Spring 2025 marked a turning point for RRQ Kazu. In a season filled with fierce competition at the FFWS SEA Spring 2025, the team proved one thing that few others could: consistency. While they may not have taken home the championship trophy, their journey was nothing short of inspiring—and truly worthy of a standing ovation.
A Grueling Format: Long, Exhausting, and Full of Drama
Before diving into RRQ Kazu’s incredible run, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the tournament’s intense format.
The Knockout Stage ran from April 25 to June 1, 2025, featuring 18 teams: 14 from FFWS SEA Fall 2024, plus 4 national champions from Spring qualifiers (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia). The stage was split into two phases:
- Phase 1 (April 25 – May 11): 9 matchdays, round-robin format, with each team playing a total of 36 games. Based on their ranking, teams were then divided into two pools: Top 12 and Bottom 6 (13th–18th).
- Phase 2 (May 16 – June 1): This is where things got intense. Weeks 4 and 5 followed a mini-playoff style. Each day, only one team from the Top 12 could secure a direct slot to the Grand Finals, while a team from the bottom pool joined the matchday rotation.
- Week 6: The final 12 teams (11 remaining from Top 12 plus the lowest-ranked team from Phase 1) battled it out for the last 6 Grand Final slots.
The Grand Finals took place on June 14, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam—featuring 12 of the best teams in a dramatic Champion Rush format.
Knockout Stage: Steady Climb to the Top
From the opening matchday, RRQ Kazu set the tone with their steady and smart gameplay. Across the 9 matchdays in Phase 1, they collected 534 points—enough to secure the #1 overall position, ahead of powerhouses like Buriram United and EVOS Divine.
Some of their standout moments included:
- Day 2: A fiery surge with 103 points
- Day 4 & 6: Reliable performances with 80+ points
- Day 8 & 9: A strong finish with 98 and 91 points respectively
What set RRQ Kazu apart wasn’t flashy domination, but their ability to consistently earn placement points and clutch kills. Their macro play and team chemistry shone through, reflecting a squad that truly understood the long game.
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Grand Finals: A Day of Highs and Lows
When the Grand Finals came around, RRQ Kazu faced some of the fiercest teams in the region—ONIC Olympus, Buriram United, and Bigetron, to name a few. But RRQ Kazu didn’t back down.
- Game 3: A strong showing with 4th place and 13 kills
- Game 5: Total dominance with a 1st place finish and 11 kills
- Game 8: A stunning comeback with 15 kills and another 1st place
Despite these incredible performances, setbacks in Games 1, 4, and 6 hurt their final standing. After all 9 games, RRQ Kazu finished 6th overall, with a respectable 93 points.
The Reward: A Ticket to EWC 2025 and More
That 6th place finish wasn’t just symbolic—it was monumental. It earned RRQ Kazu a coveted ticket to the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025. Along with their qualification, they took home a $15,000 USD cash prize and the honor of being named Team of the Day on Day 2, a recognition of their explosive performance.
What’s Next?
RRQ Kazu’s performance in FFWS SEA Spring 2025 sent a clear message: they are not a one-hit wonder. This is a team that can thrive in long-format tournaments, adapt under pressure, and maintain momentum across weeks of play.
With EWC 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Kings. One thing is certain—this is only the beginning of their next chapter.