In an exhilarating display of tactical prowess and raw skill, the VALORANT Champions 2025 playoffs continued to deliver breathtaking upsets and nail-biting finishes. The Upper Bracket Semifinals saw European powerhouse Fnatic overcome formidable odds against Pacific`s Paper Rex, while North America`s NRG emerged victorious from a grueling regional clash with MIBR. These high-stakes matchups have not only set the stage for a spectacular Upper Bracket Final but have also cast two titans into the unforgiving depths of the Lower Bracket.
Fnatic`s Miraculous March: Overcoming Adversity
Fnatic`s journey through the semifinals was nothing short of cinematic. Facing VCT Pacific Stage 2 champions Paper Rex, the EMEA squad was dealt an unexpected blow: star sentinel player Emir ‘Alfajer’ Beder was sidelined due to health complications. Stepping into this high-pressure void was Domagoj ‘Doma’ Fancev, a stand-in whose performance would soon become a central talking point.
The series kicked off on Paper Rex’s map pick, Bind. Despite an early struggle, Fnatic showcased remarkable defensive resilience. Thanks to Kajetan ‘kaajak’ Haremski`s dominant performance and Doma`s impressive aim and utility, Fnatic clawed back from a 0-4 deficit to lead 7-5 at halftime. However, their slower attack defaults in the second half were repeatedly punished by Khalish ‘d4v41’ Rusyaidee`s cunning flanks and off-angles, allowing Paper Rex to narrowly secure Bind 13-10.
Haven presented a different narrative. After losing the pistol round, Fnatic quickly established economic control with a crucial thrifty win. This momentum propelled kaajak into another killing spree, cementing an 8-5 first-half lead. Under the astute leadership of in-game leader Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett, Fnatic masterfully dismantled Paper Rex’s aggressive Yoru/Waylay compositions. Boaster’s intelligent exploitation of PRX`s information gaps frequently forced them into unfavorable retake scenarios, reminiscent of Gen.G’s Viper compositions. Fnatic dominated the second half, securing Haven with a resounding 13-4 victory.
The deciding map, Lotus, began with an ominous tone for Fnatic. Despite winning the attack pistol, they found themselves in a dire 3-9 deficit at halftime, losing nine consecutive rounds. Jason ‘f0rsakeN’ Susanto of PRX seemed to have locked down A-site with cheeky Omen plays and persistent Odin spams. But what followed was a comeback for the ages. Fnatic unleashed a reality-bending performance, winning an astonishing 12 rounds in a row. Whether by design or sheer adaptability, they expertly defended a seemingly weak C-site held by Doma, then systematically shut down PRX`s assaults on A and B. The crowd erupted as Fnatic completed their improbable 13-9 victory, sending Paper Rex to the Lower Bracket in a stunning display of resilience—a comeback that would make even the most seasoned esports analysts raise an eyebrow.
NRG vs. MIBR: A Marathon of Mayhem
The second Upper Bracket Semifinal was an all-Americas affair, pitching NRG against MIBR in a series that pushed both teams to their absolute limits. While NRG ultimately prevailed 2-1, the spotlight often shone brightly on MIBR`s star duelist, Erick ‘aspas’ Santos, who delivered a record-breaking performance.
Abyss, MIBR’s chosen map, unfolded as a back-and-forth epic. Despite NRG`s strong attack start, aspas ignited on Jett, balancing the scales to a 6-6 halftime. The second half descended into a flurry of individual aim duels and explosive site hits from MIBR clashing with NRG’s methodical retakes. MIBR’s creative use of on-site smokes for aspas to dash into added another layer to their offense. Yet, it wasn`t enough to avoid overtime. Heroics from NRG’s in-game leader Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold and rookie duelist Adam ‘mada’ Pampuch sealed a hard-fought 16-14 victory for NRG.
On Haven, MIBR delivered a masterclass in adapting the Gen.G-popularized Viper/Omen composition. NRG`s IGL Ethan, who often relies on fast, set strategies, found his mid-round calling heavily tested. MIBR’s Killjoy setup, often autonomously controlling C-long and garage, stifled NRG`s attempts to gain map control. MIBR marched to a dominant 10-2 lead in the first half and swiftly closed out the map 13-4, leveling the series.
The deciding showdown on Corrode began with both teams showcasing potent attack sides with their solo-Waylay compositions. MIBR initially established a 5-round lead on the typically defense-sided map, leveraging versatile pacing and micro-adjustments for aspas’ Waylay. However, the tides turned dramatically in the second half. Following their fifth pistol round win of the series, MIBR was hit with a crucial thrifty round from NRG. In a game where every bullet counts, sometimes it`s the thriftiest of rounds that rewrite history. This shift in momentum allowed NRG to deliver convincing site executes, while MIBR’s rookies appeared to crumble under the relentless pressure. Despite heroic efforts from IGL Andrew ‘Verno’ Maust, who halted NRG’s win streak and denied a last-minute plant, and even an overtime ACE from aspas, NRG’s unwavering resilience secured Corrode 16-14, and the series 2-1.
aspas`s individual brilliance was undeniable, logging an incredible 80 kills, 42 deaths, and 6 assists across the series – a new record for most kills at a VCT global event. A poignant reminder that even record-breaking performances don`t always guarantee victory.
The Road Ahead: Paris Awaits
With these intense battles concluded, Fnatic and NRG have rightfully earned their spots in the Upper Bracket Final of VALORANT Champions 2025, scheduled for October 3rd at the iconic Accor Arena in Paris. This sets up a clash of titans, promising another memorable encounter.
For Paper Rex and MIBR, the path to the trophy becomes significantly tougher. They now face the high-pressure gauntlet of the Lower Bracket, where every match is an elimination game. Tomorrow`s schedule is equally packed with anticipation: Paper Rex will challenge EMEA’s Team Heretics, followed by MIBR`s face-off against Pacific’s DRX. Fans eager to witness these crucial elimination games can tune into VCT’s official channels, ready to see who survives to fight another day in the City of Lights.
Callum Darby