Dragon Ranger Gaming will face TEC Esports in their second match at VCT 2025: China Stage 1, with a good chance to top Group Alpha after the match and increase their chances of making it to the playoffs. Let's assess the form of both teams and predict the winner of this matchup.

Current Team Form

TEC

TEC has participated in two tournaments since the start of the new season: VCT 2025: China Kickoff and VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 1, where they finished in last place (9-12). They have only one win in their last five matches – against TYLOO.

After two disappointing tournaments, the organization decided to take an unusual step and signed two additional players – TvirusLuke and CoCo. Now, TEC has eight main roster members and one more player on a trial period.

DRG

Like TEC, DRG also participated in VCT 2025: China Kickoff and VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 1 but showed significantly better results. They finished fourth at China Kickoff and secured a 5-8th place at Evolution Series Act 1. Three of their last five matches were victories. Two wins were against NOVA Esports – one of the strongest teams in China, while one of their losses was against the scene’s favorite – EDward Gaming.

DRG also strengthened their roster after the tournament by signing two newcomers: Ying and baize. As a result, their roster consists of eight players and two substitutes. However, no drastic changes occurred in the main lineup.

Map Pool

Predicted Map Picks

First ban phase:

• TEC is likely to ban Pearl.
• DRG will ban Fracture.

First map picks:

• TEC will pick Icebox.
• DRG will pick Haven.

Second ban phase:

• TEC will remove Ascent.
• DRG will likely ban Lotus.

Decider:

• Pearl remains, a map both teams play but with a relatively low win rate.

Expected map pool: Icebox (TEC), Haven (DRG), Pearl (decider).

Head-to-Head History

The last time these teams met was almost a year ago, and Dragon Ranger Gaming emerged victorious. Before that, they faced each other twice more, with DRG winning both encounters. This makes the head-to-head history entirely in DRG’s favor (3-0).

Match Prediction

On paper, DRG looks like a significantly stronger team. They consistently compete at the level of the best teams in China, while TEC has been struggling to find stability and deliver strong results.

More experienced players, better form, and head-to-head history favor DRG. TEC might put up a fight on Icebox, but DRG's overall level of play should allow them to close out the match.

Expected result: 2-0 in favor of DRG.

VCT 2025: China Stage 1 runs from March 13 to May 4 in a LAN format at VCT CN Arena in Shanghai. Twelve partnered teams from VCT China are competing for three spots at Masters Toronto, as well as for China Points, which are crucial for qualification to Champions 2025.