After the group stage, only 8 teams remain in the tournament, continuing the fight for the title of 2023 World Champion and $1 million. In this piece, the editorial team of Bo3.gg, together with Vladyslav "arch" Svistov, analyzes and predicts the outcomes of the first encounters in the play-offs of Valorant Champions 2023.

Fnatic's strength lies in individually strong players + team decisions. DRX is known for their discipline and team play. LOUD, PRX, FUT, EDG all display individual gameplay and risky tactics.

For me, the tournament favorite is Fnatic, but I'm rooting for DRX.

 Vladyslav "arch" Svistov

Fnatic vs LOUD

Fnatic and LOUD are two strong teams on paper, but their tournament journeys differ significantly. While Fnatic advanced to the play-offs without losing a single map, LOUD secured the last slot in their group after a hard-fought battle against NAVI. The match promises to be interesting but unlikely to have any surprises.

Fnatic vs LOUD will be an exciting game. But since Fnatic is a top favorite of the tournament, I don't think there will be any upset. I predict a 2:1 victory for Fnatic.

Vladyslav "arch" Svistov

Paper Rex vs FUT Esports

The match between play-off outsiders FUT Esports and one of the tournament favorites - Paper Rex, in our editorial opinion, should have an evident outcome: a 2:0 win for Paper Rex. However, Vladyslav Svistov has a slightly different opinion.

PRX vs FUT will be a clash between two very aggressive teams, but I still believe PRX, being in high spirits, will take it 2:1.

Vladyslav "arch" Svistov

READ ALSO: "Dream Team" of the Group Stage at Valorant Champions 2023

DRX vs Bilibili Gaming

A very interesting and intriguing encounter. DRX is a strong team, seen as favorites for this match, but Bilibili Gaming demonstrated during the group stage that facing favorites isn't a problem for them, having twice defeated NRG with a 2:0 map score. Both teams are in peak form and haven't faced each other before, making this match one of the most unpredictable in the initial play-off stage.

Regarding DRX vs BLG, I'm a DRX fanboy, and they've regained form, emerging from the "group of death" showcasing a consistent and almost always disciplined game. I believe they can handle the Chinese team, but the latter surprised me when they defeated NRG twice. DRX, individually, isn't inferior and plays much better as a team, so I predict a 2:0 win for DRX.

Vladyslav "arch" Svistov

Evil Geniuses vs EDward Gaming

Both teams in this matchup are on par, so each has a chance for victory. Although EDward Gaming finished second in their group, they had a relatively easy path to the play-off stage, as did Evil Geniuses, who advanced without losing a single map. Our editorial team believes that Evil Geniuses will come out as winners from this game, but Vladyslav Svistov leans towards a different opinion.

EG - EDG for me is a 50-50 match, I don't really follow these teams, but as I wrote, it will be an even game, let EDG win 2-1.

Vladyslav "arch" Svistov

Valorant Champions 2023 takes place from August 6 to 26 in Los Angeles. Teams are competing for a prize pool of $2.25 million and the title of 2023 World Champion. You can follow the schedule and results of the championship here.