The second round of the VCT 2025: China Kickoff playoff stage begins. The opening match features the reigning world champions, EDward Gaming, facing off against the lesser-known Nova Esports. Despite their lower profile, Nova Esports have previously managed to defeat their upcoming opponents, promising an intriguing and competitive match.

Current Form of the Teams

EDward Gaming

In the past month, EDward Gaming participated in two tournaments: Shanghai Esports Masters 2024 and Superb Cup. The team performed poorly in the first tournament, finishing among the last places, but secured third place out of four in the Superb Cup, losing to their future opponents, Nova Esports.

In their last five matches, EDward Gaming achieved three victories — against Trace Esports, JDG Esports, and Titan Esports Club. The two losses were to Nova Esports and XLG Gaming.

It is worth mentioning that EDward Gaming are the reigning world champions, having claimed the title at the end of 2024. Despite a slight decline during the offseason, the team still appears strong and has likely prepared well for the start of the season, making them the favorites in this match.

Nova Esports

In December, Nova Esports participated in the Superb Cup, where they defeated EDward Gaming but lost twice to XLG, finishing in second place. The team did not participate in any other tournaments over the past month.

They have also won three out of their last five matches — against All Gamers, EDward Gaming, and TYLOO — but suffered two losses to XLG Esports.

Nova Esports are a solid mid-tier team in the Chinese scene. While they have not consistently delivered outstanding results throughout the season, they have occasionally defeated stronger opponents, including their upcoming rivals, the world champions.

Map Pool

EDward Gaming

• Most played maps: Haven (67 matches, 60% win rate), Ascent (59 matches, 64% win rate), and Bind (78 matches, 68% win rate).
• Most successful maps: Breeze (74% win rate), Split (67% win rate), and Bind (68% win rate).
• Likely map picks:
• Ban: Abyss
• Pick: Bind

Nova Esports

• Most played maps: Bind (18 matches, 44% win rate), Ascent (24 matches, 50% win rate), and Split (24 matches, 50% win rate).
• Most successful maps: Abyss (89% win rate), Icebox (60% win rate), and Split (50% win rate).
• Likely map picks:
• Ban: Haven
• Pick: Pearl

Head-to-Head

In the past six months, the teams have faced each other twice:

• At the Superb Cup, Nova Esports defeated EDward Gaming 3-1.
• At VCT 24: CN Stage 2, EDward Gaming secured a confident 2-0 victory.

Match Prediction

Despite Nova Esports’ recent victory over EDward Gaming in the Superb Cup, EDward Gaming remain the favorites in this matchup. They have a more diverse map pool, consistent performance on top maps, and the prestige of being reigning world champions. While Nova Esports are capable of putting up a fight and potentially taking one map, they lack the stability, experience, and skills of the world champions.

Prediction: EDward Gaming to win 2-1

The VCT 2025 China Kickoff is taking place from January 11 to 25 in a LAN format at the VCT CN Arena in Shanghai. Twelve partner teams from the VCT program are competing for two invitations to Masters Bangkok and China Points, which are essential for qualifying for the World Championship.