The Esports World Cup’s Valorant event roared to life with a day packed full of rookie debuts, new-look rosters, upsets, and powerhouse performances. With 16 teams split into four groups and a double-elimination format, the opening day set the stage for an electrifying tournament.
Group A: Paper Rex, Keeping the Momentum
Fresh off their historic Master’s Toronto win, Paper Rex entered the EWC with confidence. Their opening match against Bilibili Gaming on Lotus was a triple-overtime thriller, with PRX narrowly edging out a 16-14 victory despite whzy’s 31-kill effort for BLG.
On the other side, Karmine Corp took on a G2 Esports squad missing star player leaf due to health issues. Veteran leader saadhak stepped up for KC, dropping 22 kills in a commanding 13-6 win on Sunset.
In the playoff-deciding Best-of-3, Paper Rex faced Karmine Corp and, after falling behind 10-6 on Lotus, stormed back with seven straight rounds to win 13-10. On Icebox, PRX’s defensive dominance carried them to a 13-5 win, securing their playoff berth. Masters Toronto MVP f0rsakeN shone with a 1.45 rating, while Duelist something led all players with 39 kills.
- Qualified for Playoffs: Paper Rex
- Awaiting Elimination Match: Karmine Corp vs. the winner of Bilibili Gaming/G2 Esports
Group B: BBL Esports Make Their Mark
BBL Esports, after a strong EMEA qualifier run, faced the Americas juggernaut Sentinels in their opener. In a tense Icebox battle, BBL triumphed 14-12, powered by rookie Duelist LewN’s 31 kills.
DRX, with newly promoted Flicker, dominated Xi Lai Gaming 13-6 on Haven, Flicker leading with 19 kills.
The playoff qualifier between BBL and DRX was a back-and-forth affair. BBL edged Sunset 14-12 in overtime, then shut DRX out on Ascent by winning seven straight attacking rounds, closing the map 13-6. LewN was unstoppable, racking up 42 kills and 13 first bloods across the series.
- Qualified for Playoffs: BBL Esports
- Awaiting Elimination Match: DRX vs. winner of Xi Lai Gaming/Sentinels
Group C: NRG’s Reinvention Pays Off
NRG debuted a revamped roster against Team Heretics, dominating on Lotus with a 13-4 win. Their aggressive attacking side and airtight defence left Heretics with no answers.
Rex Regum Qeon, returning to their Pacific Stage 1 championship form, dismantled Titan Esports Club 13-6 on Sunset, with Jemkin and crazyguy combining for 40 kills.
The playoff decider between NRG and RRQ saw NRG take Split 13-7, with Ethan and skuba combining for 44 kills. On Pearl, NRG’s defence was impenetrable, conceding just two rounds to seal their spot in the playoffs.
- Qualified for Playoffs: NRG
- Awaiting Elimination Match: RRQ vs. winner of Titan Esports Club/Team Heretics
Group D: FNATIC and Gen.G
Group D, the so-called “group of death,” featured three teams with major trophy experience. FNATIC faced 100 Thieves and, after a 9-3 halftime lead on Icebox, held off a late surge to win 13-11, thanks to rookie kaajak’s 24 kills and nine first bloods.
Gen.G exorcised their Icebox demons against EDward Gaming, cruising to a 13-4 win behind Foxy9’s 24 kills.
The group’s playoff qualifier was a rematch from Masters Toronto: Gen.G vs. FNATIC. Gen.G took a 9-3 lead on Ascent, but FNATIC rallied to force overtime and clinched a 15-13 win. On Icebox, FNATIC’s double-Sentinel setup proved too much for Gen.G, as they won eight straight rounds in the second half to close out a 13-7 victory and book their playoff ticket.
- Qualified for Playoffs: FNATIC
- Awaiting Elimination Match: Gen.G vs. the winner of 100 Thieves/EDward Gaming
Opening Day Takeaways
- Paper Rex continued their world-beating form, while BBL Esports and NRG proved their international calibre.
- FNATIC and Gen.G showed why they’re perennial contenders, with FNATIC’s composure in the clutch standing out.
- Rookie standouts like LewN (BBL) and Flicker (DRX) made immediate impacts.
- The double-elimination group format ensured every match was high-stakes, with every team still fighting for their tournament lives.
As the Esports World Cup Valorant event continues, all eyes are on these early dominators to see if they can maintain their momentum and claim the ultimate prize.
Andrew "SuZki" Scola is a dedicated Valorant player who has been in the game since the Valorant beta release. He has a peak rank of Immortal 3 and is also a semi-pro esports player. He's also been associated with a few gaming clans and communities, including Highlander Gaming and SoCal Valorant Community. In his free time, he creates content for the Valorant community and writes guides about Valorant based on his experience.
