The group stage draw for VALORANT VCT Champions Paris 2025 (12 September - 5 October) took place after G2 Esports were crowned champions of VCT Americas Stage 2. The draw produced four very different pools. Featuring clashes of styles, transatlantic rivalries and the growing strength of China, the road to the playoffs looks challenging. Read on for an overview of the teams involved and what to watch out for as the tournament begins.

Group A - Battle of the contenders, pitfalls everywhere

This is the “high tempo” group. Paper Rex (Pacific#1) and Sentinels (Americas#3) embody two spectacular interpretations of VALORANT: precision aggression for one; half structure, half intuition for the other. On paper, these two giants are the favorites, but Xi Lai Gaming (China#4) and GIANTX (EMEA#2) have what it takes to shake up the hierarchy if the pace suits them. The key to the group will be discipline in the mid-round: the team that best manages late comebacks and rotations will gain the upper hand.

Group B - A Deceptive Balance

Fnatic (EMEA#3) know major international events inside out and are stepping up as the headliner. Bilibili Gaming (China#1) symbolize the rapidly advancing Chinese school: finely honed mechanics, sharp timing, and immediate punishment at the slightest opening. Made in Brazil (Americas#4) and Rex Regum Qeon (Pacific#2) bring the unexpected: very strong maps and setups capable of upsetting a favorite in a BO3. Here, every pistol and every bonus will count double, as the gap between the top and bottom seems so narrow.

Group C - The “group of death”

Four names that exude international experience. Team Liquid (EMEA#1) have a wide range of plans and map control that wears down the opponent. DRX (Pacific#4) remain a metronome: discipline, clean executions, model retakes. NRG (Americas#2) bring American creativity, capable of changing their style from one map to another. Finally, EDward Gaming (China#3) are the constant threat: often with a high first-kill rate and unapologetic duels. Adaptations during the series will make the difference; the staff who will “read” the BO faster will score crucial points.

Group D - Contrasting styles, guaranteed entertainment

G2 Esports (Americas#1) advance with a mix of high-impact individuals and inspired mid-rounds. T1 (Pacific#3) offer a clinical reading of the game, rarely caught off guard when the server heats up. Team Heretics (EMEA#4) have a knack for elaborate opening plans and defensive adaptations, while Dragon Ranger Gaming (China#2) represent the new Chinese wave: explosiveness and confidence in duels. The group could come down to economics: managing bonus weapons and half-purchases, where T1 and G2 generally excel.

The draw offers a theoretically clear path for a few heavyweights, but each group has its own fly in the ointment, a team capable of breaking the expected tempo and derailing the favorite. If we had to pick just one matchup to watch, it would be Group C, where every game will feel like a quarterfinal before its time. In Paris, nothing is ever a given, and that's precisely why we can't wait for it to start.