What to expect from Marvel Rivals Ignite Stage 1

Marvel Rivals Ignite is underway as teams across the globe compete for a spot at the Midseason Finals for Stage 1. The esports scene has developed in interesting ways across all five regions.

In EMEA, fans are wondering if anyone can topple Virtus.pro, and in the Americas, curiosity has arisen about which organisation will become the best team. Meanwhile, the other regions — including Asia, China and Oceania — are stepping out of the shadows.

Here are the biggest headlines for every region ahead of Marvel Rivals Ignite Stage 1.

EMEA Stage 1 teams have been revealed, and there has been a resurgence in the number of organisations participating. In the past few months, most teams competing in events like the weekly Rivals Fight Nights did not have organisation backing.

In light of the Ignite tournament announcement, new teams have entered the scene and old ones have returned for another shot at success. OG Seed is the revival of OG’s Marvel Rivals team since competing in the Season 1 Championships. Originally disbanded on April 6th, the organisation returned on June 2nd with eight new players ready for action.

New organisations have also entered the fray. On June 7th, Rad EU acquired the roster of Team1 – who have competed in events like Rivals Fight Night.

All eyes are on Virtus.pro as the favourites to win the EMEA Stage 1, and potentially the Mid Season finals. The team has been on a non-stop rampage since joining the scene, winning the Invitational, Championships and Rivals Fight Nights.

The Americas have the most number of teams competing, with 16 organisations playing for a spot in the Midseason Finals and the lion’s share of the $250,000 prize pool.

All teams competing in Americas Stage 1 have been revealed, from established teams like 100 Thieves to newcomers like DarkZero.

Amongst the favourites to win, ENVY has seen the most praise by fans and commentators alike following their performance at The Shroud Gauntlet. Following its win, ENVY has won some of the more recent Rivals Fight Nights, establishing itself as one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

Following close behind them is 100 Thieves, who won the North America Invitationals back in April. 100 Thieves has seen plenty of highs and lows throughout their 2025 journey, including losses at the Championships to Sentinels, but have managed to claw its way back through top placements in events such as Rivals Fight Nights.

The other regions don’t have as many teams participating as EMEA and Americas but there are still storylines to be aware.

There are 12 teams competing in Asia, most notably Crazy Raccoon and Gen.G Esports, who have been invited based on their placements in the Season 1 Championships. The most interesting development is that Gen.G’s roster consists of members from the non-organisation team Uprise, who defeated Gen.G in the grand finals.

China also has 12 teams competing. Of all teams, OUG is currently the favourite to win, claiming first in both China’s Invitational and Championships. It also remains as one of the few organisations that have yet to see a single roster change since it first joined in March 14th, 2025. The only team that has been able to defeat OUG so far is Nova Esports during the first Rivals Fight Night in China.

Oceania has the fewest number of teams participating, at only eight, which is half of America’s. Of all teams participating, the faction Platinum Star has yet to reveal it’s roster for the event. Platinum Star came second in the Oceania Invitational after losing to Kanga Esports.

Since then, players such as Khai ‘Hypnotic’ Buoni-Smith have moved to other teams, including Quetzal. Only time will tell if Platinum Star can assemble a squad in time or if their spot is passed to another team.

The biggest highlight of Marvel Rivals Ignite will be the Mid Season Finals, which will see the top teams from Stage 1 in every region competing for the lion’s share of a $500,000 (~£392,000) prize pool.

The finals will see four teams from Americas, four from EMEA, three from Asia, three from China and two from Oceania. It is here that the best team in the world will be decided, and many speculations and debates amongst the esports community will finally be answered.

Virtus.pro’s performance so far has made it the favourite to win. However, it has long been argued by commentors and fans alike whether or not the organisation could demonstrate the same strength on an International level against other teams such as 100 Thieves, OUG and more.

But fans will have to wait until July to see who will potentially become the best Marvel Rivals team.