He feels like a long term prospect because as of right now FNATIC will not qualify for Bangkok. Kaajak is nowhere near the level of Derke and you could see the difference in how Derke entries as opposed to Kaajak. But he's a very solid player.

Well they'll have to beat XLG, then one of FPX/DRG/NOVA then either BLG or TE in the lowers. I have faith in them beating all of these teams though there's a real possibility that TE or XLG beat them if either match happens.

XLG 2-0 rarga and happywei farm here

Trace 2-1 BLG

Oh for sure, FPX is washed in 2025, autumn and yosemite are the only players that look solid on that team

I'd give XLG the edge in the rematch but it will be a close game, I'd rather see XLG make it to Bangkok tbh

Not really surprising imo, TE prep really hard and some of their players are mechanically on par with EDG's. EDG are also known for this weird behavior.

They already beat XLG and all 3 maps we're 13-11

Trace is one of the few Chinese teams that have improved massively since last year, they actually prep their asses off

Honestly EDG losing is more surprising, FPX has looked really bad since their loss at Champs

another berlin disasterclass lmao FPX might be washed, life isn't doing so good either this year

big credit to nephh for reviving BLG as much as he has, he might get them to Bangkok

I wouldn't put the blame on ayy there but FPX should have played better post plant positions so they could get value from the sova ult

life is washed

DRG's roster is a clear improvement from last year but they still feel like an inconsistent team. I'm feeling a NOVA 2-1 win.

G2/SEN
TH/VIT
PRX/T1 or GENG
EDG and TE

Imo it's most difficult to predict pacific and the second Chinese team. FPX are pretty mid right now but when all of their players are online they look like the best mechanical team in the region. But I'll go with Trace because they've been improving a lot. NOVA and BLG are also possibilities.

Babybay proved himself to be a good caster in my eyes because he's not afraid to laugh at teams when they do something stupid, a lot of casters will glance over bad decisions and try to hold back laughter

Pacific feels like the most competitive region right now imo. I could see any of T1/PRX/GENG/DRX/NS making it to Bangkok and mid table teams like RRQ are showing good stuff. EMEA has some really exciting rosters tho, but I'm sad about FNC looking like they'll fall off this year.

100T 2-0 NRG this will be free money

C9 2-1 MIBR skippable ahh match

EG 2-0 FUR

FNS is absolutely washed

This will be a banger match, GENG have said that RRQ is one of their hardest opponents. I'm gonna say RRQ 2-1 but could go either way.

Oh so we're back to this DFM again? Japan is so screwed lmao

FURIA will simply never be good, this org is cursed

FURIA's roster against 2G was unironically better

No one has any right to complain about doug and andre casting when APAC fans are forced to listen to chobra and quack for like 7 hours straight

lemon1 is washed

He should tbh, Alfa is the better player

GE/TS is a bit of a snoozefest but TYLOO is even more boring.

Ardiis had a pretty solid take on Kaajak which I didn't notice until he said it. When someone walks into Kaajak's crosshair he looks like a million bucks but as far as entries/movement goes, Kaajak has a lot of room to improve.

50/50 match, really depends on who shows up individually today. RRQ has the higher chance of beating GENG though.

He's kind of a mid igl if we're being honest

OhLingOh I'm pretty sure

TS 2-1 GE but could go either way but I'm guaranteeing you 3 maps because I just know this game will go way too fucking long

RRQ's individual players are arguably better than DFM's players, with the exception of Meiy who will probably be the best player in the lobby.

100T played some good valorant and although the individual performances leave something to be desired I think they will improve throughout the year. NRG feels really underwhelming right now. They played poorly against C9 strats. If they bomb out of kickoff it will be the most NRG thing ever and not surprising in the slightest to me. I think 100T will win through superior coordination.

DFM looked more promising in the offseason but this should be a competitive game. I'm thinking DFM 2-1 but it really depends who shows up for RRQ.

I think XLG would beat NOVA. After watching most of the CN kickoff games I'd rank them EDG > TE > BLG > FPX/XLG > NOVA > WOLVES.

I don't think they'll be making Bangkok. Trace or BLG should be making it alongside EDG. But I think XLG will make the next 2 internationals this year. Rarga/Happywei/Viva is an insane core.

since when did anyone expect EG to be good?

DRG have bad luck against TYLOO but I don't see them losing this, TYLOO's roster ain't good

Wolves 2-1

previous head to heads tell you all you need to know, EDG 2-0
edit: oh no they played even than their loss to DRG last year kek

luke, spirit and vook played really poorly here, bad day for DRG

Why am I feeling a BLG 2-1

nova can shoot but they've yet to prove themselves a cohesive team that could beat a top dog during the regular season

EDG 2-0 win, but I hope Nova shows us improvement from last year

Banger match, eye test tells you that Trace should win this 2-0 with close maps but DRG could pull an upset here, their style has made Trace struggle in the past

DRG's roster is seemingly an upgrade from last year but this JDG roster is not it, trading Viva for MrCani is insanity, how is this guy tier 1

Rarga/Happywei/Viva is an insane core. BLG are pretty good but I think XLG has the higher ceiling right now.

XLG 2-1 BLG