Group D at VALORANT Champions Paris features four teams capable of winning the entire tournament. Only two will survive the group stage.
The Championship-Level Lineup
G2 Esports (#1 Americas) enters with perfect 2025 form, claiming every VCT trophy available—Kickoff, Stage 1, and Stage 2. Their international consistency includes second at Masters Bangkok and fourth at Masters Toronto.
Team Heretics (#4 EMEA) carries momentum from their recent Esports World Cup victory, proving their fourth seed doesn’t reflect their true strength. The Spanish roster qualified through Team Liquid’s Stage 2 success but arrives as legitimate title contenders.
T1 (#3 Pacific) brings Masters Bangkok championship experience to Paris. Their narrow Pacific Stage 2 semifinal loss to RRQ (2-1) could have easily shifted their seeding, but their championship pedigree remains intact.
Dragon Ranger Gaming (#2 China) demolished defending world champions EDward Gaming 2-0 during their Stage 2 run, then conquered XLG Esports and Bilibili Gaming before falling in the grand final rematch.
Why This Group Changes Everything
The mathematical reality is brutal: two championship-caliber teams face elimination before playoffs begin September 25 at Accor Arena. Each squad possesses the talent and form to reach the October 5 championship final.
G2’s season-long dominance makes them favorites, but recent international success from Team Heretics creates immediate pressure. T1’s championship experience provides crucial elimination-match composure, while Dragon Ranger’s victories over established Chinese powers demonstrate international readiness.
The Elimination Stakes
The group stage runs September 12-22 at Les Arènes in Paris, with every match carrying playoff implications. Unlike double-elimination formats, group stage losses create immediate consequences for the $2,225,000 prize pool contention.
The opening G2 versus Team Heretics clash delivers championship final intensity from day one. Both teams enter with contrasting paths—sustained dominance versus peak timing.
Tournament Impact
Group D’s outcome reshapes the entire playoff bracket. Strong teams departing early often shifts championship expectations, creating opportunities for remaining participants while eliminating genuine title threats.
VALORANT Champions Paris begins with its most compelling storyline already written: four championship contenders, two elimination spots, and immediate consequences for title aspirations.
Andrew "SuZki" Scola is a dedicated Valorant player who has been in the game since the Valorant beta release, achieving a peak rank of Immortal 3. With over six years of experience writing gaming content, he brings deep game knowledge and strategic insight to every article. Based in Los Angeles, California, Andrew is an active member of the SoCal Valorant community and has competed at the semi-pro level in Valorant esports. As a proud Killjoy and Raze main, he’s known for his sharp utility usage and high-impact plays—especially on his favorite maps: Haven, Breeze, and Lotus.