Reigning VALORANT Champion EDward Gaming was defeated in its opening match at VALORANT Champions 2025 by Group C’s darkish horse NRG.
Within the second sequence of the day, one of many occasion favourites, Group Liquid, suffered an sudden upset by the hands of the group’s fourth seed, DRX.
NRG Defeats Reigning Champion EDward Gaming
Within the first sequence of the day, reigning VALORANT Champion and VCT China’s third seed EDward Gaming (EDG) delivered an inconsistent efficiency versus VCT Americas Stage 2 runner-up NRG.
Though NRG’s rookies have been making their worldwide debut on considered one of EDG’s traditionally sturdy maps, Abyss, the gamers resiliently secured the sequence 2-0.
Each groups have been extra snug on Abyss’ assault aspect, permitting EDG to attain a dominant 10-2 half. The Chinese language roster additionally showcased how the current Sage buff helps to get extra worth out of the agent. Nevertheless, after a devastating defence and shaky gun duels, NRG efficiently deployed set assault methods and ultimates to snowball its manner into extra time.
The Americas workforce persevered by way of a number of back-and-forth rounds to conclude extra time with a daring push previous the A backsite. Regardless of dropping each pistols, NRG stole EDG’s map choose 17-15.
On Corrode, NRG’s Waylay comp had an uncannily weak defence half (6-6) because it struggled to realize momentum after dropping the primary pistol spherical. Furthermore, EDG’s various assault approaches well navigated across the enemy Odin and Operator to transform explosive web site executes.
Like within the earlier map, NRG as soon as once more got here to life on the assault. The North American squad gained its first pistol of the sequence, adopted by profitable web site pops and hero performs to achieve match level. Whereas EDG tried to carry it to extra time, its members have been caught remoted too many instances, and in the end misplaced Corrode 11-13.
DRX Secures Upset In opposition to Group Liquid
The second sequence noticed two of the traditionally finest Abyss groups take the stage. Regardless of being favoured within the match-up, VCT EMEA Stage 2 champion Group Liquid went 0-2 towards a well-prepared Pacific third seed in DRX.
As we speak’s Abyss saga continued with a formidable show from DRX on its new Yoru/Waylay double-duelist workforce composition. Utilizing DRX’s outdated double-initiator comp, Group Liquid had a gradual begin on the defence, however then evened out the rating 6-6 by working it down for a number of rounds.
Throughout DRX’s defence half, Kim ‘MaKo’ Myeong-kwan introduced again a as soon as generally used one-way on-site Omen smoke to lock down B. On the again of two pistol spherical wins, DRX grew to become the primary workforce to defeat Liquid on Abyss (13-8).
Liquid’s map choose, Bind, started scrappy as each traded rounds by way of quite a few thrifties and chaotic teamfights. Whereas Group Liquid often succeeded with aggressive performs on its defence, its double-initiator workforce composition additionally struggled towards DRX’s Yoru/Waylay combo. Waylay’s potential to push enemies off their websites immediately counters Liquid’s sport plan of combating on mentioned websites.
Following an excellent half, Liquid secured its first pistol of the sequence. The EMEA workforce efficiently executed inventive assault methods till it discovered itself disrupted by Cho ‘Flashback’ Min-hyuk on the Operator. By defusing the spike proper below Group Liquid’s nostril two consecutive instances, DRX reached match level and claimed Bind one spherical later (13-10).
Group D Debuts Tomorrow
Following the primary spherical of Group C matches, as we speak’s winners, NRG and DRX, will face off on September 18th. Two days later, EDG and Liquid should struggle for survival within the group’s decrease bracket.
Nevertheless, VALORANT Champions will already proceed tomorrow with the debut of all 4 Group D groups. The day will kick off with a best-of-three (BO3) sequence between VCT China Stage 2 runner-up, Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG), and Masters Bangkok champion T1.
Followers can tune into all VALORANT Champions matches by way of VCT’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
