Despite winning VALORANT Champions 2024, EDward Gaming has failed to qualify for Masters Toronto 2025 after a key playoff loss in VCT China. Here’s what happened and what’s next for EDG.
In a surprising turn of events, Chinese powerhouse EDward Gaming (EDG), the reigning VALORANT Champions 2024 winners, will not be competing at Masters Toronto 2025. The team’s campaign was cut short after a crucial defeat to Bilibili Gaming in the lower bracket semi-finals of VCT China Stage 1 Playoffs, eliminating their shot at the second international Masters event of the 2025 VCT season.
EDG entered Stage 1 strong, topping one of the two groups in the initial phase of the tournament. However, a loss to XLG Esports in the upper bracket semi-finals pushed them into the lower bracket. Though they bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Dragon Ranger, their hopes were dashed when Bilibili Gaming handed them a 2-1 defeat in the lower semi-final. The match served as a direct qualifier for Masters Toronto, meaning EDG will not get the chance to improve on their third-place finish from Masters Bangkok earlier this year.
The teams representing China at Masters Toronto, scheduled from June 7 to 22, 2025, will be Bilibili Gaming, Wolves Esports, and XLG Esports. The absence of EDG, widely regarded as one of China’s top VALORANT squads, is a notable shake-up in the competitive landscape.
The failure to qualify comes as a major disappointment for a team that made history in 2024 by winning VALORANT Champions, becoming the first Chinese team to claim an international VCT title. Expectations were high heading into 2025, but EDG’s inconsistency in playoff scenarios has proven costly.
Despite this setback, EDG’s international journey for the year may not be over. The Esports World Cup, set to debut VALORANT in its multi-title lineup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offers another opportunity for the squad to return to the global stage. EDG is currently competing in the VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 2, run by the Asian Champions League, where the top two teams will earn a ticket to the Esports World Cup.
As for the broader VCT season, EDG still has a chance to qualify for the 2025 VALORANT Champions event. The top two teams from VCT China Stage 2, along with the two highest point earners from the overall circuit, will earn a spot at the year-ending championship. EDG currently leads the points standings with 10 points, but this lead could be in jeopardy if their Chinese rivals perform well in Toronto.
While this marks a roadblock in their 2025 campaign, EDG remains a formidable contender in the global VALORANT scene. All eyes will be on their next performances as they seek redemption and another shot at international glory.
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