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Team Liquid are back on top of EMEA VALORANT after sweeping GIANTX 3-0 in the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Grand Final. The win not only puts a trophy back in Liquid’s hands for the first time since 2023, but also confirms them as the number one seed for Champions 2025 in Paris.

The series was played out across Bind, Lotus, and Sunset, with Liquid showing composure and control in every map. Led by Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin, who picked up MVP honours, the team looked confident and clinical throughout the grand final.

Bind: A shaky start turned comeback

The first map on Bind had GIANTX looking strong early. Miłosz “westside” Duda and Grzegorz “GRUBINHO” Ryczko set the pace, and with Cloud pulling off a crucial 4K in the bonus round, GX built up a healthy lead. By halftime, GIANTX were up 7-5 and looked ready to push on.

But Team Liquid regrouped, tightened their play, and gradually broke through GIANTX’s defensive setup. Multikills from Georgio “keiko” Sanassy helped turn the tide, and Liquid powered back to claim the map 13-10. It was the first sign of Liquid’s resilience, and the first crack in GX’s armour.

Lotus: Chaos and clutches

Lotus was a chaotic affair, filled with hero plays and multikills on both sides. GIANTX managed to edge out a 7-5 halftime lead thanks to their Polish duo and a well-timed half-buy win.

However, Liquid once again flipped the script in the second half. A clean pistol round win snowballed into six rounds in a row, capped off by a stunning 1v4 clutch from nAts and a follow-up sequence from Kamil “kamo” Frąckowiak. GIANTX tried to claw back with a few late rounds, but Liquid sealed the map 13-9 to reach match point.

Sunset: Closing it out in style

With their backs against the wall, GIANTX came into Sunset fighting.

The first half was tight, ending in a 6-6 scoreline. Liquid’s early pistol win and a huge bonus round pushed them ahead 10-4, though GIANTX refused to roll over, cutting the deficit to 12-10.

Despite the pressure, Liquid stayed composed and finished the map 13-10, locking in the 3-0 sweep and lifting the VCT EMEA Stage 2 trophy.

MVP performance and team strength

nAts was the standout across the series, with a 1.28 rating, 60/48/22 KDA, and 162 ADR. His presence in clutches and utility usage made him a constant threat. Trexx, keiko, and kamo also delivered at crucial moments, helping Liquid control the tempo across all three maps.

This wasn’t just about individual brilliance though. Liquid’s ability to adjust mid-game, exploit GIANTX’s defensive setups, and maintain pressure highlighted why they remain one of the strongest squads in EMEA.

What’s next: VALORANT Champions 2025

Both finalists had already secured their spots at Champions 2025, but Liquid’s win ensures they enter as the top EMEA seed. They’ll be joined in Paris by Fnatic and Team Heretics, who booked their spots through consistent performances earlier in the year.

For Liquid, this is their first VCT EMEA title since 2023, and a strong reminder of their pedigree. For GIANTX, the loss stings, but reaching the final after battling through the lower bracket shows how far they’ve come.

As for what’s ahead, the stage is set for Champions in France from September 12 to October 5. With Liquid firing on all cylinders and nAts looking in prime form, EMEA fans will be hoping their region can claim the ultimate crown in Paris.