GIANTX Stun Natus Vincere 2:1 in VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs

In one of the most surprising results of the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs, GIANTX delivered a comeback victory against tournament favorites Natus Vincere, winning the series 2:1. After dropping the opening map, GIANTX regrouped and took control on Haven and Ascent to secure their place in the next round.

Map 1 — Bind (NAVI’s pick)

Natus Vincere opened the series with total dominance. Their well-coordinated executes and confident duels left GIANTX without answers. Shao and ANGE1 led NAVI’s charge, shutting down GIANTX across the map.

The scoreboard told the story — NAVI cruised to a commanding 13:5 win, looking every bit like the heavy favorites. At this point, few expected GIANTX to turn the match around.

Map 2 — Haven (GIANTX’s pick)

The second map saw a completely different GIANTX. They found their rhythm early, controlling crucial areas of the map and punishing NAVI’s rotations. hoody and Nukkye stepped up in duels, while coordinated utility usage allowed them to break through NAVI’s setups.

GIANTX built momentum and kept NAVI on the back foot throughout the map. Despite NAVI’s attempts to rally, GIANTX closed it out 13:8, leveling the series and bringing the pressure back onto the favorites.

Map 3 — Ascent (Decider)

The decider turned into a showcase for GIANTX’s discipline and adaptability. They quickly dismantled NAVI’s defenses with well-timed executes and strong mid-round calls. Cloud and hoody were key contributors, consistently finding impact kills and shutting down NAVI’s late-round attempts.

GIANTX controlled the economy, denied NAVI any breathing room, and secured the final map 13:6 in convincing fashion.

Both teams entered playoffs with a 3–2 record in the group stage, but NAVI were seen as the clear favorites given their performance in EMEA Stage 1 and at the Esports World Cup. Historically, NAVI also held the upper hand in head-to-head matches, winning 2 of the last 3 meetings, including victories over GIANTX at EWC and Stage 1 groups.

However, this time GIANTX showed resilience and strategic flexibility. By adjusting their style on Haven and Ascent, they outplayed NAVI in rotations, economy control, and mid-round decision-making. The shift to a more aggressive and coordinated approach caught NAVI off guard, leaving them unable to adapt in time.

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.