The Historic Valorant Champions 2021 Victory
Acend's most celebrated accomplishment came at the first-ever VALORANT Champions in December 2021. Held in Berlin, Germany, the tournament was the culmination of the year-long VALORANT Champions Tour and featured 16 of the world's best teams. As one of two representatives from the competitive EMEA region, Acend entered the finals as an underdog against a formidable opponent.
The grand final pitted Acend against the Stage 3 Masters winners, Gambit Esports, in an intense best-of-five series. Despite dropping two maps, Acend rallied in the final, dramatic maps to secure the 3-2 victory. Clutch plays from star players like Mehmet Yağız 'cNed' İpek, Aleksander 'zeek' Zygmunt, and Patryk 'starxo' Kopczyński were crucial to their success. The win not only earned them the title but also a significant portion of the $1 million prize pool. This victory etched Acend into the history books as the first team to ever lift the Valorant world championship trophy.
Acend's Journey: From Founding to Glory
Founded in March 2021 by Benjamin Rolle, Acend quickly established itself as a force in the European Valorant scene. The organization's early roster, which included cNed, BONECOLD, and Kiles, demonstrated immense potential from the start. Their path to the Champions final was not without its challenges, showcasing resilience and tactical depth.
Key Milestones on the Road to Champions:
- Initial Roster Formation: Acend entered Valorant with the core of Raise Your Edge Gaming's roster, building a foundation for success.
- Early Success: The team quickly rose through the ranks in the European competition, securing several regional titles early in the year.
- Champions Qualification: After a strong performance throughout the VCT season, Acend qualified for the inaugural Champions tournament.
- Playoff Gauntlet: In the Champions playoffs, Acend took down several favorites, including Team Liquid and Team Secret, on their way to the grand final.
The organizational philosophy, as described on their website, prioritizes performance and mindset, providing players with resources like mental coaching and nutritional advice to help them reach their full potential. This holistic approach to player development contributed significantly to their breakthrough year.
Beyond Valorant: Other Esports Endeavors
While their Valorant success is their most recognized achievement, Acend has also ventured into other esports titles. Their expansion demonstrated a commitment to building a diverse and successful club across multiple competitive games.
- PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG): Acend entered the PUBG scene in 2021 by signing the roster of Raise Your Edge Gaming. Though the initial roster disbanded, they re-entered the scene in 2022 by signing a new team.
- Rainbow Six Siege: The organization has also fielded a team in Rainbow Six Siege, maintaining a presence in other tactical shooter titles.
A Reputation Built on Performance and Mindset
Acend's reputation is built on more than just their single championship win. The organization's core values focus on creating a 'champion' environment, emphasizing sportsmanship, transparency, and a strong performance mindset. They actively communicate with their community, giving fans a look behind the scenes of their operations. This focus on a healthy, long-term approach to competition has earned them respect within the esports community, even during periods of roster instability and less-than-stellar results following their peak. Their journey serves as a case study for what a focused, player-centric organization can achieve in the highly competitive world of esports.
Comparison Table: Acend vs. Other VCT Champions
| Feature | Acend (2021) | LOUD (2022) | Fnatic (Multiple) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining Win | Inaugural Valorant Champions (2021) | Valorant Champions (2022) | VCT LOCK//IN (2023), Masters Tokyo (2023) |
| Region | EMEA (Europe) | Americas (Brazil) | EMEA (Europe) |
| Legacy | First-ever world champions, historical significance | Dominant regional force, brought a championship to the Americas | Consistently top-tier, multiple event wins, strong international contender |
| Path to Victory | Resilient underdog run, clutch final against Gambit | Dominated regional league, strong Champions showing | Consistent success across multiple tournament years |
Conclusion: The First Champions' Lasting Impact
Acend's name is inextricably linked with its monumental 2021 VALORANT Champions victory. While the roster that achieved that feat has since moved on, and the organization's performance has fluctuated, the legacy of that initial team's achievement remains a cornerstone of Valorant history. They proved that a hungry, determined, and well-managed team could overcome established favorites and clinch the ultimate prize. The victory inspired countless European and international players, including cNed, who saw their dreams realized on the global stage. Acend's place as the first-ever Valorant world champions is a title no other organization can claim, and it ensures their status as an integral part of esports lore.
Learn more about Acend's history on the official Liquipedia page: https://liquipedia.net/valorant/Acend.
