VCT Update: Americas and China crown their Champions

The first split of the VCT 2025 season came to a dramatic close this past week in both the China and Americas regions, with ascension teams Xi Lai Gaming (XLG) and G2 Esports stealing the spotlight in championship runs.

In China, XLG delivered a near-flawless playoff performance, losing just a single map—and that too in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming (BLG). Known for their consistent use of the year’s standout composition featuring Breach, Tejo, and Yoru, XLG showcased strategic mastery, with the final culminating in a tense battle marked by two overtime maps.

Both XLG and BLG had to overcome titanic opposition on their path to the final, including toppling reigning world champions EDward Gaming (EDG). This marked a symbolic passing of the torch, as longtime titans like EDG, FPX, and Trace faltered, while fresh contenders such as XLG, Wolves, and a revitalized BLG rose to prominence.

Meanwhile, across the globe in the Americas, G2 Esports affirmed their position as tournament favorites—albeit not without turbulence. After an upset loss to Sentinels (SEN) in the upper bracket final, G2 mounted a determined lower bracket comeback. They exacted revenge on SEN in the grand final, securing a 3–1 victory and their first split title. MIBR, energized by star player aspas, finished a strong third, with their only losses coming at the hands of the top two squads.

In contrast, the biggest disappointment came from KRU Esports. Despite dominating the regular season, KRU crumbled in playoffs, exiting without a single map win. Evil Geniuses (EG) managed to craft a classic lower bracket run reminiscent of past underdog tales under coach Potter’s leadership.

While China and Americas have crowned their champions, the action continues elsewhere. Pacific playoffs are already underway, with the Paper Rex (PRX) train building momentum at an alarming pace. Gen.G and RRQ will clash in the upper bracket, with the loser likely to meet the winner of PRX vs. DRX—a matchup echoing the legendary 2023 finals, now reignited in the lower bracket.

Over in EMEA, playoffs are set to begin on May 8. As always, fans await not only top-tier gameplay but also hold their breath for minimal technical pauses—because some VCT traditions, it seems, never change.