On January 25, the decisive match of the VCT 2025: China Kickoff will take place, where EDward Gaming will try to take revenge against Trace Esports. Although both teams have already secured their spots at Masters Bangkok, they continue to compete for additional China Points. In this article, we will try to predict the winner.

Current Form of Teams

EDward Gaming

EDward Gaming is showcasing exceptional form in the tournament. The team has won four of their last five matches, dropping only one map. Their only loss was against Trace Esports with a score of 2:0. This reflects their consistency in the Chinese scene and their high level of experience, as they haven’t missed a major tournament since late 2022. In 2024, they claimed victory at Champions. The team has already secured their spot at Masters Bangkok and is now fighting for additional China Points.

Trace Esports

Trace Esports has won all three of their last matches at the VCT 2025: China Kickoff, dropping only one map. Their form in the tournament shows they are ready to challenge the favorites. Like EDward Gaming, Trace Esports has also secured a spot at Masters Bangkok and aims to gain more China Points.

Map Pool of Teams

Predicted Map Picks

Map Bans:

• EDward Gaming is likely to ban Abyss, considering their tendency to avoid this map in recent matches.
• Trace Esports is expected to ban Haven, as they usually avoid it and EDward Gaming has secured back-to-back 13:0 wins on this map in the tournament.

First Map Picks:

• EDward Gaming might choose Lotus, as it is their most successful map with a 67% win rate.
• Trace Esports will likely pick Split, given their 61% win rate on this map.

Second Map Picks:

• EDward Gaming, with their diverse choices, may opt for Bind, where they have a 55% win rate.
• Trace Esports might choose Pearl to balance the matchup.

Decider Map:

• The decider map will most likely be Fracture, as neither team shows a strong preference for this map.

Head-to-Head Record

Over the past year, EDward Gaming and Trace Esports have faced each other six times. EDward Gaming won five of these matches, showcasing their dominance. However, during the VCT 2025: China Kickoff, Trace Esports managed to secure a 2:0 victory, which could give them a psychological advantage going into the final.

Match Prediction

Considering EDward Gaming's stability and historical success in head-to-head matches, they appear to be the favorites in this final. However, Trace Esports has proven they can defeat strong opponents, as seen in their recent encounter.

The match is expected to be intense and could end with a 3:2 scoreline in favor of EDward Gaming. Their deep map pool and international experience give them an edge, but Trace Esports has a chance to replicate their success.

The VCT 2025: China Kickoff is being held 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 spots at Masters Bangkok and valuable China Points, which are crucial for qualifying for the World Championship.