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VALORANT Champions 2025 kicked off in Paris with fireworks as Paper Rex and GIANTX both secured big opening wins in Group A. The Pacific powerhouse brushed aside China’s Xi Lai Gaming in a 2-0 sweep, while Europe’s dark horses pulled off a gritty three-map victory over Sentinels to set up a mouthwatering clash in the winners’ match.

Paper Rex Roll Past Xi Lai Gaming

The tournament began with Paper Rex (PRX) taking on China’s fourth seed Xi Lai Gaming (XLG). Despite a slow start on Bind, PRX’s trademark aggression soon came to life. Ilia “something” Petrov produced one of the plays of the day, clutching a stunning 1v2 with his Operator to swing momentum. From there, PRX took control, closing Bind 13-9 before dismantling XLG on Sunset 13-5.

Star performances came from f0rsakeN, who dropped 23 kills on Sunset with a 1.59 rating, and something, whose Bind heroics earned him a 1.63 rating. Between the two maps, he averaged an absurd 1.6 rating, comfortably outshining Xi Lai’s top fragger NoMan, who managed 35 kills but also gave up 34 deaths.

The win means Paper Rex move forward to the winners’ match, while Xi Lai drop to the elimination game against Sentinels. For PRX, it’s the perfect start to their Champions run, coming just months after winning Masters Toronto and claiming a third Pacific title.

GIANTX Take Down Sentinels in a Thriller

If Paper Rex’s opener was clinical, GIANTX’s debut was chaotic, bloody, and unforgettable. Facing North American giants Sentinels, few gave the EMEA side much of a chance, but the so-called Cinderella squad rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.

Sentinels struck first on their pick of Corrode, suffocating GIANTX with double-Controller setups and closing out a commanding 13-6 win. It looked like business as usual, with zekken and johnqt finding plenty of impact.

But GIANTX roared back on Sunset. Despite Sentinels’ reputation on the map, Cloud and westside completely took over, combining for 24 kills in the first half as GX stormed to a 10-2 defensive lead. A few consolation rounds from Sentinels weren’t enough, as GIANTX wrapped up a dominant 13-4 win to level the series.

That set up Haven as the decider, and it delivered one of the most intense maps of the day. Sentinels raced to a 6-0 lead, threatening a repeat of their Corrode dominance. GIANTX’s timeout proved the turning point. Adjusting their aggression and timing, Cloud’s mid-round calling opened up the map, and ara became a force of nature in duels.

From 0-6 down, GIANTX clawed their way back into the game, eventually winning 13-9. Cloud finished with a match-high 51 kills alongside his IGL masterclass, while ara spearheaded the fragging effort with 22 kills and a ridiculous 10-2 first duel record on Haven.

Sentinels had their chances, even converting some rounds from man-disadvantage positions, but they let too many slip on defence. By the end, it was GIANTX who looked like the composed veterans, closing the series 2-1.

What’s Next

Paper Rex and GIANTX will now face off on September 17 in the Group A winners’ match, with the victor securing a playoff spot. Sentinels drop into the elimination bracket against Xi Lai Gaming, needing a win to stay alive in Paris.

The action continues tomorrow with Group C’s opening fixtures, featuring reigning champions EDward Gaming against NRG, and Team Liquid taking on DRX.

VALORANT Champions 2025 is only just getting started, and if day one is anything to go by, fans are in for a wild ride.