EDward Gaming has emerged victorious at the VCT China Kickoff 2025, defeating Trace Esports 3-1 in the Grand Final. This marks the second time the organization has won a Kickoff event, further establishing its dominance in the Chinese VALORANT scene. With this win, EDG secures China’s top seed for VALORANT Masters Bangkok, setting the stage for an intense international showdown.
A Stellar Performance from ZmjjKK
One of the standout players of the tournament was Zheng ‘ZmjjKK‘ Yongkang, who delivered an MVP-worthy performance. Across 333 rounds, he maintained an impressive 270 ACS and a 1.27 KD, proving instrumental in EDG’s success. During the post-match interview, ZmjjKK confidently stated, “If EDG had not been born, VCT China would have been in eternal darkness.” His contributions were crucial in helping EDG navigate the competitive field and claim victory.
VCT China Kickoff 2025 (image via Getty)A Challenging Path to the Grand Final
The road to the Grand Final was anything but easy for EDG. Earlier in the tournament, Trace Esports had pushed them into the lower bracket after a fiercely contested Upper Semifinals match. However, EDG fought their way back, setting up a thrilling rematch in the championship round. With revenge on their minds, the team came prepared to make a statement.
A High-Stakes Grand Final Showdown
The series kicked off with a tense battle on Lotus. EDG dominated the first half, appearing poised to take control. However, Trace Esports mounted a strong comeback, securing six consecutive rounds after the side switch. With an 11-7 lead, Trace seemed to have the upper hand, but the match extended into overtime, where they ultimately clinched the map and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second map, Bind, saw Trace Esports come out strong with a commanding 6-0 lead. Just when it looked like they might extend their dominance, EDG found their rhythm and staged a remarkable comeback. They kept the game close before pulling off a late surge, sealing a hard-fought 13-11 victory to even the series at 1-1.
EDG Takes Command
Abyss, the third map, followed a similar pattern to Lotus, with both teams engaging in an intense back-and-forth contest. However, this time, EDG emerged victorious, taking control of key moments and securing the win. With momentum on their side, they entered the fourth and final map, Fracture, determined to close out the series.
EDG delivered an absolute masterclass on Fracture, dismantling Trace Esports with a dominant 13-2 performance. With that emphatic victory, EDG sealed the series 3-1, earning three Championship Points for the 2025 VCT season and cementing their status as the top team in China.
EDward Gaming, VCT China Kickoff 2025 (image via Getty)Looking Ahead to Masters Bangkok
With their victory at VCT China Kickoff, EDward Gaming, and Trace Esports have both secured their places at VALORANT Masters Bangkok, set to begin on February 20th. This international event will test their skills against some of the best teams from around the world, providing an opportunity to showcase the strength of Chinese VALORANT on the global stage.
EDG’s success in the Kickoff event further solidifies its reputation as a dominant force in the VALORANT esports scene. With their eyes set on even greater achievements, the team is now preparing for their next challenge, looking to carry their momentum into Masters Bangkok and beyond.
The Rise of Chinese VALORANT Esports
EDward Gaming’s journey to victory highlights the rapid rise of the Chinese VALORANT scene. With strong performances from multiple teams and increasing international recognition, China is becoming a formidable region in the competitive terrain. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with new rivalries forming and teams pushing the limits of their potential.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and intense battles for supremacy. With EDG leading the charge, the future of Chinese VALORANT esports looks brighter than ever.
