In Starfire Valorant tournaments, the map veto phase happens before agent selection and before a single shot is fired. Teams who prepare their veto strategy secure a structural advantage before round 1 begins.
How the Veto Works
Standard Bo3 veto: Team A bans 1 map. Team B bans 1 map. Team A picks their preferred map for Map 1. Team B picks their preferred map for Map 2. The remaining map (from 5 remaining after 2 bans and 2 picks) is the decider Map 3. Side selection for each map goes to the team who didn't pick it.
What to Ban First
Your first ban should be either: the map your team is worst at that remains in the pool, or your opponent's most signposted "comfort map" (identified from any scouting available). If you know your opponent goes 8-2 on Split from their previous Starfire matches, ban it immediately regardless of your own performance there. Denying a comfort map forces opponents into unfamiliar territory from Map 1.
Map Pick Strategy
Pick your strongest map for Map 2 if possible — not Map 1. Here's why: winning Map 1 gives opponent information about your full agent setup (which agents are in your pool), which they can adapt in Map 2. By keeping your best map for Map 2, you use the information gained from Map 1 to execute at full strength in your most prepared environment.
The Decider Map Problem
Teams often neglect the decider map (Map 3) in preparation, assuming they'll close in 2. Don't. Prepare for the remaining map explicitly — know which agents work best there, have pre-set utility plans, and be ready to execute without the familiarity advantage you have on your pick map.
Scouting Before Veto
Knowing your opponent's map record before starting veto gives you significant edge. Starfire competition profiles display match history by map where available. Review before the veto phase — 10 minutes of research before a tournament match can determine the entire map selection outcome.
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