VCT 2026 China Kickoff betting predictions – Friday, January 23

VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2026 China Kickoff continues on Friday, January 23, with the second day of Upper Bracket Round 1 matches, when All Gamers will take on Nova Esports, followed by a clash between JD Gaming and Titan Esports Club. While there are many unknowns about the teams who’ve made changes heading into the new season, there are some inviting betting opportunities to explore.

Esportbet brings you free VALORANT betting previews and picks for the two fixtures, with esports odds courtesy of the top-rated betting sites.

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  Fast Payouts

ALL GAMERS vs NOVA ESPORTS

All Gamers have added players ahead of the 2026 season, including two unproven players in Gao “iamgrq” Ruiqi and Zhu “Au1” Yihao. Meanwhile, Nova Esports have decided to bring in Chiu “Green” Chien-chih and Ho “HeiB” Shun-hei as a new in-game leader.

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  The bookies' bookie

Adding two unproven players does not shout confidence, but the potential is there. Nova Esports showed good things last season and are building on that with the two arrivals, allowing Guang “GuanG” Honglin to return to the primary duellist role. However, while Nova have done a good job constructing this roster, it is hard to justify betting on them at these numbers before they make their debut. Priced at +162on the best VALORANT bookmakers, All Gamers are an inviting longshot bet.

JD GAMING vs TITAN ESPORTS CLUB

JD Gaming are priced as firm favorites to start VCT China Kickoff with a win. They enter the season with three new players, including Huang “Yuicaw” Yung-chieh, Niu “zhe” Zhe, and Colin “coconut” Chung.

Instead of making changes, Titan Esports Club have decided to build on the foundation they built last year. This could give them an early advantage as they have continuity, but Titan Esports Club weren’t great last year, and nothing is going to change. JD Gaming look very solid with the new changes and should handle Titan Esports Club with ease.