VCT Ascension China 2025: Full Guide With Teams, Dates, and Format

The final stop in China’s VALORANT competitive calendar is here. The VCT Ascension China 2025 event serves as the ultimate battleground for eight of the country’s best teams — all chasing one goal: a coveted spot in the VCT China League 2026. Held at the VCT CN Arena in Shanghai from October 11 to 19, Ascension China stands as the capstone of the China Nationals (NC) year. It’s the proving ground where rising stars from the domestic circuit clash with the region’s experienced veterans for a ticket back to international play.

A New Chapter for Chinese VALORANT

Since joining the official VCT ecosystem in 2023, China’s competitive landscape has become one of the most explosive and dynamic in VALORANT. The Ascension China tournament offers an essential bridge between domestic competition and the franchised VCT League, ensuring a constant stream of new challengers into the top tier.

This year, XLG Esports successfully retained their VCT China slot after outperforming Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) at Champions 2025, leaving DRG relegated but eligible to compete in Ascension. They’re now among the frontrunners in Shanghai — fighting to reclaim their spot in the League they helped define.

Meanwhile, Rare Atom (RA), Chosen Clique Gaming (CCG), and Zhu Chao Gaming (ZCG) arrive through stellar performances in the National Circuit, representing the next wave of China’s VALORANT elite.

Format Overview

VCT Ascension China 2025 mirrors the structure of its international counterparts in the Americas, Pacific, and EMEA. It combines an initial Group Stage with an intense Playoff Bracket, creating a format that rewards adaptability and consistency.

Group Stage (October 11–16, 2025)

• 8 teams divided into two groups of four
• Round-robin format: every team plays others in its group
• All matches are Best-of-Three (Bo3)
• Top two teams from each group advance to Playoffs

Playoffs (October 17–19, 2025)

• 4 qualified teams enter a Double-Elimination Bracket
• Most matches are Bo3, with the Grand Final as a Best-of-Five (Bo5)
• Winner is promoted to VCT China 2026

Participating Teams

Eight teams represent the highest tier of China’s VALORANT circuit — seven from the National Circuit (NC) rankings and one relegated from VCT China. Their blend of rising prospects and veteran experience sets the stage for one of the most competitive Ascension events yet.

Among them, DRG are the returning heavyweights, having previously represented China on the international stage. Rare Atom are the clear top seed from the NC circuit, while Chosen Clique and Zhu Chao Gaming aim to capitalize on consistent form across 2025’s domestic season.

Group Stage Results So Far

The group stage is well underway, and early results are beginning to shape the playoff race. Dragon Ranger Gaming and Rare Atom have each secured top spots in their respective groups, asserting their dominance with clean performances.

Group A Standings

Group A Match Results

So far, Dragon Ranger Gaming have looked unshakable, dropping only 29 rounds across two series. Octagonal Disposition Gaming were the next to clinch two wins and move on to playoffs.

Group B Standings

Group B Match Results

Rare Atom have continued their dominance, sweeping both of their opponents to advance to the playoffs. Any Questions claimed the next spot through a deciding win against ALG.

Playoffs and Promotion

The top two teams from each group have advanced to the Playoffs, beginning on October 17. Opening matches will see Rare Atom face ODG, while DRG will go up against Any Questions.

The Double-Elimination Bracket will test each team’s resilience, and the Grand Final on October 19 will determine who joins the VCT China League 2026. The winner will replace DRG, marking the newest addition to China’s partnered scene.

• TWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/valorantesports_cn
• YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@VALORANTEsportsCN
• X: https://x.com/valesports_cn
• DOUYU: https://www.douyu.com/11688843?dyshid=0-&dyshci=1554
• HUYA: https://www.huya.com/27502730
• BILIBILI: https://live.bilibili.com/22908869