Group stage giants carry momentum into the Playoffs, as four regions clash in high-stakes semifinals at the VALORANT Esports World Cup.
The 2025 Esports World Cup for VALORANT held the quarterfinals on 11 July, where four teams, 
Paper Rex, 
Fnatic, 
Gen.G Esports, and 
Team Heretics, delivered clean 2-0 victories to advance to the semifinals. Each match was a display of regional dominance and tactical precision, narrowing the field to four contenders for the grand prize.
All four semifinalists topped or secured second place in their respective groups during the group stage.
In Group A, Paper Rex finished undefeated at 2-0, showing early signs of their dominant form, while 
Karmine Corp followed closely behind at 2-1. Group B saw 
BBL Esports take first place with a perfect 2-0 record, and 
Sentinels clinched second with a strong +16 round differential.
Over in Group C, 
NRG breezed through the group, the highest across all groups, while Team Heretics earned second place with a 2-1 record. Group D was led by Fnatic with a clean 2-0 showing, and Gen.G Esports followed at 2-1, edging out 
EDward Gaming on round difference.
Paper Rex sweep Sentinels (2-0)
Paper Rex kicked off their quarterfinal run with a dominant 13-3 victory on Icebox. They took control early, leading 8-4 in the first half before completely shutting out Sentinels 5-0 in the second. On Sunset, Sentinels managed to put up more resistance, but Paper Rex maintained their grip on the series. A 7-5 first half gave them the edge, and they closed it out with a 6-4 finish, ending the map 13-9 and sweeping the series.
Fnatic overpower Karmine Corp (2-0)
Fnatic delivered one of the most one-sided games of the tournament on Sunset, shutting out Karmine Corp at 13-0. They stormed through the first half at 8-0 and never let up, completing the map with a flawless 5-0 second half. On Ascent, Karmine Corp managed to find some footing, keeping things close with a 5-7 first half. However, Fnatic quickly regained control, winning the second half 6-2 to secure a 13-7 win and a clean 2-0 series.
Gen.G Esports defeat NRG (2-0)
Gen.G came into the series prepared and precise, starting with a 13-6 win on Sunset. They built momentum with an 8-4 lead in the first half and closed confidently at 5-2 in the second. Icebox proved more competitive, as NRG kept things tight across both halves. Gen.G edged ahead 7-5 before holding off NRG 6-5 in the second half, finishing the map 13-10 to complete the sweep.
Team Heretics sweep BBL Esports (2-0)
Team Heretics wasted no time asserting dominance on Ascent, ending the first half 8-4 and then completely shutting out BBL in the second half 5-0 to take the map 13-3. Haven was more contested, with both teams trading rounds, but Heretics held the upper hand with a 7-5 lead at the break. They maintained their momentum into the second half, closing it 6-4 to secure a 13-9 win and move on to the semifinals.
The semifinals of the VALORANT Esports World Cup will see Paper Rex face off against Fnatic in a clash of contrasting styles: aggressive, high-octane play from the Pacific squad versus the structured, disciplined approach of the EMEA representatives.
On the other side of the bracket, Gen.G Esports will take on Team Heretics in a battle defined by momentum, with both teams showcasing sharp execution and confident teamplay throughout the tournament. As the competition narrows, these four teams now stand on the brink of the Grand Final. Only two will move forward. Who will rise to the occasion?
Meanwhile, Sentinels, NRG, Karmine Corp, and BBL Esports bow out of the competition in 5th-8th place, taking home US$40,000 each in consolation.
