The world’s best VALORANT squads are set to clash in Paris as the Champions group stage begins Sept. 12 at the Grand Paris Sud Arena. All eyes are on Korea’s DRX and T1, both facing stiff competition as they attempt to push past the opening round of the tournament.

The action starts Friday night with a Group A showdown between Singapore’s Paper Rex and Brazil’s XLG Esports. Matches run daily through Sept. 23, with two teams from each group advancing to the playoffs.

DRX’s Fifth Straight Champions Appearance

DRX enters as the Pacific league’s fourth seed, marking its fifth consecutive appearance at Champions. The team has a history of strong group stage performances, topping its group every year since 2022. DRX’s best finish came that same year, reaching the lower bracket final and securing third place — the highest-ever result for a Korean squad.

This time, the path looks tougher. DRX faces EMEA champion Team Liquid in its opening match on Sept. 14. Liquid surged through its regional playoffs, sweeping GiantX in the finals to secure its spot. Depending on results, DRX will then meet either Americas contender NRG Esports or China’s Edward Gaming, the reigning world champion. Both teams pose significant challenges, with Edward Gaming showing signs of returning to form after a shaky start to the season.

T1 Returns to the Global Stage

T1 is back at Champions for the first time since 2023. The roster made waves earlier this year by winning Masters Bangkok, its first international trophy, highlighted by a five-map victory over G2 Esports in the finals.

The team opens against Dragon Ranger Gaming, the No. 2 seed from China, on Sept. 14. While DRG has limited experience on the global stage, T1’s group also includes G2 — its Masters Bangkok finals rival — and Spain’s Team Heretics, runner-up at both Masters Shanghai and Champions Seoul last year. Heretics also claimed the Esports World Cup title this summer, making Group D one of the toughest in the field.

The group stage follows a double-elimination format, with matches played best-of-three. Winners advance to the playoffs, set for the final weekend at Accor Arena, where Riot Games has also scheduled a live performance of the 2025 Champions theme song, “LAST SHOT.”