VCT EMEA Stage 2 – Week 4 Day 1: Heretics maintain leadership, KOI claim their first win

The first day of Week 4 at VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 featured two important matches across both groups. Team Heretics delivered a confident 2–0 victory over FUT Esports to stay undefeated in Group Alpha, while Movistar KOI fought back in a tough three-map series to defeat Apeks and secure their first win in the tournament.

FUT Esports 0–2 Team Heretics

Maps: Haven 6–13, Bind 7–13

On Haven, Heretics immediately took control, dictating the pace during their defensive half. Several key eco rounds from FUT gave Heretics the momentum to secure a solid lead and close out the map with confidence.

Bind saw FUT attempt to stabilize, but MiniBoo and RieNs consistently held the upper hand. Their pressure across the map and calculated engagements kept FUT from gaining any real control.

Despite the loss, cNed from FUT delivered a strong individual performance with an ACS of 1.29, 179 ADR, and a K/D of 1.87. On the winning side, RieNs played a crucial role in important rounds with a K/D of 1.05. MiniBoo once again proved reliable and creative, especially during the attacking phases.

Community reaction on Reddit showed little surprise at the result. Many pointed out that FUT had been consistently unsuccessful against Heretics in previous encounters, with some noting FUT’s 0–10 map record against them. The sentiment was clear: Heretics 2–0, and it wasn’t even close.

Heretics showcased their dominance once again, executing their game plan with precision. MiniBoo and RieNs stood out tactically, and the team looked composed and in full control throughout the series.

Movistar KOI 2–1 Apeks

Maps: Lotus 9–13, Ascent 13–4, Haven 13–8

Apeks started the series strong on their pick, Lotus, capitalizing on KOI’s early economic missteps and taking the map 13–9. However, KOI bounced back on Ascent with a swift shift in tempo, dominating with a well-structured attack and completely outpacing their opponents.

On the decider, Haven, KOI maintained their momentum. With tight control, fast rotations, and a disciplined approach, they denied Apeks any opportunity to build rhythm and closed out the match 2–1.

This was a critical win for KOI, marking their first victory of the group stage. It also demonstrated their adaptability and mental resilience after dropping the opening map.

Standings and team context

Team Heretics continue to lead Group Alpha with a 3–0 match record, 6–2 in maps, and a round differential of +12. Their consistency and strong tactical approach are putting them in a favorable position for playoffs.

FUT Esports, after this defeat, sit at 1–2 in matches and 4–4 in maps, with a round differential of –2. The team shows individual promise but continues to struggle against top-tier opponents.

In Group Omega, KOI now hold a 1–3 match record. While still at the bottom of the standings, this win gives them a much-needed morale boost and keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Apeks remain winless with a 0–3 match record and a concerning –25 round differential. Despite some promising moments, the team is struggling to close out rounds and adapt during matches.

Tactical overview

Heretics once again proved their strength in map control, particularly on Haven and Bind. RieNs and MiniBoo were key in executing strategic plays and making the most out of low-buy rounds.

KOI showed strong adaptation after the first map, improving rotation timings and taking aggressive map control on both Ascent and Haven. Their ability to shift momentum and reset mentally will be crucial going forward.

As the group stage progresses, the pressure is mounting. With playoff spots still up for grabs, every round and every map could make the difference.

VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 is an S-tier offline tournament organized by Riot Games, held in Berlin from July 16 to August 31, 2025. It features twelve EMEA teams, a Bo3 group stage, and a double-elimination playoff bracket, with the top two teams securing a spot at Valorant Champions 2025 in Paris.