RLCS 2025: ROC, NiP dominate World Championship play-in stage

The RLCS 2025 World Championship play-in stage concluded on Wednesday, with four teams securing their place in the group stage in Lyon, Paris. Following a day of high-tier Rocket League action, it was ROC Esports, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Virtus.pro, and Gen.G Mobil1 Racing who held their nerve to advance.

• 

  Fast Payouts

The upper bracket told the first half of the story. ROC Esports brushed aside FUT Esports 3-0 before stunning Gen.G with another clean sweep, booking their ticket with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Ninjas in Pyjamas edged past TSM in a tight 3-1 contest, then dominated Virtus.pro 3-0 to claim the second automatic berth into the group stage of the World Championship.

That left two slots still in play, and the lower bracket became a cauldron of pressure. Virtus.pro, stung by their upper bracket semifinal defeat, rebounded by dispatching MIBR 3-0, proving their veteran resilience when it mattered most. On the other side, Gen.G survived a scare against MIBR in the opener before regrouping to eliminate Shopify Rebellion 3-1, punching their ticket as the final qualifier.

• 

  The bookies' bookie

For those who fell short—MIBR, Shopify Rebellion, FUT Esports, and TSM—the dream ended abruptly, leaving them to regroup for next season. The victors; however, now join the 12 pre-qualified powerhouses, forming a 16-team group stage set to kick off inside the LDLC Arena on Thursday.

With esports betting sites’ favorites, Karmine Corp, Team Vitality, NRG, and Team Falcons, already waiting in the group stage, it promises blockbuster matchups from the very start.