VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025 Playoffs: Opening match predictions

As the group stage of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025 wraps up, the stage is set for the playoffs. From 12 hopefuls, we’re now down to the elite 8. The four top-seeded teams from the regional leagues are finally set to enter the battlefield, joining the four survivors from the group stage.

Now, before we dive into our playoff predictions, let’s be clear: our last round of predictions may or may not have aged like unrefrigerated milk. So, while we like to believe we’ve got a good read on the scene, please take these with a pinch of salt. After all, these are educated guesses, not prophecy.

Let’s get into it.

G2 Esports vs Paper Rex [Friday, June 13: 6 pm CET | 9 am PT]

G2 Esports come into Toronto as the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Americas Stage 1 champions and arguably the team to beat. They haven’t played a single match yet at this event, but that doesn’t make them any less scary. This squad is red-hot and radiates synergy built over time, having stuck together since their The Guard days. Trent "trent" Cairns is in peak form, a dominant presence whether by kills or rating, while Nathan "leaf" Orf has proven just as deadly whenever needed.

Their opponents? None other than Paper Rex, making their long-awaited return to the international stage. After missing out on VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025, PRX are back with their signature blend of chaos and precision, and a new weapon in their arsenal: Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza. The Filipino standout has already shown incredible impact, complementing the PRX veterans Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto and Wang "Jinggg" Jing Jie in their hyper-aggressive style.

Despite Paper Rex’s thrilling group stage run, they’ve shown some vulnerability, particularly in their game against Gen.G. G2 simply look too cohesive and efficient to falter early. Expect fireworks, but our bet is on G2.

Prediction: G2 Esports 2-1 Paper Rex

XLG Esports vs Sentinels [Friday, June 13: 9pm CET | 12pm PT]

Another high-stakes North America vs China matchup, but this one has a twist. XLG Esports, the top seed from China, have not played a match in Toronto yet. But if their domestic run - where they knocked EDward Gaming into the Lower Bracket - is anything to go by, they’re not to be taken lightly. Arthur "Rarga" Churyumov and Ran "Viva" Lifan are dangerous playmakers, though the recent suspension of Yip "YoU" Man Ho and replacement with Zhang "Midi" Jiajun adds an element of uncertainty to their game.

On the other side, Sentinels are firing on all cylinders. They've cruised through the group stage 2-0, and somehow, have only played against Chinese teams so far. This will be their third. Familiarity might work in their favor here. Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey and Sean "bang" Bezerra have been difference-makers, turning teamfights in Sentinel’s favor with consistency.

The shadow of controversy looms over XLG, and Sentinels look like they’re finally finding form at the right time.

Prediction: Sentinels 2-0 XLG Esports

Rex Regum Qeon vs Wolves [Saturday, June 14: 6 pm CET | 9 am PT]

It’s a historic playoff matchup no matter how you slice it. Rex Regum Qeon, the pride of Indonesia, make their Masters debut. And they’re doing so in style. Dominant in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1, they now carry the hopes of a region starved for international recognition. Maxim "Jemkin" Batorov, their Russian duelist, has been monstrous, topping frag charts and proving he belongs at this level. Cahya "Monyet" Nugraha, a Masters veteran with one appearance under his belt, is back for another run, anchoring this bold RRQ lineup.

Wolves Esports, meanwhile, already made some history of their own - upsetting Team Heretics and Bilibili Gaming to punch their playoff ticket. While Liu "Spring" Chun-ting and Tyler "juicy" Aeria have caught fire at the right time, Liang "Lysoar" Youhao’s international experience is a calming anchor in high-pressure rounds.

It’s a clash of breakout squads, but RRQ just seem more structured, more prepared, and more explosive. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be theirs to lose.

Prediction: Rex Regum Qeon 2-1 Wolves

Fnatic vs Gen.G Esports [Saturday, June 14: 9pm CET | 12pm PT]

The hardest match to predict. On one side, you have Fnatic, two-time international champions, who’ve returned to form after missing VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025. Their VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Stage 1 performance was ruthless. Despite losing Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev, Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski has stepped in and thrived as a star duelist, and Emir "Alfajer" Ali Beder continues to be a monster on the server.

Across from them are Gen.G Esports, the pride of Korea and winners of VCT 2024 - Masters Shanghai. Their group stage run was pristine, taking down Paper Rex with ease and not dropping a single map. Kim "t3xture" Na-ra is currently on a heater, tallying 80 kills over four maps. He’s the man to watch, but Gen.G’s cohesion and well-drilled setups make them a complete threat.

Both teams are capable of winning this tournament, and this might just be a grand final-worthy clash in the quarterfinals. But if we have to pick a side, it would be Fnatic.

Prediction: Fnatic 2-1 Gen.G Esports

Don't Forget to Lock In Your Pick’Ems!

Don’t forget to lock in your full playoff bracket in the Pick’Em Challenge before the matches start! Whether our predictions hold up or crash and burn, at least you’ll have your shot at glory (and rewards).

The VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025 playoffs are shaping up to be an all-time classic. Eight teams from all corners of the globe are about to clash, and only the strongest will remain standing. Whether you’re rooting for your home region or just here to watch chaos unfold, the quarterfinals are unmissable.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Stefan Wisnoski/Riot Games