RRQ Hoshi were forced to end their journey early at the Games of the Future 2025. Beyond falling short in key moments, they also ran into the strongest representative from China in the quarterfinals—an obstacle that ultimately proved too difficult to overcome.
Also Read: If Science Is Clear, Why Do We Still Blame Video Games?
A Fast Start in the Group Stage
Arriving with a roster of Dyren (EXP lane), Idok (roamer), Sutsujin (jungler), Toyy (gold lane), and Rinz (mid lane), RRQ Hoshi were placed into Group C—arguably one of the most demanding groups in the tournament. The group featured elite teams from multiple regions:
- Team Spirit (Russia)
- Team Falcons (Saudi Arabia)
- The Mongolz (Mongolia)
On paper, the group was dangerous. In practice, RRQ Hoshi started strong.
They opened the group stage with a convincing 2–0 victory over Team Spirit, showcasing clean execution, solid objective control, and disciplined team play. Momentum carried into their second match, where RRQ edged out Team Falcons 2–1 in a tightly contested series.
Those two wins secured RRQ Hoshi a direct spot in the Quarterfinals, allowing them to bypass additional elimination rounds. At that point, the tournament seemed to be moving in their favor.
The Chinese Wall: DianFengYaoGuai
The story shifted in the quarterfinals.
RRQ Hoshi faced DianFengYaoGuai, and the series unfolded as a hard-fought battle. RRQ managed to take one game, but consistency slipped at critical moments. The match ended in a 1–2 defeat, marking the end of their run.
For followers of the Chinese MLBB scene, the result was hardly surprising. DianFengYaoGuai are far from an ordinary opponent. They are the reigning champions of MLBB China Master 2025, the tournament that serves as China’s qualification path to M7.
Earlier in the year, they also claimed the title at the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025 – China Qualifier, earning their place at MSC 2025 within the EWC 2025 circuit. With that résumé, DianFengYaoGuai stand at the very top of Chinese MLBB competition.
An Early Exit, and a Bigger Picture
RRQ Hoshi’s 2025 season has been defined by contrast.
In the first half of the year, they delivered a strong domestic performance at MPL Indonesia Season 15. RRQ finished the Regular Season at the top of the standings with 12 wins and 4 losses, then came agonizingly close to the championship—falling 3–4 to ONIC in the Grand Final.
The second half of the year, however, told a different story.
At MSC 2025 in July, RRQ were eliminated in the quarterfinals after a narrow 3–2 loss to SRG. That downturn continued in MPL ID Season 16, where RRQ recorded their worst domestic result to date, finishing 7th and missing the Playoffs entirely.
Against that backdrop, the early exit from Games of the Future 2025 feels less like an isolated setback and more like part of a broader pattern.
RRQ Hoshi leave the tournament earlier than expected. It is not the outcome they wanted—but it clearly highlights the areas that must be addressed if they aim to return to international contention in 2026.
The road forward is demanding. But clarity, at least, has been achieved.