Best Masters Santiago Pick’Ems: Swiss Stage Predictions and Rewards Guide

Masters Santiago is nearly upon us, and with it comes the return of VCT Pick’Ems, giving fans the chance to test their predictive prowess and earn exclusive in-game rewards. The Swiss stage kicks off February 19th, and players worldwide are already strategizing their selections for the opening rounds.

Masters Santiago Pick’Ems Dates

Masters Santiago Pick’Ems for the Swiss stage open on February 19th at 9:00 AM PT and will lock on February 28th at 10:00 AM PT when groups begin. This gives players over a week to finalize their predictions for the twelve-team Swiss stage format. After the Swiss stage concludes and the Playoffs bracket is drawn, a second Pick’Ems window will open on March 4th (estimated around 4:00 PM PT) and lock on March 6th at 10:00 AM PT with the start of Playoffs.

How Masters Santiago Pick’Ems Work

Masters Santiago Picke’Ems features the twelve-team Swiss stage format where players predict match results to earn points. The more correct picks you make, the more points you earn. Players can make their picks either through the VALORANT client or at valorantesports.com/pickems, making it accessible whether you’re at your PC or on the go.

The interface allows you to predict individual match outcomes, and you can invite friends to compete against each other to see who truly knows their VCT best. Crucially, players can adjust their picks at any time before each stage locks, so if early results shift the landscape, there’s flexibility to adapt your strategy.

Hotspawn’s Swiss Stage Predictions

Based on recent Kickoff performances and team form heading into Santiago, here are our picks for the four teams most likely to advance to the Playoffs:

Paper Rex – The Pacific third seed arrives in Santiago as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. fFrsakeN’s historic 101-kill performance in their lower final qualification match against RRQ showcased the team’s ceiling when firing on all cylinders. With eight Masters appearances under their belt and fresh off winning Masters Toronto 2025, PRX’s experience and firepower make them near-locks to advance.

G2 Esports – The Americas second seed has found new life with BABYBAY’s addition to the roster. Their clean 3-0 sweep of MIBR in the middle bracket final demonstrated tactical maturity and individual firepower across the board. leaf’s 222.9 ACS statistical dominance combined with trent’s elite initiator play gives G2 multiple win conditions. Their championship pedigree from recent international events makes them strong favorites.

T1 – The Pacific second seed swept RRQ 3-0 to qualify, with the addition of Munchkin transforming their strategic depth. As reigning Masters Bangkok 2025 champions, T1 brings proven international success. IZu’s aggressive opening picks (208.2 ACS) combined with BuZz’s clutch factor and Meteor’s consistency create a well-rounded roster capable of competing with anyone.

Team Liquid – The EMEA third seed punched their Santiago ticket with a dominant 3-0 sweep of FNATIC in the lower final, showcasing resilience after dropping to the lower bracket earlier in the tournament. Their ability to dominate the final two maps against one of EMEA’s strongest rosters demonstrates championship-level composure. Team Liquid’s international experience and tactical flexibility make them a safe pick to navigate the Swiss format successfully.

The Undefeated Bonus Pick

For the bonus undefeated (2-0) selection, we’re going with Paper Rex. Their explosive playstyle, powered by f0rsakeN’s flexibility, with their championship experience from Toronto, positions them as the team most likely to dominate their opening matches.

The Swiss format’s unpredictability means some strong teams could face early elimination. Teams like All Gamers (China’s first seed), Nongshim RedForce (Pacific’s first seed), and FURIA (Americas’ first seed with their magical Kickoff run) all await in the playoffs stage after qualifying as top regional seeds. The playoffs however will show if they can maintain this kind of performance on an international stage.

Masters Santiago Pick’Ems Rewards

All participants who submit Pick’Ems will receive the exclusive in-game title “Cachando todo” (Chilean slang roughly meaning “understanding everything”) just for making their first picks, regardless of results. Performance-based rewards include:

Top 50% of players: “¡Rico, po!” gun buddy featuring the VCT Masters Santiago logo

Top 20% of players: “¡Rico, po!” golden gun buddy, the premium version with a gold finish

Perfect Score (100%): The ultra-exclusive “100%” in-game title, reserved only for those who correctly predict all results across both Swiss and Playoffs stages

The buddy rewards are fittingly themed around Chilean culture, with “¡Rico, po!” being a common Chilean expression of approval.

Strategy Tips for Playoffs Pick’Ems

While Swiss Pick’Ems open February 19th, the Playoffs stage (opening March 4th) will require different strategic thinking. For Playoffs predictions—the bracket draw and schedule will be available on March 4th around 4:00 PM PT, giving you crucial context about seeding and opening matchups before picks lock on March 6th at 10:00 AM PT.

Masters Santiago represents the first international test for many rebuilt rosters and promoted Ascension teams. The Pick’Ems add an interactive layer that deepens engagement, rewarding those who’ve followed regional Kickoff events closely. Whether you’re chasing that perfect score and the ultra-rare “100%” title or just want the “Cachando todo” participation title, you can make your picks through the VALORANT client or at valorantesports.com/pickems starting February 19th.