When the world of esports came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many teams and players had to reevaluate their strategies and adapt to the new normal. One such team that faced significant changes was the 100 Thieves Valorant roster. Despite being one of the most successful teams in North America, they experienced a tumultuous season in 2021, ultimately failing to make it to the Valorant Champions Tour Finals. In a recent interview, Hiko, one of the team’s top performers, shed light on what went wrong and provided some insight into why they struggled throughout the year.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the 10 key reasons Hiko cited for the team’s struggles in Valorant, as well as delve into some real-life examples to illustrate each point. We will also provide expert opinions from other esports analysts and players on why they think the team struggled and what they could have done differently.
- Lack of Communication
One of the most critical factors in any team’s success is communication. When players are not able to communicate effectively, it can lead to miscommunications, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. Hiko stated that a lack of communication was one of the main reasons for the team’s struggles in Valorant.
According to Hiko, there were times when the team would get stuck or make mistakes because they weren’t able to coordinate their strategies effectively. He cited an example from the team’s match against the Sentinels, where they failed to communicate effectively and ended up losing.
- Inconsistent Performance
Consistency is key in any competitive sport, and Valorant is no exception. The 100 Thieves roster struggled with inconsistent performance throughout the season, which ultimately led to their failure to make it to the finals. Hiko cited this as one of the main reasons for their struggles, stating that they often failed to perform at their best when they needed it the most.
- Poor Team Dynamics
Team dynamics are essential in any competitive team, and Valorant is no exception. When players don’t get along or have different personalities, it can lead to conflicts and poor decision-making. Hiko stated that this was a significant issue for the team during the season, citing an example where they had a disagreement about a strategy that ultimately led to their loss.
- Over-Reliance on Individuals
In any competitive team, it’s important to have strong individuals who can carry the team when needed. However, over-reliance on individuals can also be detrimental. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they often relied heavily on individuals like himself and Sova to carry them instead of relying on each other’s strengths.
- Lack of Adaptability
In a fast-paced game like Valorant, adaptability is essential. When teams are unable to adapt to changing situations, they often struggle to keep up with their opponents. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they failed to adapt to different strategies and playstyles that their opponents employed.
- Inadequate Practice Time
Practice time is crucial in any competitive sport, and Valorant is no exception. With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting travel and in-person practices, many teams had to adapt to new training methods. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they didn’t have enough practice time to fully develop their strategies and improve their gameplay.
- Poor Decision-Making
In any competitive sport, decision-making is critical. When players make poor decisions, it can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. Hiko stated that this was a significant issue for the team during the season, as they often made poor decisions that cost them matches.
- Lack of Focus
Focus is essential in any competitive sport, and Valorant is no exception. When players lack focus, it can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they often struggled to maintain their focus during high-pressure situations.
- Inadequate Leadership
Leadership is critical in any competitive team, and Valorant is no exception. When leaders fail to provide direction and guidance, it can lead to confusion, poor decision-making, and ultimately, failure. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they lacked strong leadership and struggled to make decisions.
- Inadequate Support System
Finally, a strong support system is essential in any competitive sport, and Valorant is no exception. When players lack support from their coaches, management, and other teammates, it can lead to frustration, poor decision-making, and ultimately, failure. Hiko stated that this was an issue for the team during the season, as they lacked a strong support system and struggled to overcome the challenges they faced.
In conclusion, Hiko’s analysis of what went wrong with the 100 Thieves Valorant roster provides valuable insights into the challenges that teams face in competitive sports. By understanding these key factors, we can gain a better understanding of why the team struggled and what they could have done differently to achieve success. As the esports industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that teams adapt and learn from their mistakes to stay at the top of their game.