VCT China 2025 Stage 1 Playoffs Preview: The Road to Toronto Begins

With the group stage now behind us, the VCT 2025 - China Stage 1 Playoffs are set to begin on April 17. Eight teams remain in the hunt for regional glory, a lion’s share of circuit points, and most importantly—a ticket to VCT 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025, the second international event of the year. Only three teams will qualify, and with a double-elimination bracket on deck, there’s little room for error.

Format Overview

• Top 4 from each group made it to playoffs.
• Group winners received a bye to the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
• 2nd and 3rd place teams start from Upper Bracket Round 1.
• 4th place teams begin in Lower Bracket Round 1—one loss, and they’re out.
• All matches are Bo3, except for the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which are Bo5.

Group Stage Recap

There were few surprises at the top. As expected, EDward Gaming and Bilibili Gaming dominated their groups, flexing their class and consistency. Both squads now sit comfortably in the semifinals, awaiting their challengers.

The real shakeup came beneath them.

In Group Alpha, Titan Esports Club, Nova Esports, and Dragon Ranger Gaming locked down the remaining playoff spots. However, the biggest upset came in the form of FunPlus Phoenix missing the cut—a shocking result for the storied org.

Group Omega saw XLG Esports, Wolves Esports, and Trace Esports secure the final three positions. Each of them now has a chance to rewrite their season story on the playoff stage.

Opening Matchups:

• Titan Esports Club vs Wolves Esports
  • April 17th | 5 PM CST / 11 AM CET
  • The winner of this clash will move on to challenge Bilibili Gaming in the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while the loser falls to face DRG in an elimination match.
• XLG Esports vs Nova Esports
  • April 17th | 8 PM CST / 2 PM CET
  • The winner gets a crack at the region’s most dominant force—EDward Gaming. The loser will be forced into a sudden-death match against Trace Esports.

Key Dates to Watch

• April 17 – Playoffs begin
• April 24 – Upper Final and Lower Round 2
• May 3 – Lower Bracket Final (Bo5)
• May 4 – Grand Final (Bo5)

What’s at Stake

Beyond the title of VCT China Stage 1 Champion, the top 3 teams will qualify for Masters Toronto—a global stage that could define careers and reshape VALORANT’s international pecking order.

Let the playoffs begin. China’s best are ready for war.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: VCT CN/Riot Games