They are two teams that have very different approaches to building esports teams. One focuses on a team of rookies to guide them forward. On the other hand, a team that made sure to make the best team they could. Let us look at this epic clash between Talon Esports and T1 in the upcoming VCT Pacific Kickoff upper bracket semi-finals.

T1 VS TALON Esports VCT Pacific Kickoff Preview

Back in 2024, no one expected to rise in the manner that they did. During the 2023 season, the team didn’t put up those good performances. The first half of 2024 was also quite similar. Talon Esports finished 9th during VCT Pacific Kickoff 2024 and 6th during VCT Pacific Stage One. Realizing this, the team took a chance on one rookie named primmie.

For those who don’t know, primmie is considered a wonderkid in the Pacific region. Last year, we wrote an article about him and his journey on Talon Esports. Known as the ranked demon, he had been finishing first on the competitive ranked ladder within APAC. His arrival in Talon significantly contributed to the team qualifying for VALORANT Champions 2024.

The team didn’t start on the right foot this year, losing to Global Esports on the first map. Following this, Talon Esports went on a rampage and completed an incredible reverse sweep.

T1, on the other hand, is a team that many have their eyes on. This roster is filled with some of the best players in the Pacific region. Last year, this roster failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2024, resulting in some players being transferred. T1 brought the likes of BuZz and Meteor into their roster for 2025. During the off-season, this roster won Gwangju Esports Series Asia 2024 and the Red Bull Home Ground #5. Thus, T1 is one of the favorites in the VCT Pacific Kickoff 2025.

Series Breakdown

T1 didn’t qualify for VALORANT Champions 2024, so they needed to play from the tournament’s first round. Their matches against Boom Esports and Paper Rex ended with a scoreline of 2-1. They also broke a losing streak against PRX, winning their first match in 2 years.

For Talon Esports to win, Primmie must play with all guns blazing. In the Global Esports match-up, he ended with the highest KDA of 50/39/14.

Two players to watch out for are primmie and BuZz. In our opinion, this feels like a match that will favor T1 more, and thus, we predict that T1 will win this series with a scoreline of 2-1.