We continue our coverage of VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff. Today, our focus shifts to the first round of the lower bracket, where Team Liquid will face off against Apeks. This is a decisive match, as a loss means elimination from the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at both teams to evaluate their current form and chances of winning.

Team Form

Team Liquid

Team Liquid wrapped up their last tournament, Monsters Reloaded 2024, with a 3rd-4th place finish, which can be seen as a disappointment for a team of their caliber. However, they kicked off the new season with a strong victory against KOI in their opening match of the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff. Notably, the team made significant roster changes before the season, revamping 50% of their lineup. This adds an element of unpredictability: on one hand, it could refresh their gameplay style, but on the other, player synergy might still be a work in progress.

Apeks

Apeks last appeared on the official stage in September 2024. Since then, they haven’t competed in any tournaments, which could affect their match readiness. Nonetheless, their accomplishment—winning the VCT Ascension EMEA 2024 to secure a spot in the top-tier VCT—deserves recognition. In their last five games, Apeks secured three wins but fell to Eintracht Frankfurt and UCAM Esports Club. This highlights their potential but raises concerns about their consistency due to the lack of recent practice.

Map Pool

Team Liquid

Given their strategy, Team Liquid likely first ban will be Lotus, where their performance has been underwhelming. However, they might opt for Fracture as their pick, a map they’ve recently played, indicating growing confidence.

Apeks

With a strong map pool, Apeks are expected to lean on their most successful maps: Icebox and Ascent, where they boast an impressive 90% win rate. They are likely to ban Split, a map where their stats are less convincing. Apeks may choose Haven, a map on which they have an 81% win rate across 26 matches.

The expected decider map is Icebox, where both teams perform well, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

Head-to-Head Matchups

In the past six months, Team Liquid and Apeks have not faced each other, making this matchup particularly intriguing. Without direct comparisons, the outcome will hinge on the current form and effectiveness of each team’s strategies.

Match Prediction

Based on their current form, Team Liquid holds an edge thanks to their recent match experience and their confident win against KOI. However, Apeks, despite their lack of recent practice, have a strong map pool and robust stats on key maps.

Prediction:

• If Team Liquid can capitalize on Fracture, they may secure a map win.
• Apeks, with their strength on Icebox and Ascent, are likely to take the lead overall.

A close match is expected, with Apeks emerging victorious 2:1, thanks to their preparation and strong performances on statistically favorable maps.