Fnatic bow out of the competition in second place after NRG's dominant showing at the Grand Finals.
NRG have been crowned the 2025 VALORANT Champions after a hard-earned 3-2 win over 
Fnatic in the Grand Finals of VALORANT Champions Paris.
Despite fielding three rookies, NRG’s run in France was nothing short of flawless. Across three intense weeks, sixteen of the world’s best teams clashed for the ultimate title, and it was the North American squad who rose above them all.
Both sides entered the Grand Finals chasing legacy-defining moments for their organisations. Fnatic, the European powerhouse with an illustrious trophy cabinet, were seeking the one title that had always eluded them, their first-ever VALORANT Champions crown. NRG, on the other hand, were looking to complete their perfect run and secure their maiden world title, marking a new era for the organisation.
In the group stage, both Fnatic and NRG topped their respective groups, B and C, punching early tickets to the Playoffs.
Fnatic’s Playoff journey began with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 
DRX in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals, followed by another 2-1 triumph against 
Paper Rex in the Semifinals. However, their momentum was halted when NRG swept them aside 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Finals, forcing them down to the Lower Bracket. There, Fnatic regrouped and bested DRX 3-1 to earn a rematch in the Grand Finals.
NRG, meanwhile, blazed their trail through the Upper Bracket, dismantling 
GIANTX 2-0 in the Quarterfinals and edging out 
MIBR 2-1 in the Semifinals before delivering a statement win over Fnatic to secure their Grand Finals slot.
NRG take down Fnatic 3-2 in Grand Finals performance
The Grand Finals opened on Corrode, where Fnatic started strong by taking the first two rounds. But NRG quickly turned the tides, adapting with precision and suffocating their opponents’ plays. They stormed through the first half 9-3 and sealed the second half 4-0, taking the opener 13-3 in emphatic fashion.
On Lotus, Fnatic looked to regain their footing, showing flashes of resistance against the relentless NRG roster. Yet, the North Americans continued their clinical display, once again claiming a 9-3 lead in the first half before closing it out 4-3 to win 13-6.
Heading into the third map on Abyss, NRG looked unstoppable, storming through the first half with a crushing 11-1 lead. But with their backs against the wall, Fnatic refused to go down without a fight. They came alive in the second half, catching NRG off guard and clawing their way back to 12-12 to force overtime.
Fnatic struck first in overtime, edging ahead 13-12 to reach map point, but NRG answered back immediately to tie things up once again at 13-13. The European side then regained control, taking another crucial round to move back in front, and with momentum finally swinging their way, Fnatic closed out the map 15-13 to keep their hopes alive.
In the fourth game on Ascent, NRG came out blazing, but Fnatic, fuelled by the momentum from their previous win, quickly turned the tides. The European squad dominated the first half, closing it out 8-4. NRG showed resilience in the second half, narrowing the gap to 11-8, but Fnatic held firm under pressure and sealed the map 13-8 to force a decisive final game.
In the fifth and final game on Sunset, NRG regrouped and quickly regained control, dominating the first half 9-3. Fnatic fought to stay in it during the second half, but NRG had all the answers to their plays, shutting down every attempt at a comeback. With momentum fully in their favour, NRG closed out the second half 4-2 to win Sunset 13-5, taking the series 3-2 and securing the championship title.
With their win, NRG have been crowned the 2025 VALORANT Champions, winning US$1,000,000. Meanwhile, Fnatic bow out of the competition in second place, taking home US$400,000 in consolation.
Brock “brawk” Somerhalder was notably named the VALORANT Champions MVP for his impressive performance throughout the tournament and the Grand Finals.
Adam “mada” Pampuch
