The organizers of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 have finally released the team distribution, becoming the last of the four regions to do so. One of the groups appears significantly stronger than the other—let’s break down why.

The twelve participating teams in VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 have been divided into two groups, just like in other regions: Omega and Alpha, with six teams in each. Only four out of six teams will advance to the next stage, meaning a total of eight teams will continue their fight.

• Group winners advance directly to the upper bracket semifinals of the playoffs.
• Teams placing 2nd and 3rd start in the first round of the upper bracket.
• Teams finishing 4th drop into the first round of the lower bracket.

Team Distribution for VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1:

Alpha Group

• Team Vitality
• Apeks
• NAVI
• GiantX
• Fnatic
• Team Heretics

Omega Group

• Team Liquid
• MKOI
• Karmine Corp
• Gentle Mates
• BBL Esports
• FUT Esports

Looking at both groups, even a player who isn’t too familiar with the Valorant scene will notice that Alpha group appears significantly tougher than Omega. It includes teams like Team Vitality, Fnatic, and Team Heretics—the main contenders for victory in this tournament.

VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 will kick off in March and run until May, with exact dates to be announced closer to the tournament’s start. The championship will feature 12 European teams competing for three slots at Masters Toronto and EMEA Points, which will determine additional teams qualifying for Champions 2025.