The path to glory in competitive VALORANT is rarely straightforward, often riddled with unexpected turns and fierce contests. For Fnatic, the EMEA powerhouse, this year`s VALORANT Champions 2025 has been a testament to resilience, culminating in a hard-fought advancement to the Grand Final. After a grueling Lower Bracket Final against the formidable Pacific squad, DRX, Fnatic emerged victorious with a 3-1 series win, setting the stage for an epic showdown against the VCT Americas Stage 2 runner-up, NRG.
- A Tactical Gamble: The DRX Showdown Unfolds
- Map 1: Sunset — DRX`s Unfazed Response (DRX 13 – 8 Fnatic)
- Map 2: Corrode — Fnatic`s Dominant Rebuttal (Fnatic 13 – 3 DRX)
- Map 3: Haven — The Tug-of-War (Fnatic 13 – 11 DRX)
- Map 4: Bind — DRX Crumbles Under Pressure (Fnatic 13 – 4 DRX)
- The Grand Final: Fnatic vs. NRG — A Rematch for the Ages
A Tactical Gamble: The DRX Showdown Unfolds
The series against DRX was anything but predictable, showcasing both tactical brilliance and moments of sheer individual skill. Fnatic, having previously fallen to NRG in the Upper Bracket Final, entered this elimination match with the weight of expectation and the hunger for a rematch.
Map 1: Sunset — DRX`s Unfazed Response (DRX 13 – 8 Fnatic)
The series kicked off on Sunset, a map both teams typically prefer to avoid. Fnatic`s decision to lock in this map was a bold, some might say audacious, move. However, DRX, particularly Song `HYUNMIN` Hyun-min on his signature Waylay, seemed entirely unfazed. HYUNMIN`s dominant defensive performance, racking up 14 kills in the first half alone, quickly put Fnatic on the back foot. Fnatic`s attack side faltered, securing only four rounds. Despite a second-half pistol round win and an early Operator for Kajetan `kaajak` Haremski, DRX swiftly shut down Fnatic`s attempts to establish mid-control, demonstrating superior aggression and map awareness. The Korean roster convincingly took the first map, leaving many to question Fnatic`s initial pick.
| Fnatic (Agents) | DRX (Agents) |
|---|---|
| Boaster (Omen) | MaKo (Omen) |
| kaajak (Neon) | HYUNMIN (Waylay) |
| Chronicle (Breach) | Flashback (Yoru) |
| Alfajer (Vyse) | free1ng (Cypher) |
| crashies (Fade) | BeYN (Sova) |
Map 2: Corrode — Fnatic`s Dominant Rebuttal (Fnatic 13 – 3 DRX)
If Sunset was a tactical misstep, Corrode was a masterclass in execution. Fnatic came alive, unleashing a near-flawless attack half that saw them secure a breathtaking 10-round winning streak before DRX could even register on the scoreboard. Early mid-control, fueled by Boaster`s precise Astra smokes, became the bedrock of their assault. Individual aim duels, which had been tentative on Sunset, were now consistently won by the EMEA squad.
The standout performance came from Austin `crashies` Roberts. His Fade utility was impactful, but it was his ability to convert critical 1v3 clutches that truly shone, leading to an impressive KDA of 18/6/2. DRX, on the other hand, displayed a curious habit of over-committing ultimates in low-economy rounds, a lapse in judgment that proved costly. Despite winning their attack pistol, the map quickly slipped away, resulting in a decisive 13-3 victory for Fnatic on DRX`s own map pick. The tables, it seemed, had irrevocably turned.
| Fnatic (Agents) | DRX (Agents) |
|---|---|
| Boaster (Astra) | MaKo (Omen) |
| kaajak (Yoru) | HYUNMIN (Waylay) |
| Chronicle (Viper) | Flashback (Yoru) |
| Alfajer (Vyse) | free1ng (Vyse) |
| crashies (Fade) | BeYN (Fade) |
Map 3: Haven — The Tug-of-War (Fnatic 13 – 11 DRX)
Haven provided a much tighter contest, a true tug-of-war where momentum swung wildly between the rivals. DRX secured both pistol rounds and even converted a bonus round, threatening to build a significant lead. However, Boaster`s astute mid-game adjustments kept Fnatic in the fight, bringing the first half to a respectable 6-6 tie. While DRX found consistent success on C site, they struggled to contain Fnatic`s proactive mid-pushes.
The second half mirrored the first in its intensity. Despite DRX grabbing their second pistol round on Haven, Fnatic immediately retaliated with a thrifty win, demonstrating their economic discipline. Although Fnatic occasionally appeared indecisive on their attack, often hesitating on site executions, crashies once again stood as a steadfast anchor. His fearless plays and reliable utility were instrumental in securing the narrow 13-11 victory, pushing Fnatic to match point.
| Fnatic (Agents) | DRX (Agents) |
|---|---|
| Boaster (Omen) | MaKo (Omen) |
| kaajak (Yoru) | HYUNMIN (Waylay) |
| Chronicle (Viper) | Flashback (Yoru) |
| Alfajer (Killjoy) | free1ng (Cypher) |
| crashies (Sova) | BeYN (Sova) |
Map 4: Bind — DRX Crumbles Under Pressure (Fnatic 13 – 4 DRX)
The series concluded on Bind, a map where DRX boasted an impressive 3-0 record at Champions. Yet, much like on Corrode, Fnatic asserted dominant control, especially in the first half. Their team composition, featuring the disruptive Tejo pick, excelled at securing A-showers control. Furthermore, Fnatic unveiled creative B-site executes, utilizing Tejo`s ultimate to clear backsite before a sneaky Yoru teleport entry by kaajak.
DRX, seemingly succumbing to the immense pressure of Champions elimination, managed to win only two rounds on their defense. While HYUNMIN delivered an incredible ACE and another heroic play, these individual flashes were insufficient to stem Fnatic`s relentless tide. A subsequent pistol round win on attack offered a glimmer of hope, but Fnatic had already deciphered DRX`s explosive Waylay entries. With a decisive 13-4 victory on Bind, Fnatic clinched the series 3-1, securing their second international VCT Grand Final appearance of the year.
| Fnatic (Agents) | DRX (Agents) |
|---|---|
| Boaster (Astra) | MaKo (Omen) |
| kaajak (Yoru) | HYUNMIN (Waylay) |
| Chronicle (Viper) | Flashback (Yoru) |
| Alfajer (Tejo) | free1ng (Vyse) |
| crashies (Fade) | BeYN (Fade) |
The Grand Final: Fnatic vs. NRG — A Rematch for the Ages
Fnatic`s journey through the Lower Bracket has been a narrative of redemption, proving their mettle against top-tier competition. Their victory over DRX not only propelled them into the Grand Final but also earned them a coveted rematch against NRG, the team that sent them to the Lower Bracket with a clean 2-0 sweep.
NRG has enjoyed an immaculate Playoffs run, showcasing a dominance that makes them formidable opponents. The Grand Final promises to be an electrifying best-of-five (BO5) series, a true test of strategy, skill, and nerve. For Fnatic, it`s an opportunity to avenge their previous loss and claim the ultimate prize in VALORANT esports. For NRG, it`s a chance to cement their supremacy. The stakes couldn`t be higher.
Fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, tuning into VCT`s official channels to witness history in the making. Tomorrow`s VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final, starting at 11 AM BST, will not only crown a champion but also etch another legendary chapter into the annals of competitive VALORANT.
