From Regional Leagues to the World Stage: How Teams Earned Their Spot at Valorant Champions 2025

Competitive video game fans and FPS enthusiasts can rejoice once again as the 2025 iteration of one of the biggest competitions, the Valorant Champions, is upon us. The hit tactical shooter by RIOT games has long proven to be exactly what the scene needs. After the continued, storied success of their MOBA giant League of Legends, they have done it once again with this amazing shooter. Valorant has been dominating the FPS sphere for years, since 2021 to be precise, with the first Champions.

The crowning event of the game’s eSports calendar began on September 12 and will last until October 10. But how have the 16 qualified teams earned their spot at the prestigious, year end tournament, and which among them are the biggest favorites? If you enjoy gaming and, better yet, betting on professional competitive eSports, read on to learn how each of them got where they are. From regional leagues to the world stage, it was a long and perilous path that only the best could walk.

Americas

G2 Esports had a phenomenal season in the VCT Americas region, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the world. After dominating Stage 1 and securing victories in major events throughout the year, they continued their momentum into Stage 2, where they ultimately won the regional playoffs. By finishing as champions of Stage 2, G2 secured one of the two automatic qualification spots from the Americas. NRG, on the other hand, took the second direct slot by making it to the Grand Final of the Stage 2 Playoffs. While they fell short in the final, their strong playoff run ensured a ticket to the Champions League and a booked flight for France. Valorant Champions 2025 betting odds are out, so check out how they fare.

Sentinels, despite not reaching the Stage 2 final, had built up a strong resume throughout the season. They performed well in earlier stages, particularly in Kickoff and Stage 1, and earned enough Championship Points to secure a spot at Champions as one of the top two non qualified teams. MIBR also benefited from consistent performances across the year. While they did not make the final in Stage 2, their cumulative points from earlier performances allowed them to qualify via the points leaderboard. It goes to show there are always more ways to get in, and winning is not always the only option.

EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa)

The most diverse region is often the toughest to get in from. Team Liquid earned its place at the Champions by winning the EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs. Their roster peaked at just the right time, pulling off a strong playoff run and ultimately defeating GIANTX in the final. It secured their direct qualification. GIANTX, the runner up in the Stage 2 Playoffs, which Liquid beat, claimed the second direct EMEA slot. Their late season surge, particularly their Stage 2 form, proved crucial in clinching a Champions berth.

FNATIC, one of the most consistent teams globally, did not make the Stage 2 final but accumulated more than enough Championship Points through deep runs in multiple events throughout the season. Their points performance was enough to earn them one of the two remaining EMEA spots. In much the same manner, Team Heretics rode a wave of strong mid season results, especially during Stage 1 and international events, to rack up enough points to qualify for Champions through the points system.

China

Bilibili Gaming emerged as the strongest team from the Chinese region after they had won the VCT China Stage 2 Playoffs and punched their ticket to Paris. Their performance throughout the year was solid, but their peak during Stage 2 earned them a direct qualification spot. The second direct spot? It was Dragon Ranger Gaming that took the safe way in by finishing as the runner up in the Stage 2 Playoffs. Their playoff surge was enough to secure their Champions place without relying on the points, calculations, and performance of others.

EDward Gaming, the reigning world champions, had a rocky Stage 2 but had already built a strong resume through consistent top finishes in prior events. It is not a definite way in as a defending camp, and they now know it. Their high Championship Points total kept them safe, and they qualified despite not making the Stage 2 final. XLG Esports was one of the surprise success stories of the season. While not widely favored early in the year, or before for that matter, their solid performances across multiple tournaments helped them accumulate enough points to claim the final Chinese spot for Champions. How far can they go? Here is how to bet on Valorant Champions 2025 if you like to favor the underdogs.

Pacific

Last but not least, the always intriguing Pacific region. Paper Rex continued to demonstrate their pedigree in the Pacific region by reaching the Grand Final of the Stage 2 Playoffs. This secured them one of the two automatic qualification spots. Their aggressive playstyle and veteran experience made them a consistent threat all year, and it culminated in the trip to France. T1, while not making the Stage 2 final, had an impressive showing across earlier stages, including a strong performance at the Masters and deep regional runs at other tournaments. These results netted them enough Championship Points to qualify.

Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) surprised many by consistently performing at a high level across the season. Though they fell short in Stage 2’s final rounds, their cumulative points total placed them among the top non finalists in the region, enough to make them a Champions berth team. Finally, DRX, a perennial powerhouse from Korea, maintained solid results throughout the year. While they did not have a standout performance in Stage 2, their overall consistency kept them high on the leaderboard, and they qualified via points. Veteran, proven teams often take this route because they know it is ultimately a marathon, not a sprint, when qualifying for the Championship. Stake has the latest odds and predictions on all things eSports, so be sure to hop on and make some bets.

Early Odds and Predictions

With the first batch of games already behind us, a few things have become clear, although there is still a ton of action and over three weeks to go in the tournament. GIANTX beat Sentinels 2-1, while Paper Rex beat XLG Esports 2-0 to open Group A. In Group C, DRX beat Team Liquid 2-0 while NRG beat EDward Gaming 2-0. Groups B and D are yet to play their opening matches. While this is nowhere near enough action to shake up the odds and predictions, it was nice to see the best of the best do what they do. Mind that the safe strategy of betting only on the favorites, big and famous organizations, and/or previous champions is not always the way to go.

G2 Esports has 1.42 odds to win against Team Heretics in their opener. Bilibili Gaming is the favorite with 1.50 against MIBR, while Rex Regum Qeon is the underdog when going against FNATIC, with 2.40 and 1.50 odds, respectively. Paper Rex is the heavy favorite with 1.26 odds against GIANTX, who got 3.40, while NRG Esports should also justify their favorite odds of 1.72 against DRX with 2.00. XLG Esports is the biggest underdog in the opening matches with 4.00 odds against Sentinels with 1.20, which means they could have nothing to lose and overachieve. Finally, Team Liquid should take care of business against EdWard Gaming, considering it is 1.38 vs 2.80 odds, respectively.

The Best Moments from Valorant Champions

• Acend’s Zeek 1v4 Clutch (Champions 2021)In the grand final, Zeek turned a desperate situation into a moment of legend by pulling off a 1v4 clutch against Gambit. It helped seal the championship for Acend and is still often replayed.
• EDward Gaming’s “Kangkang” 4K MVP Play (Champions 2024)In the final map decider of the Champions 2024 Grand Final, Kangkang used a Guardian in an eco round and still got four kills (all headshots), including two first bloods, to secure the championship round.
• Knife Play by Boo Against Meteor (Champions 2024)A dramatic moment happened when Boo used a Champions Katana to get a knife kill on Meteor in a 1v4 vs Gen.G vs Heretics. Such flashy plays are rare in big tournaments, so it stood out.
• Flashback’s Clutch vs Heretics (Champions 2024)In a close lower bracket match, with the score tied 13‑13, Flashback from DRX defused the spike and got two clean headshots in a high‑pressure situation.
• EG’s Commanding Win Over Paper Rex (Champions 2023 Final)Evil Geniuses defeated Paper Rex in the Grand Final without dropping a map, a display of dominance on the biggest stage of the year.
• LOUD vs OpTic Final (2022)The rivalry and tension of this matchup was incredible that year, especially in Champions 2022, making it one of the most anticipated finals. Loud eventually won, but all matches between them were certified bangers.
• Smoggy Sheriff Round vs Paper Rex (Champs 2024)In a group stage map (Lotus), Smoggy, using just a Sheriff, forced a buy and rushed into the plant site. He took out several enemies quickly and finished the round very fast, both an unexpected and wild outcome.
• Acend Becomes First Valorant World Champions (Berlin, 2021)Since it was the first time Champions ever occurred, Acend’s win in Berlin was historic and remains iconic. The event had many close maps (five‑map final) and immediately set the bar for future tournaments.
• The Growth of the China Region via EDG’s Win (Champions 2024)This was a big moment from the regional/global narrative. Edward Gaming (from China) winning the Champions in 2024 was the first time the VCT Champions title went to the China region. That was a huge milestone for competitive balance that shifted the regional power dynamics.

Valorant Champions FAQs

1. What is Valorant Champions?Valorant Champions is the annual culminating event of the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), where the top teams from around the world compete to become the world champions of Valorant.

2. How do teams qualify for Valorant Champions?Teams qualify through a combination of regional leagues, international tournaments, and Champions Points. The top performing teams from each region, plus a few from Last Chance Qualifiers, earn their spots.

3. How often is Valorant Champions held?Valorant Champions is held once a year, typically in August/September, and lasts for around 20 days. It concludes the competitive VCT season. The 2025 tournament is from September 12 to October 5.

4. Which regions are represented at Valorant Champions?Valorant Champions features teams from across the globe, including EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and China (starting officially in 2023).

5. What is the prize pool for Valorant Champions?The prize pool varies by year, but it has been around $2.25 million, with the winners earning $1 million, the 2nd place is $400,000, the 3rd place $250,000, and the 4th $130,000. Teams 5th-6th get $85,000, teams 7th-8th get $50,000, teams 9th-12th get $30,000, and those ranked 13th-16th get $20,000.

6. Do Valorant Champions skins contribute to the prize pool?Yes, and not insignificantly. A percentage of revenue from Champions themed skins goes directly to the qualified teams, making it a major source of support and community engagement.

7. Who won the first Valorant Champions tournament?The inaugural Valorant Champions in 2021 was won by Acend, a team from the EMEA region.

8. Which team has won the most Valorant Champions titles?As of 2024, LOUD (2022), Evil Geniuses (2023), and EDward Gaming (2024) are notable winners. No team has won more than one title yet, making the competition highly competitive and unpredictable.

9. Where has Valorant Champions been held?Valorant Champions has taken place in Berlin (2021), Istanbul (2022), Los Angeles (2023), and Seoul (2024), showcasing the global nature of the event. The current, 2025 edition, is being held in Paris.

10. Can fans attend Valorant Champions in person?Of course, it is one of gaming’s most prestigious and sought after events. Riot Games hosts the event in major arenas with live audiences that often sell out quickly. Tickets typically go on sale months in advance. This year, the group stage and playoffs are held at Les Arenes in Evry Courcouronnes (Paris suburb), with the top 4 going to Accor Arena (Paris proper).