FPX, DRG, and EDG Qualify For VCT Kickoff Playoffs Stage

The favorites of each respective group in the VCT China Kickoff tournament have unsurprisingly made it through to the next stage. FunPlus Phoenix from Group A, Dragon Ranger Gaming from Group B, and EDward Gaming from Group C.

FunPlus Phoenix’s Run To Playoffs With Life

Heading into 2024, FunPlus Phoenix got the opportunity to bring in one of the most feared Duelists in China, Life. The Duelist made a name for himself from carrying a rather unknown team, Attacking Soul Esports. 

Unfortunately, he and ASE failed to qualify for VCT China after losing the Grand Final Ascension match against Dragon Ranger gaming. As a result, Life took a shortcut and joined FPX who had a franchising slot. 

In the start of their run, FunPlus Phoenix got an easy opponent in the form of Nova Esports, who they easily dispatched in a 2-0 series. FPX could win Nova Esports’ map pick of Sunset 13-10 and quickly convert their choice of Lotus 13-5. 

In the Group A winner’s match, FPX faced relatively tough opponents, Trace Esports. With both teams being almost evenly matched prior to the start, fans expected a barnburner of a series which they received.

All three maps went the distance. FPX stole Trace’s pick of Sunset after a close 13-11 victory, but Life and the boys had lost their grip on their map pick and were defeated 11-13 on Bind. In the decisive series, FunPlus Phoenix edged out Lotus 13-10 to qualify for Playoffs.

The series MVP was none other than the newest recruit, Life. Throughout three maps, the 21 year old had a KDA of 67/55/10 and an ACS of 269, the highest in the server by a decent margin. 

From Ascension to Playoffs For Dragon Ranger Gaming

The team that made it out of China’s Ascension stage was Dragon Ranger Gaming, who defeated Life’s former team. However, their promotion to the VCT wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as they were affected by a rule that only did not allow teams to have more than one foreign player.

Since DRG had two imported players, a member had to be dropped after making it past Ascension. Unfortunately, Zeno was forcefully cut off and replaced by TZH. There was nothing that could be done, so the Dragon Rangers carried on and played through the VCT Kickoff.

DRG’s first match was against All Gamers, arguably the weakest team in the franchise. The first map of the series didn’t start off well for DRG as they were down 5-9 on Sunset. However, a strong Attacking side helped the Rangers win 8 of the next 10 rounds to close the map. 

On their map pick of Ascent, DRG demolished All Gamers 13-4. After taking care of their opponents in the opening match, DRG faced Titan Esports Club, a team fielding ex-DRX player Rb. 

In the qualification match, the two teams traded their map picks, DRG winning 13-11 on Icebox and the Titans winning 13-8 on Split. In the decider on Bind, the Russian import vo0kashu displayed an impressive performance on Cypher to help DRG break through to the Playoffs.

EDward Gaming – A Little Too Close For Comfort

Since EDward Gaming was the most successful Chinese team in 2023, they were granted the privilege of skipping the opening match and immediately play in the qualification match. In the winner’s bracket, EDG waited for their opponents.

Bilibili Gaming were tasked to play Wolves Esports, a new organization on the block. In 2023, the top two Chinese teams were EDG and BLG, so everyone expected the two teams to clash in the winner’s bracket. However, the Wolves 2-0’d BLG to meet EDG for a spot at the Playoffs.

EDward Gaming picked the first map, Bind. Though everyone expected a clean stomp from KangKang and the crew, the Wolves put up a great fight despite losing the map 13-10. The underdogs proceeded to push their limits and defeated EDG on Ascent 13-10 after an impeccable showing from their Jett player, Spring. 

The third map was set to be Breeze. Somehow, the Wolves started playing out of their minds and posted a 10-6 lead, pushing EDG’s backs against the wall. However, KangKang didn’t want to be humiliated in front of thousands and helped his team streak 6 rounds in a row to win the map 13-11.

[VALORANT Champions Tour CN Kickoff]

Today’s results:
EDG 2:1 WOL

G1 MVP:CHICHOO
G3 MVP:ZmjjKK
Player of the match:ZmjjKK

Let’s go,EDG!🔥#VCTCN #EDGWIN pic.twitter.com/qqPxipNEQJ

— Edward Gaming (@EDG_Edward) February 25, 2024

It was a valiant effort from the Wolves, and even though they didn’t win the series, they certainly put themselves on every team’s radar. EDG reach the Playoffs while Wolves Esports will have a second crack at it against BLG in the loser’s match. 

In the Playoffs stage, four teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket. The two finalists will receive invitations to VCT Masters Madrid.

Header: EDward Gaming