The second qualifiers of VCT 2025: China Stage 1 have only recently begun, but fans have already witnessed several thrilling matches. Tomorrow, on the third day of competition, Dragon Rangers Gaming will face Nova Esports, and we will try to analyze the expected outcome of this encounter below.

Current Form of the Teams

Nova Esports

Nova Esports had a rather poor start to the season. Their journey in VCT 2025: China Kickoff ended with a 7th-8th place finish, preventing them from qualifying for Masters. However, they managed to win the VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 1, though this event did not influence their standing, and most teams did not take it too seriously.

Out of their last five matches, Nova Esports secured four victories—against Wolves Esports, BiliBili Gaming, Trace Esports, and FunPlus Phoenix. Their only loss came at the hands of Dragon Rangers Gaming.

Overall, Nova Esports can be considered a mid-tier team, even within the Chinese scene. They do not participate in international events and only occasionally manage to secure top placements in their region.

Dragon Rangers Gaming

Dragon Rangers Gaming appears to be in a more favorable position. Although they also failed to qualify for Masters, they secured 4th place at VCT 2025: China Kickoff, a significantly better result. The team has won three of their last five matches, defeating TYLOO, Nova Esports, and FunPlus Phoenix, while suffering losses against Wolves Esports and EDward Gaming.

Dragon Rangers Gaming are undoubtedly among the top five teams in their region. Their recent performances suggest they have a solid chance to showcase their strength in this tournament. Their results in both the previous and current seasons indicate that they are a stronger team compared to their upcoming opponent.

Map Pool Predictions

Expected Bans:

• Nova Esports might ban Haven.
• Dragon Rangers Gaming will likely remove Icebox.

Expected Picks:

• Nova Esports will probably choose Ascent.

• Dragon Rangers Gaming may opt for Fracture.

Head-to-Head Record

The teams have met twice in the last six months. The first time was at the WALL-E Cup where Nova Esports won with a score of 2:1. The second time at VCT 25: CN Kickoff, where Dragon Rangers Gaming won 2:0.

Match Prediction

Given the current form of both teams, Dragon Rangers Gaming enters as the favorite. Their performances last season, their results in this tournament, their head-to-head record, and their matches against common opponents all point to a convincing win for Dragon Rangers Gaming.

Predicted result: Dragon Rangers Gaming to win 2-0

VCT 2025: China Stage 1 runs from March 13 to May 4 in a LAN format at VCT CN Arena in Shanghai. Twelve VCT China partner teams will compete for three slots at Masters Toronto and China Points, which are crucial for securing a spot at the upcoming World Championship.