Esports World Cup 2025: Valorant Group A Results — Paper Rex Advance to Playoffs, G2 and Bilibili Fight for Survival

The group stage of the Esports World Cup 2025 Valorant tournament kicked off with thrilling action in Group A. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event has already delivered high-level competition, drama, and surprises from day one. Four teams — Paper Rex, Karmine Corp, G2 Esports, and Bilibili Gaming — began their fight for two coveted playoff spots, and the initial matches have already determined the first team to advance.

Opening Matches (Bo1) — July 8

The day started with best-of-one clashes, where every mistake could prove fatal.

Paper Rex 16–14 Bilibili Gaming (Lotus)

A tense opener between the Southeast Asian giants and Chinese squad. Bilibili Gaming had a strong start, but Paper Rex rallied toward the end of the map, turning up the heat in the closing rounds to secure a narrow but critical victory. A strong signal from PRX right out of the gate.

Karmine Corp 13–6 G2 Esports (Sunset)

Karmine Corp came into the tournament with confidence and proved their strength in the first game. They dominated the map, showing composure and a solid game plan. G2 struggled to find footing and quickly fell behind, resulting in a one-sided loss and a rough start for the European powerhouse.

Winner’s Match (Bo3) — July 8

Paper Rex 2–0 Karmine Corp

Maps: Lotus (13–10), Icebox (13–5)

The battle for a direct playoff spot was a showcase of Paper Rex’s control and adaptability. While the first map, Lotus, was relatively close, PRX completely dominated Icebox with a suffocating performance. Their coordination and firepower proved too much for Karmine Corp to handle.

With this 2–0 win, Paper Rex secured first place in Group A and advanced directly to the playoffs, earning valuable rest and preparation time for the next stage.

What’s Next: Elimination and Decider Matches

Elimination Match (Bo3) — Bilibili Gaming vs G2 Esports

Scheduled for July 9, this match is a do-or-die clash. Both teams dropped to the lower bracket after opening losses. The winner of this matchup will advance to the final “decider” match for a shot at the playoffs.

At the time of publication, this match has not yet concluded, but its outcome will be crucial for both squads’ tournament lives.

Decider Match (Bo3) — Karmine Corp vs Winner of BIL–G2

The team that lost the Winner’s Match — Karmine Corp — will get one final opportunity. They will face the winner of the elimination match in a best-of-three series, where the winner will claim the second playoff spot from Group A.

Group A Standings (as of now)

Result

Consequence

PRX vs BLG

16–14 (Bo1)

BLG drops to lower bracket

KC vs G2

13–6 (Bo1)

G2 drops to lower bracket

PRX vs KC

2–0 (Bo3)

PRX secure 1st place, advance to playoffs

BIL vs G2

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Winner advances to decider match

KC vs (BIL/G2 winner)

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Will determine 2nd team from Group A

Who Will Take the Second Spot?

With Paper Rex already through to the playoffs, the big question remains: who will join them from Group A? Can G2 recover from their shaky start and fight their way through? Will Bilibili Gaming bounce back from a narrow loss and deliver an upset? Or will Karmine Corp hold firm and prove they belong among the top contenders?

We’ll find out soon — the remaining matches will decide the fate of Group A.

The Esports World Cup 2025 is a Valorant championship organized by the EWC Foundation and ESL FACEIT Group. The tournament will feature 16 teams competing for a total prize pool of $1,250,000. The event will take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.