VCT Pacific 2025 Stage 1 Playoffs Preview: Eight Teams, Three Tickets, One Trophy

The group stage of VCT 2025 - Pacific Stage 1 is in the books, and eight teams now prepare to battle through the playoffs in hopes of securing a spot at VCT 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025. From April 26 to May 11, fans will be treated to a double-elimination gauntlet where only the top three teams will earn their ticket to the next international stage.

With upsets, rivalries, and redemption arcs on the horizon, the VCT Pacific playoffs are shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown.

Group Stage Recap:

Group Alpha:

• BOOM Esports
• DRX
• Gen.G Esports
• Paper Rex

Group Alpha saw a massive surprise in the form of BOOM Esports. Entering the stage after a disappointing kickoff performance, few had high hopes for the Indonesian squad. Yet, BOOM stunned the region with an undefeated 5-0 run, toppling the likes of DRX, Gen.G, and Paper Rex. Their form and cohesion have quickly gone from questioned to feared, and as the top seed from Alpha, they’ve earned the right to sit back and scout their next opponent.

Group Omega:

• Rex Regum Qeon
• TALON
• T1
• Nongshim RedForce

Meanwhile, Group Omega was a statistical anomaly. All four teams finished with identical 3-2 records. Thanks to Riot’s pre-established tiebreaker protocols, the group was sorted fairly, but not without drama. The narrow margins in Omega are a testament to the parity and potential of the region—any of these teams could catch fire in the playoffs.

Opening Day Matchups:

TALON vs Gen.G (April 26, 5 pm KST | 10 am CET)

On paper, this might seem like a fairly balanced affair—but only because both teams have undergone immense change in the past year. Gen.G, a team that was once Pacific’s rising star, now finds themselves trying to reclaim consistency. TALON, on the other hand, has quietly rebuilt, and their current roster is arguably their strongest since 2023.

The winner of this clash will take on BOOM Esports in the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while the loser faces elimination territory against Nongshim Redforce.

DRX vs T1 (April 26, 8 pm KST | 1 pm CET)

It doesn’t get more heated than this. The DRX vs T1 rivalry isn’t just a battle between two Korean juggernauts—it’s deeply personal. T1 controversially signed away DRX’s core before the season, creating tension that has only intensified with each matchup. DRX had the last laugh at Kickoff, but T1 responded with a dominant title run at Masters Bangkok. This rematch carries enormous stakes, and fans can expect a clash of both egos and elite gameplay.

The winner earns a semifinal date with Rex Regum Qeon, while the loser must scrap for survival against Paper Rex in the Lower Bracket.

The Path Ahead

The Playoffs signal the final chapter of VCT Pacific Stage 1—but for these eight teams, it’s just the beginning of what could become a legacy-defining run. With only three tickets to Masters Toronto up for grabs, every round, every map, and every clutch moment could make the difference between glory and heartbreak.

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: Riot Games