VCT Champions 2023 demonstrates the high quality of the Chinese region

There is no doubt that the popularity of Chinese teams in VALORANT’s top-level competitive scene was very much in question, as very few teams had demonstrated a good level of play. However, after the start of VALORANT Champions 2023, we can affirm that, without a doubt, the level and quality of play of Chinese teams is at its peak.

Likewise, it is also worth mentioning that EDward Gaming gave the first warning in the Masters Tokyo since they managed to advance to the playoffs and finish within the TOP 6 of the table. In addition, thanks to this level of play, these teams become serious candidates to fight for the championship trophy.

Chinese teams prove their worth at VCT Champions 2023

As we know, 3 Chinese teams were at the VCT Champions 2023, EDward Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, and FunPlus Phoenix. The first two managed to advance to the tournament’s playoffs after finishing second in their respective groups. However, T1 was just one win away from qualifying.

@BilibiliGaming TAKE DOWN NRG AND ADVANCED TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter. com/Cujd9fSCx8

— VALORANT Esports CN (@valesports_cn) August 13, 2023

As we can see, two of the three Chinese teams achieved their qualification to the playoffs, which may be a surprise considering that they are not teams belonging to any VCT region. In addition, EDG’s performance at the Tokyo Masters marked the first victory of a Chinese team in an international tournament. As a result, that two teams are in the VALORANT Champions playoffs only shows that this region is growing increasingly and that they are certainly not in “development.”

Chinese teams’ path in the VCT Champions 2023

We start with EDward Gaming, a team drawn in Group A alongside KRÜ, Paper Rex, and Giants, one team from each VCT region. In their first match, the EDG boys beat Giants 2-1 in an excellent reverse sweep to advance to the Winners Match.

However, the team fell short against VCT Pacific League champions Paper Rex and lost 0-2. Finally, EDG sealed their qualification to the playoffs thanks to an excellent victory, for the second time in this Group Stage, against Giants by 2-0.

[2023 VALORANT CHAMPIONS LOS ANGELES]
EDG 2:0 GIA
Despite voices of doubt，we will ultimately prove ourselves.#EDGWIN #VALORANTCHAMPIONS📷 #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/jbBBaCYrldU

— Edward Gaming (@EDG_Edward) August 13, 2023

Bilibili Gaming, meanwhile, had a somewhat less complicated Group but had to face Fnatic, the best team in the world today. In their first match, the Bilibili boys crushed the North American squad NRG with a score of 2-0. Then, Fnatic ran over them to get revenge on NRG with a solid 2-0.

Finally, in the Decider Match, Bilibili faced NRG again, and, as in the first match of the Group Stage, they managed a 2-0 victory to seal their ticket to the VCT Champions 2023 playoffs.

EDward Gaming are candidates to fight for the title of champions

While it is true that EDG was a kind of “wild card” in this VCT Champions 2023, they are now candidates to fight for first place in the tournament. However, that “wildcard” we now mention is Bilibili Gaming since they have also shown a great improvement in their level of play.

On the other hand, it is also worth mentioning that we currently have two teams from each region of the world in the playoffs of the VCT Champions 2023. Also, considering the level and quality of the Chinese teams currently, Fnatic’s “impending victory” might be somewhat affected.

After the playoff draw, EDG will face Evil Geniuses, while Bilibili Gaming will face DRX on August 17. Regardless of the results of these matches, there is no doubt that the Chinese region should be happy with the performance of their teams in this important tournament, such as the VCT Champions 2023.

Header: Yosemite | Twitter