Valorant’s 2025 esports season is about to begin, bringing excitement to fans worldwide as the top-tier regions — EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and China — gear up for competition. This article dives into the VCT 2025 China Kickoff, focusing on the region of the current world champions, China. This pivotal tournament will determine the two teams representing China at the VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok, the first major international event of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the VCT 2025 China Kickoff, including the format, schedule, and participating teams.
Tournament Format
The VCT 2025 China Kickoff will feature a double-elimination bracket with best-of-three (BO3) matches, giving teams a second chance after one loss. The stakes rise in the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which will be played in a best-of-five (BO5) format.
The top two seeds will earn spots in the VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok, gaining three and two China Points, respectively. Teams finishing in third and fourth places will receive one China Point each, influencing their rankings in future competitions.
Dates and Schedule
The VCT 2025 China Kickoff will run from January 11 to January 25. Here’s the detailed match schedule (all times in UTC):
Upper Bracket Matches
- Round 1
- TYLOO vs. Titan Esports Club: January 11, 9 AM
- XLG Esports vs. Wolves Esports: January 11, 12 PM
- JD Gaming vs. Dragon Ranger Gaming: January 12, 9 AM
- All Gamers vs. Nova Esports: January 12, 12 PM
- Semifinals & Final
- Winners advance to matches on January 20 and 23, leading to the Upper Bracket Final.
Lower Bracket Matches
Teams falling short in the Upper Bracket will get another chance in the Lower Bracket starting January 18.
Grand Final
The Grand Final is set for January 25 at 9 AM UTC, where both finalists will have already secured spots in the VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok. The winner, however, will earn better seeding and an additional China Point.
Teams Competing in VCT 2025 China Kickoff
EDward Gaming
The reigning Valorant Champions 2024, EDward Gaming, are the favorites to claim China’s top seed. Their consistent performances, including a 5th-6th place finish in Madrid and 7th-8th in Shanghai, solidify their dominance.
FunPlus Phoenix
Known for consistency in China, FunPlus Phoenix has struggled internationally but hopes their latest roster change — signing Wang “yosemite” Lei — will bolster their chances.
Trace Esports
Surprising many with strong international performances in 2024, Trace Esports retains their roster for 2025, aiming to build on their success.
Bilibili Gaming
Despite missing key events in 2024, Bilibili Gaming showed resilience, qualifying for Valorant Champions 2024 and updating their roster with Lu “Levius” Yingzhong.
All Gamers
After a challenging start in 2024, All Gamers revamped their roster, creating a competitive lineup for 2025.
JD Gaming
Aiming to improve after a tough 2024, JD Gaming added two promising players: Geng “babyblue” Haoran and Chen “MrCANI” Ting-hsun.
Nova Esports
Often seen as a mid-tier team, Nova Esports shocked fans with their Superb Cup win against EDward Gaming, entering 2025 with confidence.
TYLOO
Following an underwhelming 2024, TYLOO revamped their roster, signing Ding “5CM” Yipeng and Sun “slowly” Kelun.
Wolves Esports
With significant roster upgrades, including Liang “Lysoar” Youhao and Tayler “juicy” Aeria, Wolves Esports aims to make their mark internationally.
Dragon Ranger Gaming
Despite ups and downs, Dragon Ranger Gaming remains a threat, strengthened by three new additions for the 2025 season.
Titan Esports Club
After finishing at the bottom in 2024, Titan Esports Club hopes for a comeback with Guo “Haodong” Haodong returning to competitive play.
XLG Esports
Promoted to China’s top flight, XLG Esports rebuilt their roster, ready to prove themselves in the big leagues.
What to Expect
The VCT 2025 China Kickoff promises intense competition as China’s top teams vie for international glory. With stakes high and rosters revamped, the region is poised to deliver thrilling matches leading up to the Masters Bangkok.
Stay tuned for more updates as the VCT 2025 season unfolds, and follow esports-news.info for more information.
