The second day of the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff playoffs will bring two more exciting matches. The first one will see Apeks and Gentle Mates, two relatively inexperienced teams, go head-to-head. While both are considered underdogs, the match is still worth watching.

Current Form of the Teams

Apeks

Apeks haven’t participated in any tournaments over the last month, with their last official match played back in September 2024. They emerged victorious at the VCT Ascension EMEA 2024, securing a promotion from the Tier-2 Challengers division to Tier-1 VCT.

In their last five matches, Apeks managed to win three, defeating Team RA'AD, PULSE, and Pcific Esports. However, they also suffered two losses against Eintracht Frankfurt and UCAM Esports Club.

Apeks remain a rather unpredictable team. They lack experience on the Tier-1 stage, which could be a serious challenge in the playoffs. Additionally, Apeks currently have only four players officially listed on their roster, and the identity of their fifth player remains unknown.

Gentle Mates

Gentle Mates took part in the HereticsXP #2 show match last month, where they defeated Team Heretics with a 1-0 scoreline.

In their last five matches, Gentle Mates secured only two wins — against Team Heretics and KOI. They lost the remaining three matches to Team Heretics, FUT Esports, and Natus Vincere.

Similar to Apeks, Gentle Mates previously played in the Tier-2 scene but transitioned to Tier-1 at the end of 2023. This gives them a year's worth of experience against top-tier teams, but they are still far from being considered a top contender themselves.

Map Pool Comparison

Apeks

Apeks have several strong maps in their pool. Their most frequently played maps include:

• Haven — 26 matches (81% win rate)
• Icebox — 21 matches (90% win rate)
• Ascent — 20 matches (90% win rate)

Their highest win rates are on:

• Icebox — 90%
• Ascent — 90%
• Lotus — 87%

Expected Map Veto from Apeks:

• Ban: Split
• Pick: Icebox

Gentle Mates

Gentle Mates also have a few favorite maps, but their results on these maps are less consistent:

• Lotus — 14 matches (43% win rate)
• Ascent — 10 matches (70% win rate)
• Split — 13 matches (76% win rate)

Their highest win rates are on:

• Fracture — 80%
• Ascent — 70%
• Split — 73%

Expected Map Veto from Gentle Mates:

• Ban: Haven
• Pick: Split

Head-to-Head Record

Over the past six months, the two teams haven’t faced each other in any official tournaments. Their last encounters were back in 2023, with both teams securing one victory each.

Match Prediction

Both teams are unpredictable, with experience being a key factor. Apeks could struggle due to their lack of Tier-1 experience and the absence of a confirmed fifth player. On the other hand, Gentle Mates could take the upper hand thanks to their familiarity with the Tier-1 scene. If they manage to utilize their map pool effectively and impose their playstyle on Split and Ascent, their chances of winning will significantly increase.

Prediction: Apeks to win 2-1

The VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff will take place from January 15 to February 9 in a LAN format at the Riot Games Arena. Twelve partner teams from the VCT program will compete for two invitations to Masters Bangkok and EMEA Points, which are crucial for qualifying for the World Championship.