Continuing our coverage of all matches in the second qualifiers of VCT 2025: China Stage 1, we return to the second week after a short break. Tomorrow, the first match will take place between EDward Gaming and Nova Esports, and below, we will try to predict its outcome.
Current Form of the Teams
EDward Gaming
The top team in their region and reigning world champions, EDward Gaming, continue to uphold their status as favorites. Their victory in the Kickoff qualifiers, followed by a third-place finish at Masters Bangkok, demonstrated that they have not lost their form since last season and remain one of the strongest teams in the world. EDward Gaming has won three of their last five matches, defeating TYLOO, G2 Esports, and T1. Their two losses came against G2 Esports and T1.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| EDward Gaming | 2 - 0 | TYLOO |
| EDward Gaming | 1 - 3 | T1 |
| EDward Gaming | 0 - 2 | G2 Esports |
| EDward Gaming | 2 - 1 | T1 |
| EDward Gaming | 2 - 1 | G2 Esports |
In this match, EDward Gaming is the clear favorite, making it highly unlikely that their opponents have any real chance of securing a win.
Nova Esports
Nova Esports had a rough start to the current season. Their VCT 2025: China Kickoff run ended with a 7th-8th place finish, causing them to miss out on Masters. Although they later won the VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 1, this tournament had no major significance, and most teams did not take it seriously. Out of their last five matches, Nova Esports won four—against Wolves Esports, BiliBili Gaming, Trace Esports, and FunPlus Phoenix. Their only loss was against Dragon Rangers Gaming. Overall.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Esports | 0 - 2 | Dragon Ranger |
| Nova Esports | 3 - 0 | Wolves Esports |
| Nova Esports | 2 - 0 | Bilibili Gaming |
| Nova Esports | 2 - 0 | FunPlus Phoenix |
| Nova Esports | 2 - 1 | Trace Esports |
Nova Esports can be considered a mid-tier team in their region.They do not participate in international events, and against such a high-caliber opponent, they have virtually no chances of success.
Map Pool
Expected Bans:
- EDward Gaming may ban Pearl
- Nova Esports may ban Ascent
Expected Picks:
- EDward Gaming is likely to pick Haven
- Nova Esports is expected to go for Fracture
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, these teams have faced each other twice. The first encounter was at the Superb Cup, where Nova Esports won 3-1. However, since this tournament had no real stakes, it's unlikely that EDward Gaming took it seriously. Their second meeting was at VCT 2025: China Kickoff, where EDward Gaming secured a dominant 2-0 victory.
Match Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams and their past results, it's safe to say that EDward Gaming is the undeniable favorite. The reigning world champions have not only maintained their form but have continued to improve as the season progresses.
Predicted result: EDward 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 partnered VCT China teams will compete for three spots at Masters Toronto, along with China Points, which are crucial for qualification to the upcoming world championship.
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