VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 — GIANTX Eliminate FNATIC in Lower Bracket Round 2

On August 24, 2025, the lower bracket of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 delivered a shocking result: GIANTX defeated FNATIC 2–0, sending the regional favorites home earlier than expected. The series was played in a Bo3 format, with GIANTX winning Lotus 13:10 and Sunset 13:10.

Map 1 — Lotus (13:10 for GIANTX)

GIANTX got off to a strong start, building momentum early in the half and maintaining control throughout the map. The key highlight came from Flickless, whose aggressive play inside Viper’s Pit secured decisive rounds and ultimately closed the game for GIANTX. Despite FNATIC ’s attempts to recover, GIANTX’s early lead proved unshakable.

Map 2 — Sunset (13:10 for GIANTX)

The second map followed a similar script. GIANTX once again dictated the pace, finishing the first half with a confident 8:4 lead. FNATIC attempted a comeback in the later rounds, but GIANTX held their composure, shutting down crucial pushes and sealing the map with the same scoreline, 13:10, to complete the sweep.

Individual Standout

Although FNATIC suffered defeat, kaajak delivered an impressive individual performance: 43 kills, 274 ACS, and 178 ADR across the series. Unfortunately, his efforts alone weren’t enough to turn the tide against GIANTX’s coordinated play.

Match Significance

This result is a major upset — FNATIC, one of the region’s strongest and most decorated teams, are eliminated from EMEA Stage 2. While they still qualify for the World Championship from the EMEA circuit as a third or fourth seed, their path to Paris will now be significantly more difficult.

For GIANTX, the win keeps their tournament hopes alive. They move forward in the lower bracket and are set to play their next match on August 29, facing the winner of Team Heretics vs NAVI.

With this victory, GIANTX not only eliminate FNATIC from VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 but also prove themselves as serious contenders in the lower bracket. Meanwhile, FNATIC’s early exit comes as a disappointment for fans, showing that even the region’s giants aren’t safe from surprises in this year’s competition.

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.