can’t wait to see what else they have in their shelves.
