The air crackled with anticipation at VALORANT Champions 2025, but what unfolded defied conventional wisdom and preseason predictions. As the playoffs intensified, a shocking upset sent ripples through the competitive scene, proving once again that in esports, no victory is ever guaranteed, and the script often gets thrown out the window.
The Dragon Awakens: DRX Topples Paper Rex
One of the tournament`s most anticipated matchups saw Pacific champions Paper Rex (PRX), widely celebrated as Masters Toronto winners and VCT Pacific Stage 2 victors, face off against their regional counterparts, DRX. On paper, PRX was the undisputed favorite, expected to cruise through the lower bracket. Yet, DRX, the region`s fourth seed, arrived with a different agenda, executing a clinical 2-0 sweep that left fans and analysts alike questioning their predictions.
The series kicked off on Ascent, a map where PRX typically boasts a formidable defense. Despite securing a strong 9-3 lead in their defensive half, the momentum shifted dramatically. The match quickly evolved into a captivating duel between PRX`s lethal Sage player, Wang `Jinggg` Jing Jie, and DRX`s Song `HYUNMIN` Hyun-min, whose pinpoint aim shredded through PRX`s lines. What started as PRX`s stronghold became a gritty battle of wills, culminating in DRX snatching a 15-13 overtime victory, a testament to their resilience on both offense and defense.
Moving to Lotus, HYUNMIN, now wielding Raze, continued his destructive path. Although DRX initially grappled with some risky plays and indecisive mid-round calls, they found their rhythm, leveraging strong crossfires to deny PRX entry. Even the formidable Operator skills of Ilia `something` Petrov couldn`t consistently halt DRX`s methodical approach. After a hard-fought 7-5 half, DRX took full control, displaying a fearless aggression that contrasted with PRX`s growing hesitation. A last-gasp Raze ultimate from Jinggg offered a flicker of hope for PRX, stopping a spike defuse at a mere 0.33 seconds, but it was too little, too late. DRX closed out Lotus 13-8, decisively eliminating one of the tournament`s biggest contenders.
NRG`s Unyielding March to the Grand Final
Before the Pacific derby, the Upper Bracket Final delivered its own brand of high-octane action. VCT Americas Stage 2 runner-up NRG faced EMEA`s Fnatic in a clash that, despite moments of intense competition, ultimately showcased NRG`s superior form. The match concluded with a clean 2-0 victory for NRG, cementing their place in the Grand Final.
Fnatic`s map pick, Ascent, began with both teams deploying strategic Odins and sniper rifles on defense, albeit with differing team compositions. Fnatic leaned into their signature double-sentinel style, while NRG opted for a more traditional setup. NRG`s disciplined defense effectively countered Fnatic`s slow split-pushes, forcing the EMEA squad to rely on individual opening kills. Despite a respectable 4-8 attacking half for Fnatic, NRG found their footing on attack. A heroic backstab from Kajetan `kaajak` Haremski forced overtime, but it was NRG`s young duelist, Adam `mada` Pampuch, who rose to the occasion, securing crucial overtime frags to clinch Ascent 14-12.
The second map, Abyss, proved to be a masterclass in control from NRG. Their innovative Harbour/Omen composition completely dismantled Fnatic`s strategies. Every setup switch, Odin buy, and aggressive push from Fnatic seemed to meet a well-drilled counter. NRG`s attack was near-flawless, building an overwhelming 12-1 lead. Logan `skuba` Jenkins delivered a massive attacking performance, while Fnatic struggled to find any answers. Even a pistol round win in the second half couldn`t spark a full comeback, as NRG swiftly shut down any hopes with an impressive eco-buy, closing out Abyss 13-5. With this dominant display, NRG secured their flawless run through the playoffs and a coveted spot in the Grand Final.
The Road Ahead: Awaiting the Grand Showdown
With Paper Rex now out of the running, the race for the VALORANT Champions 2025 trophy narrows to just three teams. The Lower Bracket Final promises another thrilling spectacle, as the revitalized DRX prepares to face a shaken but still dangerous Fnatic. This matchup will determine which team earns the right to challenge the formidable NRG in the Grand Final.
NRG, having earned a well-deserved break, will patiently await their final opponent, observing the impending clash from the comfort of their top spot. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion on October 5th. As the esports world collectively holds its breath, one thing is certain: VALORANT Champions 2025 continues to deliver high-stakes drama and extraordinary competition, proving that in the quest for glory, the only constant is unpredictability.
