The intensity at VALORANT Champions 2025 has reached a fever pitch, delivering a masterclass in competitive esports where seasoned giants stumbled and determined underdogs carved their path to glory. The recent playoff matches witnessed not just victories, but definitive statements from teams vying for the ultimate title. From a surprising upset in the Pacific derby to a dominant display in the Upper Bracket, the road to the Grand Final is now clearer, albeit still fraught with tension.
The Pacific Power Shift: DRX Stuns Paper Rex
In what many considered an unexpected turn, Paper Rex (PRX), a team lauded as the Masters Toronto champion and VCT Pacific Stage 2 winner, found itself eliminated from the tournament. Their conquerors? Fellow Pacific contenders, DRX, who entered the fray as the region`s fourth seed but played with the conviction of a top contender.
The series, a decisive 2-0 victory for DRX, showcased meticulous preparation and an unwavering resolve. On the map Ascent, PRX started strong, establishing a 9-3 lead on defense. However, the narrative quickly shifted. A captivating duel unfolded between PRX`s “Jinggg” and DRX`s “HYUNMIN,” a battle of individual brilliance that ultimately saw HYUNMIN`s relentless aim turn the tide. DRX clawed back round after round, ultimately taking Ascent in a tense 15-13 overtime.
Moving to Lotus, DRX maintained their momentum. HYUNMIN, adapting his agent choice, continued to be a pivotal force. While PRX`s “something” attempted to stem the tide with precise Operator plays, DRX`s fearless aggression and coordinated site takes proved too much. Despite a last-ditch Raze ultimate from Jinggg preventing a spike defuse by a mere 0.33 seconds, it was a temporary reprieve. DRX closed out Lotus 13-8, sending a clear message: past accolades mean little when an underdog is hungry for victory.
NRG`s Unstoppable March: Dominating Fnatic for a Grand Final Spot
Meanwhile, the Upper Bracket Final pitted NRG, the VCT Americas Stage 2 runner-up, against EMEA`s formidable Fnatic. What began as a tightly contested affair quickly transformed into a showcase of NRG`s strategic depth and firepower, culminating in a clean 2-0 victory that punched their ticket directly to the Grand Final.
The first map, Fnatic`s pick of Ascent, saw both teams leveraging long-range weaponry and strong defensive setups. Fnatic`s signature double-sentinel composition, often a fortress, met its match in NRG`s well-drilled defense. NRG`s disciplined approach neutralized Fnatic`s favored slow split-pushes, securing an early lead. Despite Fnatic`s resilience, forcing the map into overtime, NRG`s young duelist “mada” delivered clutch frags, sealing Ascent 14-12.
The second map, Abyss, proved to be a masterclass from NRG. Employing a calculated Harbour/Omen composition, NRG`s attack was nothing short of “near-flawless,” cruising to a commanding 12-1 half. Fnatic seemed utterly perplexed, unable to decipher NRG`s innovative positioning and precise utility usage. Even their attempts at a comeback in the second half were swiftly put down by NRG`s tactical prowess and the standout performance of “skuba.” The 13-5 victory on Abyss was a stark demonstration of NRG`s preparedness and execution, securing their spot in the pinnacle match of VALORANT Champions 2025.
The Road Ahead: Who Challenges NRG?
With Paper Rex surprisingly out of contention, only three teams remain in the hunt for the prestigious VALORANT Champions trophy. NRG now enjoys a well-deserved break, patiently awaiting their final opponent. That opponent will emerge from a high-stakes Lower Bracket Final clash between Fnatic and DRX.
This upcoming match promises to be an epic confrontation. Fnatic will be looking to rebound from their loss and prove their championship pedigree, while DRX will be riding the high of their monumental upset and aiming to continue their fairytale run. Fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating these decisive moments, as the world`s best VALORANT teams vie for the ultimate glory. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to VALORANT Champions 2025.
