The stage was set in Paris for VALORANT Champions 2025, the pinnacle of global competition with a staggering $2,250,000 prize pool. For those unfamiliar, this event is the equivalent of the World Cup for VALORANT—a place where only the world’s finest teams earn the right to compete.
The format left little room for error. From September 12–22, 2025, teams battled through a double-elimination Group Stage (GSL system). Each group featured four teams, with all matches played in best-of-three series. Only the top two would move forward to the Playoffs.
Check this out too: Does Esports Need Physical Aptitude? A Scientific Reexamination of the Gamer’s Body
The Teams
Sixteen elite squads punched their ticket to Paris, representing the very best of their regions:
- VCT Americas: G2 Esports, Sentinels, MIBR, NRG
- VCT EMEA: Fnatic, Team Liquid, Team Heretics, GIANTX
- VCT CN (China): Bilibili Gaming, EDward Gaming, XLG Esports, Dragon Ranger Gaming
- VCT Pacific: Paper Rex, T1, Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ), DRX
RRQ’s Journey in Group B
Representing the VCT Pacific, RRQ found themselves in Group B alongside titans Fnatic (EMEA), MIBR (Americas), and Bilibili Gaming (China). The group would prove to be a gauntlet.
- Opening Match: RRQ vs Fnatic
Facing one of EMEA’s giants right away, RRQ struggled to gain momentum. Fnatic controlled the tempo from start to finish, closing the series 2-0. - Elimination Match: RRQ vs Bilibili Gaming
With their tournament life on the line, RRQ met Bilibili Gaming in a dramatic three-map showdown. In one of the most spirited performances of their run, RRQ clawed back for a narrow 2-1 victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive. - Decider Match: RRQ vs MIBR
The final hurdle proved too steep. MIBR’s composure and tactical discipline left little opening for RRQ, who fell 2-0. With one win and two losses, RRQ concluded the group in third place—just short of advancing.
Who Advanced
From Group B, Fnatic and MIBR secured playoff spots. Across the board, the top eight shaped up as:
- Group A: Paper Rex, GIANTX
- Group B: Fnatic, MIBR
- Group C: NRG, DRX
- Group D: Team Heretics, G2 Esports
Reflection
RRQ’s campaign may have ended in the Group Stage, but reaching Champions itself remains a milestone worthy of respect. This is the highest stage of VALORANT—reserved only for the best of the best across every region.
For RRQ, Paris was not just an ending but a reminder of what’s possible. With hard lessons learned and renewed fire, the Kings will look to return stronger, hungrier, and ready to climb higher when the next season begins.