DRG and Nova Esports Secure Quarterfinal Spots at VCT China Kickoff
- Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) and Nova Esports claimed their first wins of the season, advancing to the quarterfinals of the VCT China Kickoff.
- DRG overcame JDG Esports in a hard-fought series, showcasing dominance on Abyss and Bind.
- Nova Esports secured a convincing 2-0 victory against All Gamers, capitalizing on strong synergy and standout performances.
We are back into the competitive stage, VCT China Kickoff had its first matches this weekend, and we were able to see some really exciting maps. DRG and Nova came out as winners in their respective matchups and now we look into the quarterfinals. With the VCTs resuming their action we are thrilled to be able to watch all the action they have to bring. Keep reading for all the information we have on this roster move and stay up to date on VALORANT rumors thanks to our expert esports tips!
DRG’s Resurgence Against JDG Esports
The second day of the VCT China Kickoff generated excitement when Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) went up against JDG Esports in a matchup of overhauled rosters. DRG, strengthened by the inclusion of Flex1n, a notable player from Bilibili Gaming’s Champions 2024 journey, seemed ready to make an impression. In the meantime, JDG came in with a significantly overhauled roster, seeking to generate momentum for the season.
We start our 2025 season with a W 2-1 vs @JDGaming!! #DRGWIN pic.twitter.com/UUzfwJx9se
— Dragon Ranger Gaming (@DRG_Valorant) January 12, 2025
The series began on JDG’s choice, Abyss, with DRG dominating their opponents with a convincing 13-5 victory. JDG managed only four attacking efforts before succumbing to DRG’s coordinated defense and precise strategy.
Nonetheless, JDG replied on Haven, driving the map into overtime thanks to strong efforts from Z1yan and stew, who combined for 57 kills. A key 2v4 clutch swung the momentum for JDG, resulting in a 15-13 victory to even the series.
DRG won the series on Bind 13-7, exhibiting excellent teamwork and strategy. The win propels them into the quarterfinals, where they will face Trace Esports in a much anticipated matchup. The stakes have increased this time, since Trace was the team DRG needed to defeat to qualify for Masters Shanghai last year.
Nova Esports’ Domination Over All Gamers
Unlike the back and forth struggle between DRG and JDG, Nova Esports simply overcame All Gamers (AG) with a 2-0 score. Although AG began the season with a larger 10-player squad, Nova maintained a stable lineup, a decision that paid well in their tournament debut.
NOVA 2-0 AG@NovaEsportsTeam wins Bind! #VCTCN pic.twitter.com/4jPqxBDvfL
— VALORANT Champions Tour CN (@valesports_cn) January 12, 2025
Nova dominated Abyss, winning 13-8 because of superb playmaking by o0o0o and Ezeir. Their combined 31 assists highlighted Nova’s chemistry and effectiveness. Regardless of the score, the battle felt one-sided, with Nova dictating the tempo throughout.
The match progressed to Bind, where AG struggled greatly and only managed three rounds against Nova’s relentless attacks. Nova’s quick 2-0 victory set the tone for their quarterfinal run, demonstrating their will to compete at the highest level.
The VCT China Kickoff is pausing for a brief period and will resume on January 16 for the important stages of the tournament. In the following 10 continuous days of competition, the participants for Masters Bangkok from the region will be determined. DRG and Nova Esports have made a strong start, yet the path to regional supremacy has only just commenced.
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