Unexpected VALORANT agent is leading Radiant win-rate charts

Unexpected VALORANT agent is leading Radiant win-rate charts
Images via Riot Games

Written by 

Jack Marsh

Published 

12th Jul 2023 16:25

Dare to be brave? One unexpected VALORANT Agent is becoming the best character in the game by dominating Radiant lobbies, but only if you fancy your chances as a situational jack-of-all-trades.

When loading into VALORANT, you will often spend your character selection period slotting in around those snide insta-lockers, picking up agents that best fit the roles required to be the best team player.

But some Agents don't quite fit into just one category. The Divergents of the VALORANT world. And here is where you'll find the most unexpected golden nuggets, such as Phoenix.

Phoenix is topping the win rates in VALORANT's elite lobbies

Click to enlarge

In a time where players are trying to get used to Deadlock - sometimes even completely breaking VALORANT with new Deadlock exploits - those players in the most elite lobbies (Radiant) have found that Phoenix is actually the best agent in the game.

According to the statistics site blitz.gg, Phoenix is topping the charts with a massive 55.7 win percentage, despite having just a 1.7% pick rate. 

Compared to unrated where Phoenix plummets to a 47.9% win rate, and even Bronze where he falls to a 50.4 success rate, it's clear to see that Phoenix is a masterful agent when in the hands of players capable of harnessing his tools.

Other characters such as Sage and Gekko also sit in the top-three highest-winning agents, despite all having less than a 2% pick rate in Radiant lobbies, proving these characters are more than equipped to dominate games.

Why is nobody playing the best agent in VALORANT?

Click to enlarge

So, why are only 1.7% of players using Phoenix in VALORANT Radiant lobbies? Why are more players (2.3%) getting stuck on the worst-performing agent in the game (KAY/O)?

Well, Phoenix doesn't really conform to the standard roles, being a bit of a duellist mixed with initiator and controller traits, where players might opt for Agents that fit the one style, such as Jett in the duelist category. 

Phoenix also has one of the worst ultimates in the game unless you've mastered his kit, often being wasted. 

However, he does suit those confident and daring players with mechanical prowess, given that his wall creates a wealth of space, his flash is almost unavoidable, and Hot Hands suits players with savvy situational awareness.

If you are looking to switch up your game a little bit, Phoenix might just be your ticket to success in VALORANT and is worth taking the plunge.

Jack Marsh
About the author
Jack Marsh
Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.
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