VCT EMEA Stage 1 begins today, with reigning EMEA Kickoff champions Team Vitality set to face GIANTX for the first time in almost a year.

Each game in the Group Stage carries its own compelling narrative, and as the stage progresses, more storylines will emerge. Over five weeks, a total of 30 matches will be played in the VCT EMEA Stage 1 Group Stage. If you can’t keep up with every single showdown, here are five matchups you won’t want to miss.

Team Heretics vs Apeks (March 27th)

Ava “florescent” Eugene, the only Game Changers competitor promoted to the VCT, showcased her talents as a duelist during EMEA Kickoff. However, Apeks couldn’t secure a single series win at the event. Now, with all eyes on florescent and the arrival of Peter “Governor” No, Apeks aims to finally claim its maiden VCT victory.

Standing in their path is Team Heretics—runners-up at VALORANT Champions 2024—eager to reclaim their form after missing out on their first international VCT event since 2024. Whether Heretics takes a win as expected or Apeks pulls off an extraordinary upset, March 27th will be a historic date to remember.

Team Vitality vs Fnatic (April 4th)

Star duelist Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev will face his old teammates for the first time since leaving Fnatic. Although Fnatic has never lost to Team Vitality, they haven’t been at their peak this season. Will Fnatic hold on to their spotless record, or can Team Vitality turn the tables once and for all?

Team Liquid vs FUT Esports (April 10th)

On April 10th, FUT Esports will enter the arena looking to avenge their heartbreaking elimination at the hands of Team Liquid in the Kickoff Lower Grand Final.

Team Liquid, however, has seen a roster shake-up, replacing Maks “kamyk” Rychlewski with Maikls “SerialKiller” Zdanovs despite kamyk’s strong performances. With this change in effect, fans will be keen to find out whether Team Liquid can uphold its impressive form.

Karmine Corp vs Team Liquid (April 25th)

Karmine Corp arrived in the 2025 VCT season with one of the most anticipated rosters, led by elite in-game leader Matias “Saadhak” Delipetro, who assembled a formidable team featuring Dmitry “SUYGETSU” Ilyushin and Martin “marteen” Pátek.

Although Karmine Corp’s Kickoff run ended sooner than expected, the potential of this lineup remains undeniable. Meanwhile, Team Liquid’s Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin is flourishing in his new IGL role, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter on April 25th.

Fnatic vs Team Heretics (April 25th)

Riot Games saved one of the fiercest rivalries for last: Fnatic versus Team Heretics on April 25th. In 2024 alone, these teams met four times, with Heretics emerging victorious in three of those showdowns—most notably at Champions, where they sent Fnatic to the lower bracket.

With Fnatic looking to rediscover their lost form, this matchup is a golden opportunity for the UK-based organization to exact revenge and wrap up the Group Stage on a triumphant note.

All matches will be streamed live on VCT EMEA’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. Additionally, Riot Games has released a list of approved co-streamers who will provide alternative ways to watch and enjoy the action.