Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) China Ascension 2023, organized by TJ Sports and Riot Games, commenced today, on 23rd December with the group stage fixtures. This offline spectacle unfolds in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China, hosting an elite ensemble of 8 invited teams. These are the active and non-partnered teams that are ranked top 20 in the circuit rankings. The tournament will run till 30th December, and the winner will qualify for the 2024 and 2025 VCT China League. 

Tournament Format

VCT Ascension China 2023 unfolds through a meticulously designed two-stage format, featuring the Group Stage and Playoffs. The Group Stage, spanning from 23rd to 25th December, comprises two groups, each consisting of two teams. The group stage fixtures are like this - Opening matches, Elimination match, Winners match and Decider map. 

Top 2 teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs, which will consist of double-elimination brackets. The upper-bracket losers will get another chance to survive with the lower bracket matches. All the matches will be of best of 3 game series except the Playoffs Grand Final which will be Best of 5 game series. The map pool of the tournament are Ascent, Bind, Breeze, Haven, Lotus, Split and Sunset. 

Participating Teams

As mentioned above, a total of 8 teams are invited based on their circuit rankings. According to the China Evolution Series 2023 Circut Points (EVO Circut, these teams are invited to participate. 

• Rare Atom (EVO Circuit Points ranking #2)
• Attacking Soul Esports (EVO Circuit Points ranking #5)
• Dragon Ranger Gaming (EVO Circuit Points ranking #8)
• 17 Gaming (EVO Circuit Points ranking #12)
• Ninjas in Pyjamas (EVO Circuit Points ranking #13)
• Night Wings Gaming (EVO Circuit Points ranking #15)
• Four Angry Men (EVO Circuit Points ranking #16)
• KeepBest Gaming (EVO Circuit Points ranking #20) 

Today, the Group Stage opening fixtures are ongoing from both the groups. Group A match results are as follows - 

Match 1: Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Night Wings Gaming - Night Wings Gaming won both the games and secured the victory. 
Match 2: Rare Atom vs KeepBest Gaming - Rare Atom won the game by 2-0 in the best of 3 game series. 

The VCT China Ascension 2023 promises a week of thrilling matchups, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. As we count down the days until the grand culmination on the 30th of December, Valorant enthusiasts around the world are in for a treat.