VCT Champions 2025: Kicking Off with PRX and the Hype Around Pick’Ems

The wait is finally over — VCT Champions 2025 is here, and the very first Group Stage match on September 12th set the tone: Paper Rex (PRX) vs Xi Lai Gaming (XLG). Fans of PRX were eager to see their team start strong, while others were watching closely to see if XLG could pull off an upset. This match didn’t just open the tournament—it also kicked off the drama of Pick’Ems, where your predictions can turn into rewards.

What Are Pick’Ems and Factions?

For those who may not know, Pick’Ems is Riot’s way of letting fans get even more involved in Champions. It’s a prediction game built into Valorant’s client and the Valorant Esports website. You lock in your picks before each stage—choosing which teams will advance and which will be eliminated. Get it right, and you earn points that stack up across the event.

This year, Riot added a twist called Factions. When you make your picks, you also join a group led by a well-known content creator (like TenZ, Sacy, or Mixwell). Not only do your points matter for your own rewards, but they also contribute to your Faction’s collective score. If your Faction wins, everyone in it gets a special bonus item chosen by the leader. It’s a fun way to feel like you’re part of a bigger team, even if you’re just watching from home.

Rewards You Can Earn

Pick’Ems isn’t just bragging rights — there are actual in-game goodies you can unlock. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Make at least one pick: Unlock the Tejo ¡Eureka! Spray.
• Finish in the top 50% of scores: Get the G.O.A.T. Gun Buddy.
• Finish in the top 20%: Upgrade to the Golden G.O.A.T. Gun Buddy.
• Perfect picks (100% correct): Earn the exclusive “100%” title.
• Faction winner: Receive a special reward item chosen by your Faction leader.

On top of that, there are also Watch & Earn rewards for tuning into live matches — like sprays, player cards, and other cosmetics. That means even if you’re not great at predicting, you can still get something just for being part of the action.

Why Pick’Ems Matter

Pick’Ems and Factions make Champions more than just watching your favorite team play. Suddenly, every match matters. Even games you might have skipped become important because your predictions and your Faction’s standing are on the line. It turns the entire event into an interactive experience where you’re not just a spectator, but a participant.

Your Turn: Who Are You Supporting

So now we want to know — who are you backing this year? Did you lock in PRX to win it all, or are you hoping an underdog team will shake things up? And which Faction did you join?

Drop your predictions, your Faction choice, and your dream reward in the comments. Let’s see who’s got the best read on Champions 2025 👀.