The second of the three tournaments in the VCT 2025 series in the China region, namely VCT 2025: China Stage 1, has concluded, bringing not only a lot of emotions but also new names that took places on the winners' podium. Let’s summarize, highlight the teams that surprised, those that did not meet expectations, and review the final standings.

In this article:

• Main surprises
• Did not meet expectations
• Consistently high performance
• Tournament summary

Main surprises

The main surprise was the championship title of XLG Esports — it was only their second tournament within the VCT framework, as just half a year ago they competed in Ascension, and already managed to win the championship trophy, defeating Bilibili Gaming in the grand final and suffering only one loss during the entire VCT 2025: China Stage 1. The success in the tournament gave the team a chance to prove themselves in the next two international tournaments — Masters Toronto 2025 and Esports World Cup 2025.

Another team that unexpectedly made it to the top three was Wolves Esports, which secured third place after losing in the lower bracket final to Bilibili Gaming. For the team, this became their best result in two years of VCT participation, and for the first time in history, it allowed them to participate in an international tournament — Masters Toronto 2025.

Did not meet expectations

The biggest disappointment at VCT 2025: China Stage 1 was that EDward Gaming failed to reach even the top three, despite being the reigning Champions winners. Already from the group stage, EDward Gaming suffered a loss to NOVA Esports, but still successfully exited the group in first place.

The playoffs turned out to be not so easy: the team lost to XLG Esports in their very first match, and then in the lower bracket was eliminated by Bilibili Gaming, finishing in fourth place. This is the first time EDward Gaming has not earned a slot in an international tournament and will miss both Masters Toronto and EWC 2025.

Consistently high performance

Despite EDward Gaming being one of the most stable teams in the region, consistently reaching the top three and participating in all international tournaments until now, this time they failed to even qualify for the top 3 and will miss the Masters for the first time, highlighting the growing competition in the Chinese region. Meanwhile, Bilibili Gaming, which last year was only approaching the podium, has now entered the top three for the second time in a row this season, secured silver at VCT 2025: China Stage 1, and for the first time in its history earned a spot in an international tournament.

Tournament summary

In the end, the main rewards of VCT 2025: China Stage 1 went to XLG Esports and Bilibili Gaming in the form of tickets to the Esports World Cup 2025 and Masters Toronto 2025, where the bronze medalists Wolves Esports will also go. At the two international tournaments (Masters Toronto and EWC 2025), $2,250,000 USD will be up for grabs, and at Masters Toronto — additional VCT points, which will determine further invitations to Champions 2025.

VCT 2025: China Stage 1 became a breakthrough for many teams, as the upcoming Masters Toronto 2025 will be the first in the careers of three Chinese participants at once. There was also a surprise — EDward Gaming's failure to qualify for the international tournament, having previously made it to all such events. The tournament took place from March 13 to April 4 in LAN format at VCT CN Arena in Shanghai. Twelve teams competed for three spots at Masters Toronto and two slots at the Esports World Cup 2025.