On April 12, Trace Esports and Bilibili Gaming will play their final group stage match at VCT 2025: China Stage 1. For Bilibili Gaming, this match has no impact on their playoff qualification, as they have already secured a spot. Trace Esports, on the other hand, are also guaranteed to qualify but are fighting for a top-3 finish to secure an upper bracket slot in the playoffs.
Current Form
Trace Esports
Trace Esports have shown mixed results in 2025. They had a strong start at VCT 2025: China Kickoff, finishing in 2nd place, but their form declined afterwards — an early exit at Masters Bangkok (7th-8th place) and a poor showing at China Evolution Series: Act 1 (9th-12th place). At VCT 2025: China Stage 1, Trace Esports hold a 2:2 record, winning only two of their last five matches. The team has made no roster changes, which could either indicate stability or a lack of rapid progress.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 06, 15:10 | Trace Esports | 1 - 2 | XLG Esports | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 27, 13:00 | Trace Esports | 2 - 0 | JD Gaming | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 22, 13:30 | Trace Esports | 0 - 2 | Wolves Esports | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 14, 13:00 | Trace Esports | 2 - 1 | All Gamers | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Feb 23, 12:00 | Trace Esports | 0 - 2 | T1 | Masters Bangkok 2025 |
| Feb 21, 14:30 | Trace Esports | 0 - 2 | G2 Esports | Masters Bangkok 2025 |
Bilibili Gaming
Bilibili Gaming continue to solidify their status as regional favorites. Although they missed out on Masters Bangkok, their 3rd place finish at the VCT 2025: China Kickoff qualifiers proves their high level of play. Currently, Bilibili Gaming are in excellent form — they have won five matches in a row, defeating All Gamers, XLG Esports, JDG Esports twice, and Wolves Esports. This winning streak demonstrates their perfect preparation heading into the playoffs.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04, 14:00 | Bilibili Gaming | 2 - 1 | Wolves Esports | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 30, 14:30 | Bilibili Gaming | 2 - 0 | All Gamers | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 23, 14:10 | Bilibili Gaming | 2 - 1 | JD Gaming | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Mar 13, 13:00 | Bilibili Gaming | 2 - 1 | XLG Esports | VCT 2025: China Stage 1 |
| Feb 15, 11:00 | Bilibili Gaming | 3 - 0 | JD Gaming | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Feb 14, 11:00 | Bilibili Gaming | 0 - 2 | Nova Esports | VALORANT China Evolution |
| Feb 10, 11:00 | Bilibili Gaming | 2 - 0 | TYLOO | VALORANT China Evolution |
Map Pool
Expected bans and picks:
- Trace Esports ban Icebox
- Bilibili Gaming ban Lotus
Map Picks:
- Trace Esports likely pick Split
- Bilibili Gaming pick Pearl
Second Ban Phase:
- Trace Esports ban Haven
- Bilibili Gaming ban Fracture
Decider:
- Ascent
Head-to-Head
The last head-to-head matches between these teams took place 4 and 6 months ago. Trace Esports won both encounters, though the games were closely contested. The overall head-to-head record favors Trace Esports 6:2, highlighting their historical advantage in this matchup.
Match Prediction
Despite Trace Esports’ historical advantage, Bilibili Gaming’s current form looks far more convincing. With five consecutive wins, stable performance on Pearl and Ascent, and a solid overall map balance, they are an even match for Trace Esports. However, Trace Esports' experience gives them the edge in high-pressure games, and we expect a close contest where Trace Esports will come out on top.
Prediction: Trace Esports to 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 teams from VCT China are competing for three slots at Masters Toronto and valuable China Points needed for qualification to the upcoming Champions.
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