FunPlus Phoenix, the undisputed leaders of Group Alpha after two weeks of play at VCT 2025: China Stage 1, are set to face Nova Esports. Let’s assess the form of both teams and predict the winner in this clash between two Chinese giants.
Current Form of the Teams
FunPlus Phoenix
FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) had a rough start to 2025. They finished 5th–6th at VCT 2025: China Kickoff and dropped out early at China Evolution Series Act 1, placing 5th–8th. Of their last five matches, FPX have only won two — both during China Stage 1, against TEC Esports and TYLOO, who are considered tournament underdogs.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 21, 13:00 | FunPlus Phoenix | 2 - 1 | TYLOO | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 16, 13:30 | FunPlus Phoenix | 2 - 0 | TEC Esports | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Feb 10, 13:30 | FunPlus Phoenix | 0 - 2 | Nova Esports | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Jan 22, 11:10 | FunPlus Phoenix | 1 - 2 | Dragon Ranger Gaming | VCT 2025: China Kickoff |
| Jan 20, 11:00 | FunPlus Phoenix | 0 - 2 | Bilibili Gaming | VCT 2025: China Kickoff |
| Jan 16, 11:10 | FunPlus Phoenix | 2 - 1 | TEC Esports | VCT 2025: China Kickoff |
After a series of setbacks, the team made a roster change - Shr1mp replaced BerLIN, who ended his professional career, and signed a sixth player, Chen “XII” Yen-hsiang, who had previously played only on the tier-2 stage. The update revitalized FPX’s gameplay, helping them top the group after Week 2. However, their performance against stronger opponents still remains a question mark.
Nova Esports
Nova Esports had a tough start to the season, finishing 7th–8th at VCT 2025: China Kickoff, which kept them out of Masters. They later won the VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 1 — although the event wasn’t taken seriously by most top teams. Nova have won four of their last five matches — defeating Wolves Esports, BiliBili Gaming, Trace Esports, and FPX. Their only recent loss was to Dragon Rangers Gaming. This shows a consistent upward trend in performance.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 13:00 | Nova Esports | 2 - 0 | EDward Gaming | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 15, 11:00 | Nova Esports | 0 - 2 | Dragon Ranger Gaming | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Feb 16, 11:00 | Nova Esports | 3 - 0 | Wolves Esports | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Feb 14, 11:00 | Nova Esports | 2 - 0 | Bilibili Gaming | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Feb 10, 13:30 | Nova Esports | 2 - 0 | FunPlus Phoenix | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Feb 08, 12:30 | Nova Esports | 2 - 1 | Trace Esports | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Jan 21, 11:00 | Nova Esports | 0 - 2 | Dragon Ranger Gaming | VCT 2025: China Kickoff |
Teams’ Map Pool
Expected map veto process:
Ban 1:
- FPX — Fracture
- Nova — Haven
Pick 1:
- FPX — Icebox
- Nova — Ascent
Ban 2:
- FPX — Split
- Nova — Pearl
Decider:
- Lotus
Head-to-Head Matches
Over the past five months, the teams have met twice. FPX won the first series 2:1, but in their most recent encounter, Nova Esports responded with a dominant 2:0 win. This shows that Nova has adapted well to FPX’s playstyle and enters the match with a psychological edge.
Match Prediction
Nova Esports are in peak form — beating strong opponents with a flexible map pool and solid performances on key maps. FPX, despite showing progress after recent roster changes, have yet to face teams of Nova’s caliber in this stage. Given Nova’s momentum, better head-to-head preparation, and recent win over FPX, they are the favorites going into this match.
Prediction: Nova Esports will win 2:1.
VCT 2025: China Stage 1 runs from March 13 to May 4 in LAN format at the VCT CN Arena in Shanghai. Twelve partnered VCT China teams are competing for three spots at Masters Toronto and valuable China Points crucial for qualifying for the upcoming Champions.
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