GIANTX secure playoff spot after tense win over XLG at Valorant Champions 2025

The decisive Group A match of Valorant Champions 2025 on September 21 ended with GIANTX prevailing over Xi Lai Gaming (XLG) in a hard-fought 2-0 series. With this victory, GIANTX advanced to the playoffs, while XLG’s tournament run came to an end.

The battle began on Bind, where XLG set the tone early, taking the pistol and converting their bonus to build an 8-4 lead by halftime. GIANTX struggled to keep up but managed to steal a few crucial rounds to stay alive. The second half turned into a comeback story: GIANTX won the pistol after the side switch, gradually narrowing the gap. Clutch plays from ara and well-coordinated rotations pushed the map into overtime at 12-12. In the extra rounds, GIANTX maintained composure, winning key duels and closing out the map 14-12.

On Ascent, XLG once again started strong, pulling ahead 7-5 in the first half. GIANTX responded with discipline, winning the pistol round and applying consistent pressure. XLG resisted with a few retakes and aggressive pushes but couldn’t sustain their momentum. Ara and Flickless stepped up in the late rounds with decisive clutches, securing a 13-10 win for GIANTX and sealing the series 2-0.

The series highlighted GIANTX’s resilience under pressure. They consistently won crucial pistol rounds, adapted well after shaky starts, and displayed superior mental fortitude in close situations. While XLG impressed with early dominance, their inability to convert leads into victories proved costly.

With this result, GIANTX march on to the playoff stage of Valorant Champions 2025, while XLG bow out after a respectable but ultimately short-lived campaign.

VALORANT Champions 2025 is the largest tournament in the VALORANT discipline, serving as the grand finale of the VALORANT Champions Tour that took place throughout 2025. The event brings together 16 of the best teams from around the world to compete for a prize pool of $2,250,000. It is being held in Paris, France.