Controllers sit at the heart of VALORANT’s tactical structure, setting the pace for how teams take space and secure objectives. As a core component of most team compositions, this role is designed for players with exceptional utility usage, vision denial, and map-pressure management.

With the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2025 season now concluded, we’ve ranked the best Controller players of the year, focusing on their influence and individual impact across regional leagues and international events.

Best Controller Players In VALORANT In 2025

Controllers are among the most decisive roles in VALORANT, as they are responsible for securing safe paths for their teams on both attacking and defensive sides. In 2025, several names stood out for their consistency and exceptional tactical awareness in professional play.

To identify the best Controller players in VALORANT in 2025, we analyzed key performance indicators like KAST (Kill, Assist, Survive, Trade), ACS (Average Combat Score), K/D (Kill/Death Ratio), and ADR (Average Damage per Round) to offer a clear picture of their impact and reliability in high-pressure situations.

Top 5 Best Controller Players In VALORANT Ranked

S0m – NRG (#1)

Sam “S0m” Oh closed out the season in exceptional form, impressing both regionally and internationally. He was named as the runner-up for the VCT 2025: Americas Controller of the Year award before delivering on the biggest stage.

NRG elevated their performance in Stage 2 of VCT Americas, reaching the Semifinals and qualifying for VALORANT Champions Paris, where they defeated FNATIC in the Grand Final to claim the world championship title.

With his solid mechanics and smart, disciplined playstyle, combined with a 75% KAST, 197.2 ACS, and 124.2 ADR, S0m stands out as the best Controller player in VALORANT in 2025.

Valyn – G2 Esports (#2)

If not for his late-season decline, Jacob “Valyn” Batio could have easily been named the best Controller player in VALORANT in 2025, thanks to his outstanding performances throughout the year on the international stage. 

Under his leadership, G2 Esports dominated the VCT Americas 2025 season, winning both splits. His impact earned him the runner-up spot for the IGL of the Year and the award of Best Controller in the region.

With a second-place finish at VALORANT Masters Bangkok and a fourth-place run at Masters Toronto, Valyn stands out with a 75% KAST, 124.1 ADR, and 192.3 ACS.

Cortezia – MIBR (#3)

Gabriel “Cortezia” Cortez stood out with consistent performances and some of the strongest controller stats in the region. His growth was undeniable, earning him the Most Improved Player of the Year title at the VCT Americas Awards and ranking among the best players at VALORANT Champions Paris.

With MIBR, he started the year with a third-place finish at the VCT Americas Kickoff, although the team fell short of qualifying for the season’s first international event. Despite a difficult Phase 2, they managed to secure a spot at Champions 2025, where they made it to the Playoffs.

Cortezia is known for his aggressive use of utilities and strong map control. With a 75% KAST, 196.4 ACS, and 130.2 ADR, he ranks firmly among the best Controller players in VALORANT in 2025.

MaKo – DRX (#4)

Hailing from the VCT Pacific league, Kim “MaKo” Myeong-kwan excelled throughout the season, establishing himself as one of the region’s best Controllers. He also delivered on the international stage at VALORANT Champions Paris, finishing as the tournament’s leading player in assists.

DRX started the year by winning VCT Pacific Kickoff 2025, a result that was reinforced by MaKo’s VCT Pacific Controller of the Year award, reaffirming his excellence in the position. Although DRX did not achieve its international ambitions, MaKo remained a key pillar in the team’s strategy. 

MaKo closes out the season with a 72% KAST, 171.7 ACS, and 108.9 ADR.

Boaster – FNATIC (#5)

With an explosive personality and iconic stage presence, Jake “Boaster” Howlett brings the same energy to the server. As one of the best VALORANT players, his leadership and smart decision-making during complex executions earned him the title of IGL of the Year at the VCT EMEA Awards.

Under Boaster’s leadership, FNATIC won Phase 1 of the VCT EMEA and secured three consecutive Semifinals in the last international tournaments of the year: VCT Masters Toronto, Esports World Cup, and VALORANT Champions Paris.

Although his stats are not the most solid (70% KAST, 94.0 ADR, and 145.2 ACS), his impact and leadership cement him as one of the best VALORANT controller players in 2025.

Top 5 Best Controller Players In VCT Americas 2025

The VCT Americas region is home to some of VALORANT’s best Controllers—players who stand out not only for their excellent stats but also for their impact at major international events.

In a highly competitive field, the best Controller players in VCT Americas 2025 separated themselves with the aggressive, proactive style that characterizes the region.

Top 5 Best Controller Players In VCT Pacific 2025

The following VCT Pacific Controller players demonstrated a precise, coordinated, and highly tactical playstyle, excelling with impressive statistics throughout the season. The same names have also earned international recognition, such as Paper Rex’s dominant victory at VCT Masters Toronto.

Flexible players like Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto, while not natural to the role, demonstrate the strategic depth and tactical expertise of the region, highlighting the versatility that defines VCT Pacific.

Top 5 Best Controller Players In VCT EMEA 2025

With Boaster as one of the best Controller players in VCT EMEA 2025, the European region shone throughout the season, consistently finishing on the podium in major international tournaments.

Their solid overall strategy, efficient use of utilities, and strong macro play make them formidable opponents for any other region in VALORANT.

Top 5 Best Controller Players In VCT China 2025

The best Controller players in VCT China 2025 reinforce the tactical style typical of Asian teams, while incorporating an aggressive approach that caught many opponents off guard. Versatile within their team compositions, these players adapt seamlessly to high-pressure situations.

With KAST metrics notably higher than those of Controllers in other regions, Chinese players show a promising future as their regional scene continues to develop.

FAQs

Who is the Best Controller Player in VALORANT in 2025?

While it’s ultimately subjective, Sam “S0m” Oh stands out as the best Controller player in VALORANT in 2025 based on his consistency, impact, and performances on the biggest stages.

What stats are most important for Controller players?

The most important stats for Controllers include KAST, ACS, K/D ratio, and ADR, as they reflect consistency, combat impact, and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

Who are the best controllers in VCT Americas 2025?

The best Controller players in VCT Americas 2025 were Sam “S0m” Oh, Jacob “Valyn” Batio, Gabriel “Cortezia” Cortez, and Bryan “Bang” Luna, based on their regional performances and international impact.

Which region has the best controllers in VALORANT 2025?

While it’s open to debate, VCT Americas typically has the strongest group of Controller players in VALORANT in 2025. The region is home to standouts like G2 Valyn, NRG S0m, and SEN Bang.

Who were the most impactful controllers in international tournaments in 2025?

Sam “S0m” Oh was among the most impactful Controllers in 2025. He played a pivotal role in NRG’s championship run at VALORANT Champions Paris.