Disclaimer: Predictions are based on opinion and should not be construed as betting advice. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. All information cited is accurate as of January 14, 2026, and can change at a moment’s notice.

The VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) returns for another season of high-stakes action. From January 22, the world’s most formidable Chinese teams will converge at the VCT 2026 China Kickoff to compete for glory in Guangzhou—and a coveted spot at Masters Santiago.

Following multiple roster changes during the offseason, we can’t wait to see who comes out on top. To help you back your bets, check out our VCT 2026 China Kickoff predictions and power rankings for the event.

VCT 2026 China Kickoff Power Rankings

There are 12 teams playing in the VCT 2026 China Kickoff, all of whom are fighting for just three spots at VALORANT Masters Santiago. It’s also the first step on the path toward Champions 2026, so there’s a lot at stake.

To create our power rankings, we conducted thorough research on various factors, including Global Power Rankings (GPR), matchup histories, roster changes, and recent form. We further considered the latest betting odds, which reflect bookmakers’ confidence in an outcome. 

We use decimal odds (Stake x Odds = Payout) and also show American odds and implied probability for good measure.

EDward Gaming (#1)

The 2024 world champions, EDward Gaming, failed to defend their title at Paris Champions, finishing 13th–16th. Despite the disappointing result, the team is ranked #4 in China and #16 globally, ending last year with a 19–11 record.

During the offseason, EDward Gaming only added Wang “cb” Qingchuan to the roster and didn’t remove any core players. At the time of writing, it is unclear how the new player will function on the team.

Considering that EDward Gaming stuck together through some tough results in the second half of 2025, we predict the team will bounce back in 2026.

This is supported by odds of 3.25 (+225), which put EDward Gaming in pole position, with a 30.77% chance to claim the VCT 2026 China Kickoff trophy. Their odds of qualifying for Masters Santiago look incredibly good at 1.40 (-250), indicating a 71.43% chance of success.

Bilibili Gaming (#2)

Ranked #11 globally and #2 in China, Bilibili Gaming has a solid 17–11 record going into VCT 2026 China Kickoff. The squad topped VCT 2025 China Stage 2, with IGL Marcus “nephh” Tan leading by example, and star Liu “Knight” Yuxiang clicking heads like there’s no tomorrow.

On January 13, 2026, Lu “Levius” Yinzhong announced a temporary break from competitive play. In response, Bilibili Gaming added Yang “bud” Renyu to the active lineup for Kickoff. 

Bookmakers seem to think Bilibili Gaming will flourish—and we concur. Odds of 3.50 (+250) indicate there’s a 28.57% chance Bilibili Gaming will win the tournament. Further, there’s a 69.44% chance that Bilibili Gaming will earn a top-three finish, as evident by odds of 1.44 (-227).

Dragon Ranger Gaming (#3)

Ranked #3 in China and #14 globally, Dragon Ranger Gaming ended the 2025 season with a 13–11 record. At the VCT 2026 China Kickoff, they are among the top four favorites.

Odds of 7.00 (+600) indicate a 14.29% implied probability that Dragon Ranger Gaming will lift the trophy. Further, odds of 2.37 (+137) suggest they have a 42.19% chance to make it to Masters Santiago.

Despite the odds being perfectly aligned between XLG Esports and Dragon Ranger Gaming, we are giving the latter team a slight edge due to their fantastic form at Ascension 2025. The squad showcased big-match temperament under immense pressure.

After getting knocked down to the Lower Bracket, Dragon Ranger Gaming dug deep, beating OD Gaming 2–0, Any Questions 3–2, and sweeping Rare Atom 3–0 to retain their spot at VCT China for the 2026 season.

XLG Esports (#4)

Since qualifying for VCT China via Ascension 2024, XLG Esports has been on a steep upward trajectory, advancing rapidly through the ranks. With a 16–11 record in 2025, including a 9th–12th place finish at Champions Paris, XLG Esports is ranked #1 in China and #9 globally. 

XLG Esports retained their spot in the VCT with the best placement from China at Champions Paris. During the offseason, the organization added Liang “Lysoar” Youhao and Huang “WsLeo” Ping-wei, while Colin “coconut” Chung moved to JD Gaming.

These roster changes seem positive, but we won’t know for sure until the VCT 2026 China Kickoff is well underway. Odds of 7.00 (+600) imply there’s a 14.29% chance that XLG Esports will win the entire tournament, while odds of 2.37 (+137) imply a 42.19% chance of a top-three finish.

FunPlus Phoenix (#5)

During the offseason at the Radiant International Invitational 2025, FunPlus Phoenix impressed with a 3rd-place finish, losing to eventual champions Paper Rex. They are currently ranked #8 in VCT China and #33 globally, with a 6–8 record in 2025.

While the glory days of FunPlus Phoenix winning Masters Copenhagen 2022 are a distant memory, their recent performance does inspire confidence that the team is a top contender at VCT 2026 China Kickoff.

During the offseason, FunPlus Phoenix added Natchaphon “sScary” Matarat and Ou “Setrod” Tai-keng, replacing Kale “autumn” Dunne and Wang “yosemite” Lei.

Odds of 12.00 (+1100) indicate there’s an 8.33% chance that FunPlus Phoenix could win VCT 2026 China Kickoff, and there’s a 22.22% to earn a top-three finish, as implied by the odds of 4.50 (+350).

Wolves Esports (#6)

With Wang “yosemite” Lei joining the Wolves Esports roster from FunPlus Phoenix, alongside Fei “Satoshi” Zhixian from Rare Atom, and Jordan “jowa” Wang from Sad Esports, there’s cautious optimism that Wolves Esports could impress in 2026.

In 2025, Wolves Esports showed moments of brilliance, with a 3rd-place finish at Masters Toronto 2025 as their most significant achievement. With a 9–13 record, Wolves Esports is ranked #5 in China and #22 globally. That’s higher than FunPlus Phoenix!

However, we decided to move Wolves Esports down to our #6 pick because the 13.00 (+1200) odds imply a 7.69% chance of the team going all the way. Furthermore, odds of 5.00 (+400) indicate there’s a 20% chance that Wolves Esports could make it to Masters Santiago.

Bottom Six VCT 2026 China Kickoff Betting Predictions

You’ll find the bottom half of our VCT 2026 China Kickoff power rankings outlined below. For reference, we’ve added the implied probability of teams qualifying for Masters Santiago (top-three placement) based on the latest available odds.

• Trace Esports (#7) – 18.18%
• NOVA Esports (#8) – 12.50%
• TYLOO (#9) – 10.00%
• JD Gaming (#10) – 7.14%
• All Gamers (#11) – 7.14%
• Titan Esports (#12) – 4.76%

FAQs

Who Are The Favorites To Win VCT 2026 China Kickoff?

With odds of 3.25 (+225) translating to an implied probability of 30.77%, the 2024 world champions EDward Gaming are the clear favorites to win VCT 2026 China Kickoff.

How Are These VCT 2026 China Kickoff Power Rankings Decided?

We used the latest bookmaker odds to inform our power rankings, combined with research on several key factors, including roster changes, recent results, and matchup histories.

Where Can I Watch The VCT 2026 China Kickoff?

You can watch the VCT 2026 China Kickoff tournament live on Twitch, YouTube, and Bilibili.

What Is The VCT 2026 China Kickoff Schedule?

VCT 2026 China Kickoff is scheduled to run from January 22 to February 9, 2026. The event takes place on LAN at the Poly World Trade Center Expo in Guangzhou, China.

Who Are The VCT 2026 China Kickoff Underdogs?

With odds of 67.00 (+6600) indicating a mere 1.49% chance of winning the event, and odds of 21.00 (+2000) indicating a 4.76% chance to qualify for Masters Santiago, the VCT 2026 China Kickoff underdog is Titan Esports.

References

1. BLG_Levius的动态 (Bilibili)
2. 广州花都BLG无畏契约俱乐部 (Weibo)
3. XLG电竞俱乐部 (Weibo)
4. jdg.esports (Instagram)
5. FPX无畏契约分部 (Weibo)
6. 狼队电竞无畏契约分部 (Weibo)
7. valorantesports_cn (Twitch)
8. VALORANT Champions Tour CN (YouTube)
9. VCTCN 启点赛 (Bilibili)