We’re down to six teams at VCT Masters Toronto, but it’s the chaos outside the server that’s lighting up the conversation. From Sentinels vs Paper Rex trash talk to G2 locking their spot at Champions, and the format drama surrounding first seeds, this tournament has delivered drama at every angle.

Here’s everything you need to know as the race for the Masters title enters its final act.

G2 Eliminate XLG and Secure Champions Qualification

G2 did what was expected and sent XLG home with a clean 2-0, dominating on Icebox and closing it out on Haven. But this win meant more than just advancing in the bracket—G2 are now officially qualified for Champions.

That’s huge, especially because G2 are not a partnered team. They’ve been living on the edge of relegation, and thanks to recent VCT rule updates, making Champions locks in their place in the league for another season. Without it, they were headed back to Ascension—despite being one of NA’s top-performing squads.

It’s a huge win for G2’s org and fans. Unless 2GAME Esports pulls off the most miraculous run in Valorant history (0.01% chance), G2 are safe for 2025.

Fnatic Bounce Back Against RRQ

Fnatic crushed RRQ 2-1 in their lower bracket match, with dominant wins on Lotus and Ascent. Alpha had a standout performance on Chamber, and the entire squad looked far more comfortable.

RRQ, one of the surprise #1 seeds from the Pacific, are now eliminated. The Tahyo meta that carried them through regionals didn’t translate at Masters—and superstar Jinxim struggled to match expectations.

Fnatic now move on to face the loser of Sentinels vs Paper Rex, with another top-tier lower bracket match on the horizon.

FNS Calls Out Sentinels—Zellsis Fires Back

Let’s talk drama. FNS threw shade at Sentinels, saying their wins over Chinese teams don’t mean much, and doubted they could beat Paper Rex.

Zellsis responded in Classic fashion:

“After I win this event, I’ll have more Masters titles than you.”

FNS wasn’t having it:

“You’ve just been farming underperforming Chinese teams. Zein’s carrying you. If he drops off, you’re cooked.”

🔥The spice is real—and it only adds fuel to the Sentinels vs Paper Rex showdown coming up. This could be the most emotional and high-stakes match of the tournament.

First Seed Curse Continues

Every single #1 seed—G2, Fnatic, Sentinels, RRQ, XLG—has already lost a match. Some are eliminated. The so-called first seed advantage is looking more like a curse.

Multiple coaches and players (including Zikz, JoshRT, and ShahZaM) have voiced frustration with Riot’s format. While first seeds get a bye to playoffs, they also enter cold—without LAN warm-up or bracket momentum.

JoshRT said it best:

“Tournament momentum is real. I’d rather play groups than go cold into playoffs.”

Time to Rethink the Format?

The current 12-team format—4 seeds into playoffs, 8 through Swiss—is under fire. Solutions floated include:

  • Making Masters a 16-team event (cleaner brackets, more gameplay)
  • Reworking group stages so first seeds still play at least once before playoffs
  • Adopting a Swiss stage for all 12 teams to eliminate cold starts

Right now, the format favors preparation over experience—but pros agree: experience wins matches.

The bracket is tightening. Emotions are peaking. And the final stretch of Masters Toronto is shaping up to be unforgettable.

For all your Valorant playoff coverage, stay locked to AllValorant.gg
Source: VALORANT News – TacticalRab

Frequently Asked Questions about Masters Toronto Final Six

Who has qualified for Champions so far?

G2 has now officially qualified for Champions 2024 after their win over XLG. Other top teams are close, depending on playoff results.

Why is the first seed advantage being criticized?

Every first seed has lost at least one match. Pros argue that skipping the Swiss Stage puts them at a disadvantage due to lack of match reps and stage time.

What’s the current tournament format?

12 teams enter: 4 top seeds skip to playoffs, 8 play in Swiss. Critics say this format gives cold starts to the best teams, leading to early exits.

Is G2 a partnered Valorant team?

No. G2 is not a partnered team and would have been sent back to Ascension without this Champions qualification.

What’s the beef between FNS and Zellsis?

FNS claims Sentinels haven’t played real competition yet and won’t survive vs PRX. Zellsis clapped back, saying he’ll have more Masters titles after this event.

Who are the next matches to watch?

Sentinels vs Paper Rex is the must-watch match of the bracket. Gen.G vs Wolves is also going down as the upper bracket heats up.