Today we return to VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff, specifically the top set. In the finals, T1 will face off against DRX for the first slot in the grand finals, as well as an invitation to Masters Bangkok. The match will be very interesting, and we will break down the form of both teams below.

Current form of the teams

T1

Former outsiders on the Korean scene, but now one of the top favorites in their region. T1 made some big changes to their lineup towards the end of 2024. Because of this, they successfully won one of the biggest events during OFFSEASONS - Red Bull Home Ground #5, and are performing well now. Over the last 5 matches, the squad has earned 5 wins over: FUT Esports, Cloud9, BOOM Esports, Paper Rex and Talon, and 0 losses.

T1 is a prime example of how lineup changes and the signing of new key players can positively affect the results and change the position of a team. Thanks to them, the Korean club is now one of the favorites in the Pacific region according to our editorial staff.

DRX

In turn, the second team DRX also made changes to the squad before the start of the season, although they were not as significant. Thanks to this, the team's performance at two events between the Spotlight Series Pacific 2024 and SOOP VALORANT League 2024 season ended with 3rd and 3rd-4th place finishes. In the last five meetings, the team has 4 wins over Gen.G, Nongshim RedForce, Rapid Lofi and BiliBili. In turn, the only one had to match against the same Gen.G.

The main problem of DRX is the lack of stability. The team often wins matches where it seemed to be a complete outsider, but mirror often loses skirmishes in which it seemed impossible to lose. DRX's level of play is good and above average, but it is their lack of stability that makes them weaker than their opponents.

Team Mapple

Expected bans:

• T1 will probably get Split banned.

• DRX will probably get Bind removed.

Expected picks:

• T1 will probably pick an unexpected Haven or Perl.

• DRX might take an unexpected Fracture.

Team face-offs

The teams have not had a face-to-face meeting in the last six months. The last one was at VCT 24: PAC Stage 1 where DRX won 2-1, but then both teams had a different lineup, so this match is not worth taking into account.

Match Prediction

Despite the strength of both teams, as we wrote above, you can expect anything from DRX. Lack of stability is a weakness of DRX, and in matches for the final, it can play a big role. Therefore, in the upcoming clash we will favor stable T1.

Match outcome: T1 wins 2-1

VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff will take place from June 18 to November 9 in LAN format at Colosseum Sangam in Seoul, Pivdenna Korea. Twenty-five VCT partner teams compete for two spots at Masters Bangkok and the all-important Pacific Points, which are key to qualifying for the World Championships.