VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 — BBL Esports Defeat Team Heretics to Reach Upper Bracket Final

On August 22, as part of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2, one of the most anticipated playoff matches took place — BBL Esports faced Team Heretics in the upper semifinal. Both teams entered the series in strong form with high expectations from fans, but in the end, it was BBL who showcased more discipline and teamwork, securing a 2:0 victory. With this win, the Turkish squad advances to the upper bracket final, while Heretics drop to the lower bracket where they will have to fight for survival.

Map 1 — Icebox (13:6 for BBL)

The opening map started off dynamically: Heretics claimed the pistol round and attempted to set the pace in attack. However, BBL quickly seized control, dominating on defense and shutting down key entry points. Their coordination during retakes stood out, leaving little room for Heretics to execute their strategies.

The standout player was PROFEK (Viper), finishing with 21 kills and a 283 ACS. His effective utility usage and timely flanks disrupted Heretics’ game plan. Once on attack, BBL swiftly closed out the remaining rounds, sealing the map 13:6 and putting Heretics on the back foot early in the series.

Map 2 — Ascent (13:11 for BBL)

The second map turned into a real battle. Heretics showed resilience and improved structure, particularly on defense. RieNs (Sova) and Boo (Omen) stood out with impactful frags and clutch holds, giving their team a fighting chance.

Still, BBL had their own hero — LewN (Jett). His aggressive entries and decisive trades were crucial in swinging the momentum. Ending the map with 24 kills and a 271 ACS, he carried his team through the tense closing rounds. With a final score of 13:11, BBL secured the series sweep at 2:0.

Key Takeaways

• BBL’s strong defense on Icebox laid the foundation for their confident start.
• LewN’s individual brilliance on Ascent proved decisive in the tightest rounds.
• Heretics lacked finishing power — despite good coordination, they struggled to close out key moments.

BBL Esports have proven they are in top form and a serious contender for the tournament title. Their ability to dominate early and rely on clutch performances from key players has carried them into the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 Upper Bracket Final.

For Team Heretics, this defeat is a setback, but not the end. Dropping to the lower bracket, they still have a chance to bounce back — provided they fix their mistakes and show greater consistency in the upcoming matches.

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.