Masters Bangkok marks the first international event of the 2025 VALORANT season. After dominating their respective regional kickoff events, the top teams will gather in Thailand to compete for the year’s first international trophy. With an impressive level of play already witnessed, the competition promises to be intense.
The Teams to Watch at Masters Bangkok
G2 Esports has been nearly flawless, displaying discipline and mechanical prowess. Sentinels have made a swift and dominant comeback, proving that changes to their roster were a step in the right direction. Team Vitality and T1 boast rosters filled with seasoned talent, while DRX aims to continue its legacy in the Pacific region. EDward Gaming remains a dominant force in China, with Trace Esports emerging as a serious contender.
The road to Masters Bangkok has been thrilling. Team Liquid, once considered a mid-tier roster, turned heads with their unexpected victories, eliminating top contenders along the way. They defeated BBL, outlasted FUT Esports in a close series, and capitalized on Team Heretics’ struggles. Their performance against Vitality showcased their rapid development, proving they are a team to keep an eye on.
Trace Esports’ Unexpected Rise
Trace Esports has made waves by stepping up in the VCT China circuit. Their journey has been impressive, sending EDward Gaming to the lower bracket with an outstanding display by HeyB. However, controversy surrounded the team when HeyB was fined a month’s salary for boosting his girlfriend’s account, a move that sparked debate within the community. Despite this, Trace Esports qualified for the Chinese grand finals, though EDward Gaming ultimately reclaimed the regional title. Trace Esports remains a formidable challenger, but EDG’s international experience might give them an edge.
T1’s Shaky Performance and DRX’s Dominance
T1 entered the Pacific region as one of the most hyped rosters, with players like Stax, Buzz, and Meteor. However, their journey has not been as smooth as expected. Despite winning matches, they struggled against teams they were expected to dominate. The grand finals against DRX exposed their inconsistencies, with DRX dismantling them in several maps. Carpe’s mid-tournament substitution and the team’s lack of cohesion might be factors contributing to their unpredictable performances. Their potential is undeniable, but facing international giants like G2 and Vitality will be a true test.
On the other hand, DRX has silenced critics by winning the Pacific Kickoff Stage. Bringing in HunMin from Crest has strengthened their duelist role, while free1ng. has proven to be one of the best players in his position. The team’s adjustments have worked seamlessly, and they now seek to break the infamous fourth-place curse on the international stage.
Sentinels’ Return to Form and G2’s Championship Aspirations
Sentinels have made an explosive comeback, seamlessly integrating new roster additions. Their qualification journey provided some of the best matches of the season, with intense battles against 100 Thieves, LOUD, and G2. JohnQT’s performance on initiators, Bang’s resurgence as a dedicated controller player, and Zelsis’ rapid improvement have contributed to their success. Their only roadblock has been G2, who bested them in the Americas grand final. However, their strong performance against G2 suggests that Sentinels are legitimate title contenders.
G2 Esports, after falling short in previous VCT events, have finally broken through. Their roster has found the missing piece in Jimo, who has become the game-changer they lacked. The addition of Leaf, JonahP, and Trent has transformed them into a powerhouse. They dominated the Americas circuit and proved their superiority against Sentinels in the grand finals. The biggest question now remains: Can G2 overcome their past international shortcomings and claim the Masters Bangkok trophy?
The Masters Bangkok Stage is Set
With teams like EDward Gaming, Sentinels, G2, and Vitality all arriving with strong claims to the title, Masters Bangkok is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Each region has sent its best, and the Swiss stage will immediately test their strengths against one another.
For the fans, the competition promises top-tier matches and intense rivalries. With new superteams emerging and regional giants looking to establish dominance, the stakes have never been higher. The event will determine the pace for the rest of the season, as teams look to make their mark on the international stage.
