Fnatic Pull Off Incredible Comeback to Defeat Paper Rex at VALORANT Champions 2025

The playoff clash between Fnatic and Paper Rex at VALORANT Champions 2025 turned into one of the most dramatic best-of-three (BO3) series of the tournament so far. Despite playing with a stand-in instead of star player Alfajer, Fnatic showed resilience and mental strength to eliminate Paper Rex after an unbelievable comeback on the decider map.

Map Veto and Picks

The veto phase set the stage for a balanced battle:

• PRX banned Abyss
• FNC banned Sunset
• PRX picked Bind
• FNC picked Haven
• PRX banned Ascent
• FNC banned Corrode
• Lotus remained as the decider

Map 1 — Bind (Paper Rex pick)

Paper Rex started the series strong on their map pick, winning 13-10. Their tactical executions and sharper aim gave them the edge. d4v41 stood out with a positive scoreline of 46 kills/ 41 deaths, while f0rsakeN and Jinggg also contributed heavily.

Fnatic managed to keep the game competitive and denied PRX a clean runaway, but ultimately fell short. Bind highlighted PRX’s superior site control and rotations, which proved decisive in the opener.

Map 2 — Haven (Fnatic pick)

Fnatic struck back in dominant fashion on Haven, cruising to a 13-4 victory. From the early rounds, they dictated the pace, shutting down PRX’s attempts to gain momentum.

Esports.gg reported that Fnatic’s preparation and strategic depth on Haven left Paper Rex with no answers. It was a one-sided map where Fnatic looked confident and composed, leveling the series 1-1.

Map 3 — Lotus (Decider)

The final map, Lotus, delivered one of the most memorable comebacks in VALORANT Champions history. At one point, Fnatic were down 1-9, and PRX appeared to be on the verge of closing out the series.

However, Fnatic rallied in spectacular fashion. On the defensive side, they mounted a flawless streak, winning 12 consecutive rounds without dropping a single one. The comeback was completed with a 13-9 scoreline, sealing the series 2-1 for Fnatic.

The defensive hold was nearly perfect, as PRX couldn’t find a way through Fnatic’s setups in the latter half. This incredible turnaround not only stunned Paper Rex but also energized the crowd and solidified Fnatic’s playoff run.

Fnatic’s victory becomes even more impressive considering they played with a substitute for Alfajer, who missed the match due to health issues. Despite this setback, Fnatic showed composure, adaptability, and the ability to perform under immense pressure.

For Paper Rex, the loss is a bitter disappointment. After a strong showing on Bind and a promising start on Lotus, they were unable to close the series, and Fnatic’s defensive wall proved insurmountable.

Valorant Champions 2025 – Prize Pool Distribution ($2,250,000 USD)

• 1st place – $1,000,000 — TBD
• 2nd place – $400,000 — TBD
• 3rd place – $250,000 — TBD
• 4th place – $130,000 — TBD
• 5th–6th place – $85,000 — TBD, TBD
• 7th–8th place – $50,000 — G2 Esports, GIANTX
• 9th–12th place – $30,000 — XLG Esports, Rex Regum Qeon, Team Liquid, T1
• 13th–16th place – $20,000 — Sentinels, Bilibili Gaming, EDward Gaming, Dragon Ranger Gaming

VALORANT Champions 2025 is the largest tournament in the VALORANT discipline, serving as the grand finale of the VALORANT Champions Tour that took place throughout 2025. The event brings together 16 of the best teams from around the world to compete for a prize pool of $2,250,000. It is being held in Paris, France.