VCT Americas Stage 1 Playoffs: Teams, Format, Schedule, Results and More

The Group Stage of VCT Americas 2025 Stage 1 is behind us, and the race to Toronto is officially on. Eight teams have made it through the grueling first phase, but only three will book their place at Masters Toronto. With the Playoffs set to run from April 24 to May 4, it's time to separate contenders from pretenders.

Playoff Format

• The Playoffs follow a double-elimination format, featuring Bo3 series throughout.
• Except for the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which will be Bo5.
• The top three teams will qualify for the second international event of the year—VALORANT Masters Toronto.

The Final Eight

Group Alpha

• KRU Esports
• Sentinels
• 100 Thieves
• Evil Geniuses

KRU edged out Sentinels for the top seed thanks to round difference. Meanwhile, 100 Thieves and Evil Geniuses managed to fill out the remaining spots from their group.

Group Omega

• G2 Esports
• MIBR
• Cloud9
• NRG

G2 cruised through Group Omega with a flawless 5-0 record, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat. MIBR weren’t far behind, with their only loss coming at the hands of G2. Cloud9 did just enough to secure their spot, while NRG were the only team to qualify with a negative record, sneaking into the Playoffs at 2-3.

Opening Day Matchups

MIBR vs 100 Thieves (Thursday, April 24 – 2 PM PT)

MIBR enter the Playoffs with serious momentum, led by star performers Erick "aspas" Santos and Andrew "Verno" Maust. Their aggressive, confident style has turned them into one of the most feared teams in the region. On the other side, 100 Thieves boast experience and structure, but questions remain about whether they have the firepower to keep up.

• Winner advances to face KRU in the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
• Loser falls to the Lower Bracket to face NRG in an elimination match.

Sentinels vs Cloud9 (Thursday, April 24 – 5 PM PT)

This matchup promises fireworks. Zachary "zekken" Patrone and Francis "OXY" Hoang—two of the region’s flashiest duelists—will go head-to-head in what could be a defining match of the tournament. Sentinels are out to prove they’re still among the elite, while Cloud9 look to shake off a shaky group stage and pull off a statement win.

• Winner faces G2 Esports in the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
• Loser will meet Evil Geniuses in the Lower Bracket.

The Playoffs mark the beginning of the end for VCT Americas Stage 1, but they’re just the start of what could be a defining moment for any of these eight teams. With spots at Masters Toronto on the line, every round, every map, and every clutch will matter.

With the event set to take place on North American soil, the pressure is on for regional squads to deliver. Get ready—the battle for the Americas is about to reach its boiling point.

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Featured Image Source: Stefan Wisnoski/Riot Games

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