Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 13, 2025 – Team Heretics etched their name in VALORANT history by clinching the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 title, overcoming Fnatic in a breathtaking 3-2 reverse sweep to claim the $500,000 grand prize and 1,000 EWC Club Points. The grand final, held at the stc Esports Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, delivered an electrifying five-map showdown that showcased the resilience and skill of both European powerhouses.
Team Heretics’ Uphill Battle
Fnatic seized control early in the best-of-five series on Lotus. With a commanding 8-4 lead at halftime, driven by Jake "Boaster" Howlett’s leadership and Chronicle’s sharp rifling, Fnatic surged to a 13-4 victory with a 5-0 second-half run. On Sunset, Fnatic’s aggression overwhelmed Heretics, securing an 11-1 lead before closing the map 13-2. With a 2-0 series lead, Fnatic appeared poised to claim the championship, building on their 2-1 semifinal victory over VALORANT Masters Toronto champions Paper Rex.
Momentum Shifts on Icebox
Trailing 0-2, Team Heretics found their spark on Icebox. Led by Wo0T’s explosive plays, they battled to a 6-6 tie at halftime. Their defensive coordination shone in the second half, with clutch moments securing a 13-11 win. This victory ignited Heretics’ comeback, proving they could disrupt Fnatic’s structured approach.
The fourth map, Haven, saw Heretics maintain their momentum. Despite Fnatic’s early advantage, Heretics rallied in the second half, leveraging precise executes and outplays in high-pressure scenarios to clinch a 13-10 victory. The series was now level at 2-2, setting up a decisive clash.
Ascent: A Championship-Clinching Thriller
The final map, Ascent, was a tense battle of wits. Fnatic held a 7-5 edge at halftime, but Heretics returned with renewed vigor. Aggressive pushes and coordinated retakes disrupted Fnatic’s defense, leading to a 13-10 triumph that sealed the reverse sweep and the VALORANT EWC 2025 title, along with the $500,000 prize and 1,000 EWC Club Points.
This victory marked Team Heretics’ first international title, ending a streak of five grand final losses over the past 18 months. Overcoming Fnatic, who had previously defeated them 3-0 in the VCT EMEA Stage 1 final, highlighted their growth and determination.
Path to the Podium
Heretics’ journey to the championship was arduous. Finishing second in Group C with a 2-1 record, they crushed BBL Esports 2-0 in the quarterfinals and edged out Gen.G Esports 2-1 in the semifinals, with a gripping 16-14 overtime win on Lotus. Fnatic, meanwhile, secured their final spot with a 2-1 reverse sweep over Paper Rex, punctuated by a 13-3 rout on Ascent.
The VALORANT EWC 2025, part of a multi-game tournament from July 8 to August 24, featured a $1,250,000 prize pool. Gen.G Esports took third place after defeating Paper Rex in the consolation final. The Heretics-Fnatic final underscored EMEA’s dominance in the tournament.
Standout Performances
Heretics’ success hinged on adaptability and individual brilliance. Wo0T’s aggressive fragging on Icebox and MiniBoo’s consistency on Ascent and Haven were pivotal. Their shift to aggressive retakes in later maps disrupted Fnatic’s rhythm. Fnatic relied on Boaster’s tactical prowess and Chronicle’s early dominance, with kaajak’s Yoru shining on Split in the semifinals. However, Heretics’ mental fortitude in clutch moments proved decisive.
With the $500,000 prize and 1,000 EWC Club Points, Team Heretics are now favorites heading into VALORANT Champions 2025, scheduled for September 12 to October 5 in Paris, France. Fnatic, despite the loss, remains a top contender, with their semifinal performance signaling readiness for the global stage. Both teams will compete in regional events to secure Champions qualification, promising more intense VALORANT battles.
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