If you’ve been relying on Jett in the current VALORANT meta, it might be time to adjust your strategy, much like the top athletes have done in the ongoing VCT 2025 season.
As the year kicked off, Raze and Jett were the dominant forces during the Kickoff tournament across all regions. However, the landscape has gradually shifted towards Yoru, Neon, Raze, and the newfound contender, Waylay. Professional VALORANT teams are now frequently opting for a double duelist composition featuring these agents while occasionally choosing to utilize them individually.
In the 13 maps and six group series held so far in Champions 2025, Jett has only been selected once–by Team Liquid on Abyss. This is a significant decline compared to her representation in Stage Two. Raze has also faced a setback in her popularity, considering she used to be one of the leading duelists alongside Jett. Nevertheless, her pick rate remains respectable at 23 percent.
In contrast, Yoru has surged to a 54 percent pick rate in the tournament. Meanwhile, Neon is currently at 42 percent, and Waylay stands at 15 percent.
Despite the tournament having just begun, the change in the meta is remarkable, especially seeing how Jett was once the go-to agent and duelist, while Yoru was largely overlooked in the competitive scene. Now, the trickster from Japan has not only become the most selected duelist but also the second most favored agent in VALORANT Champions. He has consistently been a preferred choice in nearly every tournament this season.
Neon has experienced an increase in pick rate since her buff in 2024, whereas Waylay was rarely seen in esports until recently. However, during Champions Paris, teams have begun to effectively utilize her unique, fast-paced abilities, showcasing some of the most thrilling plays in the VCT this year. It’s surprising to see Waylay eclipse Jett’s popularity during such high-stakes competitions.
Throughout the 2025 season, Neon and Yoru have formed a favored duelist combination, while the promising Yoru-Waylay and Neon-Waylay strategies are just beginning to take shape. The synergy between Yoru and either Neon or Waylay harnesses speed and tactical manipulation to its fullest. With the right setup and strategy, this duelist composition has proven to be exceptionally effective in the current VALORANT meta, which is currently advantageous for defensive play.
In both esports and ranked play, maintaining an element of surprise can give teams a substantial edge, especially against opponents who are adept at anticipating your moves. Merging Neon or Waylay’s rapid playstyle with Yoru’s deceptive tactics makes it easier to secure or retake critical areas on the map. This dynamic complicates trades and keeps opponents guessing, making it hard for them to respond effectively. If you’re still relying on Jett or Raze in ranked matches and struggling against aggressive opponents, it’s time to adopt the versatile, swift, and unpredictable playstyle that many professional players are mastering.
Witnessing the world’s elite teams creatively utilize these agents is truly exhilarating. The VALORANT Champions has emerged as one of the most exciting esports tournaments of the year, primarily due to the teams that have instigated this significant shift in the meta.
