In a tense regional showdown at Valorant Champions 2025 in Paris, NRG and MIBR went head-to-head in a three-map series that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Only one team could advance to the upper bracket finals, and NRG narrowly came out on top, setting up a clash with FNATIC.
THEY STAY UNDEFEATED@NRGgg continues their win streak and secure a spot in the Upper Final at #VALORANTChampions playoffs! pic.twitter.com/WRuiLuAE5O
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 28, 2025
Abyss: Overtime Drama and Heroics
The series opened on Abyss, with NRG returning to their Harbour composition while MIBR ran a double-Duelist setup. NRG won the opening pistol and bonus rounds thanks to aggressive plays from s0m, but MIBR fought back, led by cortezia on a key B-site hold. The half ended tied 6-6, with a lighter moment as mada fell off the map during a missed Yoru teleport.
The second half saw Ethan and brawk shine, bringing the map into overtime. Mada eventually sealed Abyss 16-14 for NRG, giving them the early series advantage.
Haven: MIBR Strikes Back
On Haven, both teams ran solo Neon alongside double-Controller setups. MIBR dominated early, taking a near-perfect 10-2 lead, and kept control to finish the map 13-4, forcing the series decider on Corrode.
Corrode: NRG Prevails in Another Nail-Biter
The final map saw mirrored compositions with Waylay and double-Controller in play. MIBR’s aspas dominated early, threatening the best-of-three kill record, while NRG gradually fought back through smart team play and clutch rounds.
Overtime was inevitable. NRG’s mada made crucial early entries, and s0m’s remarkable 1v2 clutch finally pushed NRG ahead. They closed the map 16-14, winning the series and advancing to the upper finals.
Standout Performances
Despite the loss, aspas from MIBR stole the spotlight, breaking the international best-of-three kill record with 80 kills, a 1.37 player rating, 272 ACS, and 15 first kills.
HE DOES IT AGAIN!@aspaszin breaks his own Global Stage kill record! pic.twitter.com/bNLGUKRfbN
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 28, 2025
NRG’s consistency and clutch play proved the difference, setting up a high-stakes showdown with FNATIC in the upper bracket finals. MIBR will have to battle through the lower bracket, starting against DRX.