The final stages of the Up and Down playoffs for the French Valorant circuit took place last weekend. Among the four remaining teams, only the top two performers, F9 Hetic and 3D Max, secured their slots for VCL France 2024. While 3D Max already competed in the national league this year, F9 Hetic will be making their debut at this level of competition.
3D MAX MAINTAINS THEIR POSITION IN THE FRENCH LEAGUE The two splits of VCL France 2023 determined the teams participating in the playoffs and the two teams that would take part in the promotion-relegation tournament. Finishing ninth and tenth in the season, 3D Max and BLX UTD had no choice but to prove themselves to maintain their position in the league.
Unfortunately for Slurpy and his teammates, their journey in VCL France ends here for now as they were quickly eliminated from the Up and Down playoffs. On the other hand, 3D Max will have a chance to redeem themselves in 2024. However, qualifying for 2024 almost slipped through their fingers. After a hard-fought victory against team K10, Killu, Davip, Oorime, 1GGY, and brAAHH were defeated by F9 Hetic.
Their future in the league depended on the outcome of the third-place match where they faced the players of Klanik Esport. Determined to reach the next level, Sp1ke and his teammates made an impressive comeback in the lower bracket and were not willing to let their opponents take the victory. In fact, they even won the first map. While the former team performed admirably, they were ultimately defeated 3-1 after approximately three and a half hours of play. Special recognition goes to Davipd and Killu, who both finished the match with over 80 eliminations!
F9 HETIC, THE NEW CHALLENGERS TO WATCH The Up and Down tournament serves as an opportunity to recover from a mediocre season and break into the professional competitions. The two teams from VCL faced off against the top four teams from Open Tour France, including F9 Hetic. Despite other teams being considered favorites, it was F9 Hetic who surprised everyone by achieving a flawless performance in the tournament!
In the opening match, sabAAA, Yotaa, Marin, DGRj, and TheNightChe emerged victorious against Klanik Esport. This win was crucial for maintaining their position in the upper bracket and boosting their confidence since Klanik had been dominating F9 Hetic in their previous three matches. Marin and his teammates continued the tournament in excellent form. They went on to defeat BLX UTD and then comfortably overcame 3D Max to secure their spot in VCL France 2024. It was a sweet revenge for Yotaa, who was formerly a Valorians player and joined 3D Max for Split 1 this year.
With 3D Max and F9 Hetic, the total number of teams confirmed for VCL France 2024 has reached four, as Solary and Akroma have also secured their positions for the next season. Mandatory, Gentle Mates, Joblife, Wylde, Valiant, and Zerance are assured of returning to the competition next year and also have the opportunity to advance to the EMEA League. To do so, they will need to shine in the VCL playoffs and then put in extra effort to emerge victorious in the prestigious Ascension tournament.