Opening VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff with the second match between Karmine Corp and Natus Vincere. Both teams delivered rather mediocre results last season, making it crucial for them to start redeeming themselves now. Additionally, this match is quite personal for both sides, as one of NAVI's former players has joined Karmine Corp, which will undoubtedly add more intrigue to the clash.

Current Form of the Teams

Karmine Corp

The team hasn’t participated in any tournaments over the past month. Their last event was the Red Bull Home Ground #5, held two months ago, where Karmine Corp was eliminated after losing to G2 Esports and then FUT Esports, finishing near the bottom of the standings.

In their last five matches, Karmine Corp secured two victories — both against KOI — and suffered three defeats to FUT Esports, G2 Esports, and FNATIC. The team is neither a clear favorite nor an underdog for this tournament. However, after signing four new players, including experienced top-tier esports athletes, Karmine Corp's chances for success have significantly improved.

Natus Vincere

NAVI has been absent from the competitive scene for the past month, with their most recent official matches taking place five months ago. In their last five games, NAVI managed only one victory against Gentle Mates, while suffering defeats to Team Vitality (twice), GIANTX, KOI, and FUT Esports.

It's worth mentioning that NAVI has also made roster changes. However, their key players remain the same, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. In their current form, NAVI looks weaker than Karmine Corp and will face a tough challenge in this match.

Map Pool Analysis

Karmine Corp

The team frequently plays the following maps:

• Lotus — 21 matches (57% win rate)
• Bind — 18 matches (72% win rate)
• Ascent — 17 matches (29% win rate)

Maps with the highest win rates:

• Bind — 72%
• Fracture — 67%
• Lotus — 57%

Predicted map picks:

• Ban: Lotus
• Pick: Bind

Natus Vincere

The team frequently plays the following maps:

• Ascent — 43 matches (63% win rate)
• Split — 34 matches (56% win rate)
• Bind — 31 matches (48% win rate)

Maps with the highest win rates:

• Ascent — 63%
• Fracture — 73%
• Pearl — 92%

Predicted map picks:

• Ban: Haven
• Pick: Pearl

Head-to-Head History

The teams haven’t faced each other in the last six months. Their most recent encounter took place in May 2024, when NAVI won 2-1. However, significant roster changes have taken place since then, making that result irrelevant for predicting the upcoming match.

Match Prediction

Both teams are entering this match with heavily restructured rosters. However, Karmine Corp appears better prepared, thanks to the addition of well-known players, including Saadhack, one of the best in-game leaders in the world. Furthermore, SUYGETSU, who previously played for NAVI, is now on Karmine Corp's roster. His knowledge of NAVI's strengths and weaknesses could play a decisive role in this match.

Prediction: Karmine Corp to win 2-1.

VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff takes place from January 15 to February 9 in LAN format at the Riot Games Arena. Twelve partner teams from the VCT program are competing for two invitations to Masters Bangkok, as well as EMEA Points, which are key to qualifying for the World Championship.