The VCT 2025 China Kickoff is set to start the Valorant esports season in China, with the top teams battling for spots in the VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok. This guide provides complete information about the event’s format, schedule, and teams.
VCT 2025: China Kickoff Tournament Format
The competition follows a double-elimination bracket format:
- Best-of-3 (BO3) matches in all rounds except for:
- Grand Final and Lower Bracket Final, which are Best-of-5 (BO5).
- Top two teams qualify for Masters Bangkok and receive additional VCT 2025 China Points based on rankings:
- 1st Place: 3 points
- 2nd Place: 2 points
- 3rd & 4th Places: 1 point each
VCT 2025: China Kickoff Schedule and Match Dates
The tournament runs from January 11 to January 25, 2025.
Upper Bracket Matches:
- Round 1 (Jan 11–12): Teams like TYLOO vs. Titan Esports and JD Gaming vs. Dragon Ranger battle for the upper bracket.
- Semifinals and Finals (Jan 20–23): Winners from early rounds progress to determine the top seeds.
Lower Bracket Matches:
- Matches start on January 18 with eliminations and lead up to the Lower Bracket Final on January 24.
Grand Final:
- Scheduled for January 25, 9 AM UTC, where the winner secures a higher seeding and additional points.
Participating Teams
A total of 12 teams will compete, including established favorites and rising challengers.
Top Teams to Watch
- EDward Gaming (EDG):
- Reigning Valorant Champions 2024 and clear favorites for the first seed.
- FunPlus Phoenix (FPX):
- Strong contenders with consistent performances in 2024.
Other Competitors
- Trace Esports: Surprised many with top group-stage finishes in 2024.
- Bilibili Gaming: Recently revamped their roster with new signings.
- JD Gaming and TYLOO: Both revamped squads aiming for better international results.
Underdogs and New Entrants
- Nova Esports: Known for mid-table finishes but recently defeated EDward Gaming.
- XLG Esports: Earned their place through VCT 2024 Ascension China.
- Titan Esports Club: Made bold roster changes to improve performance.
What’s at Stake?
- Top two teams qualify for VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok, gaining international exposure.
- Rankings decide VCT Points, impacting future qualifications and seeding.
The VCT 2025 China Kickoff promises intense matches and fierce competition as teams vie for international representation. Fans can expect surprises, rivalries, and new talents to emerge in this exciting start to the season.
Stay updated with match schedules and results as China’s top Valorant teams clash for glory!
Also Read: Esports Event Calendar 2025 | Biggest Tournaments & Dates