Chinese esports powerhouse EDward Gaming (EDG) has failed to secure a spot at VALORANT Masters Toronto, the second major international event of the 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) season. The reigning 2024 VALORANT Champions were eliminated from contention after losing to BiliBili Gaming in the VCT China Stage 1 Playoffs.
Strong Start Ends in Disappointment
Despite demonstrating their skill by topping one of the two groups during the VCT China Stage 1, EDG’s tournament run took an unexpected turn when they were defeated by XLG Esports in the upper bracket semi-finals, forcing them into the lower bracket.
EDG managed to regroup and secure a 2-1 victory over Dragon Ranger in the lower bracket quarter-finals, keeping their Masters Toronto hopes alive. However, their journey came to an abrupt end when BiliBili Gaming handed them a 2-1 loss in the semi-final match that would have guaranteed qualification for the international event.
This elimination means EDG will not have the opportunity to improve upon their impressive third-place finish from Masters Bangkok earlier this year.
China’s Representatives at Masters Toronto
With EDG’s surprising elimination, China will be represented by BiliBili Gaming, Wolves Esports, and XLG Esports at Masters Toronto, scheduled to take place from June 7th to June 22nd, 2025. This turn of events comes as a significant upset, as EDG has established itself as one of the premier VALORANT teams in China and was expected to build on its VCT Champions triumph from 2024 with another strong showing in 2025.
Future Opportunities for EDG
EDG’s next chance to compete internationally could come through the Esports World Cup, where VALORANT will make its debut at the multi-title event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The organization is currently competing in the VALORANT China Evolution Series Act 2, a tournament operated by the Asian Champions League that will send its top two teams to the Esports World Cup.
Additionally, EDG still has pathways to qualify for the 2025 edition of VALORANT Champions. China’s qualification system will send the top two teams from VCT China’s second stage, along with the two teams that accumulate the most points throughout the season.
Despite missing Masters Toronto, EDG currently holds the top position in the standings with 10 points. However, their lead in the points race is likely to diminish if other Chinese teams perform well at the upcoming tournament in Canada.