Getting ready for the start of VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1

Only a few hours are left before the start of VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1. The eight best CIS teams will compete for one ticket to the VALORANT Champions Tour 2022: EMEA Stage 1 Challengers. Given the number of big names, this qualification promises to be interesting until the very end. In this regard, we propose to get acquainted with the format of the holding, as well as the participants of the closed qualification.

VCT 2022 format: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1

Eight teams will begin their journey from the quarter-finals stage, where the seeded teams will meet with the teams that have overcome the open qualification. The winners of the starting matches will proceed to the semi-finals, while the losing teams will go to the lower bracket, where they will have another chance to compete for a ticket to the VALORANT Champions Tour 2022: EMEA Stage 1 Challengers.

All matches, with the exception of the grand final, will be played in BO3 format. In turn, the main match of VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1 will be held in the BO5 format.

Closed qualification schedule

Thursday, January 13:

• One Breath Gaming - B8 Esports.
  
• Natus Vincere - SMARACIS Esports.
• 5MOKES - Aim.Attack.
  
• KPI Gaming - FunPlus Phoenix.
  
• Upper Bracket Semifinal A.
• Upper Bracket Semifinal B.
  

Friday, January 14:

• Upper bracket final.
  
• Lower Bracket Round 1 A.
• Lower Bracket Round 1 B.
  
• Lower Bracket Round 2 A.
• Lower Bracket Round 2 B.
  

Saturday 15 January:

• The third round of the lower bracket.
  
• Lower bracket final.

Sunday, January 16:

• Grand final.
  

VCT 2022 Participants: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1

The main favorite is FunPlus Phoenix. The team, having changed the composition in the off-season, got the opportunity to perform in the CIS region. At the same time, FunPlus Phoenix has already raced through the open qualifiers without losing a single card to its opponents. It is interesting to watch Natus Vincere, who, having invited Jady, not only received a direct invite to the closed qualifier, but also significantly improved her experience.

Don't forget about One Breath Gaming. In fact, the former forZe roster failed at the end of the season, clearly wanting to rectify the situation as soon as possible. At the same time, the team does not lack in experience and skill, therefore One Breath Gaming is rightfully considered one of the favorites of VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1.

Also, you cannot pass by KPI Gaming. The team finished well last season, winning several European TIER-2 tournaments. Now Dimaoneshot and the company will kick off a new season, trying to prove that the squad was thrown out of Team Singularity in vain. It is likely that after this qualification, the 5MOKES team will move to the Virtus.pro camp. Nevertheless, it is a successful performance that can help a team find a new home.

The prospects for B8 Esports and Aim.Attack are very vague. These teams with problems overcame the open qualifiers, leaving no unambiguous impression. SMARACIS Esports can act as a "dark horse", which quite unexpectedly outplayed FishkaVTom and made its way to VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1.

VCT 2022: CIS Stage 1 Challengers - Closed Qualifier 1 will run online from January 13-16. Eight teams will compete for one ticket to the VALORANT Champions Tour 2022: EMEA Stage 1 Challengers. In addition, teams ranked 2nd through 5th will receive places in the second closed qualifier, which will take place from 20 to 22 January.