Another day at VCT 2025: China Kickoff is behind us. Some underdog teams are now starting their journey in the lower bracket of the tournament. JD Gaming and XLG Esports face off in the second round of the lower bracket — the loser will be eliminated. We aim to predict the outcome of this match based on various factors influencing the game.

Current Team Form

JD Gaming

Over the past month, JD Gaming participated in the FGC VALORANT Invitational 2024 and Superb Cup. Both tournaments ended poorly for the team, much like the rest of 2024. The club consistently placed 5th–6th, failing to achieve any significant results.

Out of their last five matches, JD Gaming secured only two victories, both against Titan Esports Club. Their losses came against Dragon Ranger Gaming, EDward Gaming, and XLG Esports.

The team is not in good shape. Their decision to retain the current roster appears questionable, as the results have fallen short of expectations.

XLG Esports

XLG Esports has demonstrated strong results over the past month. They claimed first place at the Superb Cup, showcasing their high potential. Additionally, they reached the finals of the Shanghai Esports Masters 2024, losing only to Wolves Esports.

Out of their last five matches, XLG Esports won four, losing only to Bilibili Gaming. The team is in great form and has consistently performed at a high level throughout 2024.

Given JD Gaming's current struggles, XLG Esports stands out as the clear favorite.

Map Pool Analysis

The map selection process is as follows: both teams first ban one map, then pick one each, followed by another ban, leaving a single map as the decider.

JD Gaming

JD Gaming has a high win rate on Haven (64%) and Icebox (63%). They frequently play Bind (47% win rate) and Ascent (40%). Considering their current form, JD Gaming will likely want to avoid playing on Bind, where their results are below average.

Prediction:

• Ban: Bind
• Pick: Haven
• Ban: Ascent

XLG Esports

XLG Esports excels on Icebox (100% win rate) and Bind (68%). They also perform well on Haven (57%). They most often select Bind (19 matches) and Ascent (9 matches). Given their opponent’s preferences, XLG Esports may ban Haven.

Prediction:

• Ban: Haven
• Pick: Icebox
• Ban: Pearl
• Decider: Ascent

Head-to-Head Record

JD Gaming and XLG Esports have faced each other three times in the last four months, with XLG Esports winning all three encounters. Two matches ended 2:0, while one concluded 2:1. This further highlights XLG Esports dominance in head-to-head matches.

Match Prediction

Considering current form, head-to-head history, and map pool analysis, XLG Esports are the clear favorites. Their consistent performances over the past year, victory at the Superb Cup, and strong results on key maps suggest a high likelihood of their victory.

Final Prediction: XLG Esports will win 2:0, with JD Gaming possibly offering some resistance on their selected map (Haven).