Musk Throws Down the Gauntlet

Elon Musk has sparked fresh excitement and debate across the esports world after publicly challenging the best League of Legends players to face off against Grok 5, the newest version of his AI system. Posted on X, the announcement quickly gained traction, drawing millions of views and lighting up discussions about the future of artificial intelligence in gaming.

Let’s see if @Grok 5 can beat the best human team @LeagueOfLegends in 2026 with these important constraints:

1. Can only look at the monitor with a camera, seeing no more than what a person with 20/20 vision would see.

2. Reaction latency and click rate no faster than human.…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2025

The challenge proposes a full-scale showdown sometime in 2026, with the goal of answering a question the community has argued over for years: can AI truly beat the world’s best at one of esports’ most complex and team-focused games?

The Rules of the Match

To keep the face-off fair, Musk laid out several strict conditions for Grok 5.

The AI will not be allowed direct access to the game client. Instead, it must look at the same monitor a human player sees, using only a camera with the equivalent clarity of a person with 20/20 vision. Grok 5 will also be restricted to human-level reaction speed and click rate, preventing any inhuman micro precision that AI systems typically rely on.

Musk added that Grok 5 is designed to play any game simply by reading instructions and experimenting, suggesting that the system aims to mimic human learning rather than brute force computation.

Pros and Teams Step Forward

Responses from the esports scene arrived almost instantly.
Worlds 2025 champions T1 replied with a confident “We are ready, are you?”, signalling their interest in stepping up for the potential match.

We are ready👍 R U? pic.twitter.com/4WqFfD8Z7S

— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) November 25, 2025

Former pro and popular streamer Pobelter also chimed in, saying he would love to help as both a veteran and someone who has long wanted to see AI face off against League of Legends at a professional level. He pointed out the earlier example of OpenAI’s bot taking on Dota 2 pros, which Musk himself helped sponsor.

would love to help and offer insight as a former league pro, I thought AI vs dota2 was really interesting and always wanted to see it vs League @xAI

— Eugene Park (@Pobelter) November 25, 2025

StarCraft also entered the conversation when Google DeepMind co-founder and former pro player Oriol Vinyals expressed interest in setting up a similar AI challenge in Blizzard’s strategy classic. Musk simply replied, “Sounds good.”

Happy to play against it on @StarCraft (former pro). Bonus points if you get the robots to operate the mouse and keyboard 🤖

— Oriol Vinyals (@OriolVinyalsML) November 25, 2025

AI Has Been Growing in Esports

Grok 5’s proposed match lands at a time when AI is rapidly spreading through the wider esports industry.

In the past year alone, major organisations like 100 Thieves, Cloud9, Dignitas and Team Heretics have partnered with Theta Network to create AI-powered agents for their fan communities.
European organisation GIANTX launched iTero, its own League of Legends training tool designed to analyse gameplay and help players improve.
Razer also unveiled Project AVA, an AI coaching system shown at CES 2025 that helps casual players sharpen their skills.

With AI increasingly woven into training tools, fan interaction, and game analysis, Musk’s challenge feels like the next logical step, bringing professional competition into the mix.

What This Could Mean for 2026

If the event truly takes place, it may become one of the biggest esports spectacles of the decade.
The idea of Grok 5 matching wits with the likes of T1 or other top League teams blends sci-fi curiosity with competitive hype, offering a new kind of showdown that could pull massive global attention.

For now, the esports world waits.
But with Musk pushing the idea forward and pros already lining up, 2026 might be the year we finally find out if humans or machines rule the Rift.

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Fnatic fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief — Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder is back. The Turkish star has been cleared to compete again after a short break due to health issues, and will return to the roster just in time for Fnatic’s VCT Champions Paris 2025 clash against NRG this Friday.

The final boss returns 👑

Thrilled to announce @Alfajervl’s all cleared and healthy, and will be rejoining us vs @NRGgg this Friday!

We’ll also be keeping @domaVALORANT in Paris for finals weekend for the extra buff. pic.twitter.com/OR5b91R3Zw

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) October 1, 2025

The organisation announced the news on X, calling Alfajer “the final boss” as they prepare for what could be their biggest weekend of the year. To be safe, Fnatic confirmed that Domagoj “Doma” Fancev will also remain with the team in Paris throughout finals weekend.

Doma, who last played for Fnatic in 2021, stepped in on just 16 hours’ notice earlier in the tournament when Alfajer was forced to sit out against Paper Rex due to health concerns. Despite the last-minute call-up, he helped the squad secure a crucial upset win. You can read more about that dramatic substitution in our earlier coverage: Fnatic’s Alfajer Misses VCT 2025 Clash with Paper Rex, Doma Steps In.

“Four hours of sleep straight from the airport to venue and we won. GG,” Doma joked after the victory.

Fnatic’s Paris momentum

Fnatic have looked unstoppable so far in Paris. The squad topped their group in the opening stage before moving through to the Playoffs, where they defeated DRX 2-1 in the Upper Bracket Quarter-finals.

The real shock came in the Upper Bracket Semi-Finals when Fnatic handed Paper Rex a surprise defeat. After losing the first map, Bind, it looked like the favourites had things under control. But Fnatic fought back on Haven and Lotus to complete a dramatic comeback, knocking one of the strongest teams in the tournament down to the Lower Bracket.

With Alfajer back in the lineup, Fnatic will now face NRG in the Upper Bracket Final on October 3. A win would make them the first team to lock in a place at the Grand Final and put them one step closer to claiming the lion’s share of the $1 million prize pool.

A wild VCT Champions so far

The 2025 edition of VCT Champions has been full of twists and upsets. Team Liquid were shockingly eliminated during groups, while G2 Esports managed to fight their way through to the Playoffs.

In the early knockout rounds, Paper Rex dispatched G2, NRG beat GIANTX, and MIBR sent Team Heretics packing. The Lower Bracket has been brutal too, with G2, GIANTX, MIBR, and Heretics all eliminated. That leaves DRX and Paper Rex battling it out in the Lower Bracket Semi-Finals for one last shot at making the Finals.

Fnatic, however, are firmly in control of their own destiny. With Alfajer cleared and their momentum at full speed, the London-based organisation could be about to pull off one of the most dominant Championship runs in VALORANT history.

The post Fnatic’s Alfajer Returns for VCT Champions Paris 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The VALORANT Champions 2025 lower bracket delivered an all-EMEA clash as Team Heretics and GIANTX went head-to-head in Paris, with Heretics emerging victorious 2-1 to end GIANTX’s impressive run.

These two squads were no strangers to each other, having already met three times in the VCT EMEA season where Heretics came out on top every time. On the biggest stage of the year, history repeated itself as Heretics once again proved the more resilient side.

.@HereticsVal STAND STRONG.

Reverse sweep avoided and stay alive in the lower bracket at #VALORANTChampions! pic.twitter.com/4qHkH2nWQZ

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 27, 2025

A dominant start on Ascent

GIANTX opened the series on their map pick of Ascent, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. After taking the pistol, they were immediately shut down by Heretics, who strung together six rounds in a row and stormed to an 8-4 half. Heretics only grew stronger after the switch, sealing a one-sided 13-4 win.

Enes “RieNs” Ecirli was the star of the map, delivering an MVP-worthy performance on Sova with a 23/8/4 KDA, 224 ADR and a 1.84 rating. His highlight moment came with a Stinger 4K on the bonus round, setting the tone for Heretics early on.

GIANTX strike back on Lotus

Heretics doubled down on their unique Deadlock-Chamber composition on Lotus, but GIANTX had the perfect answer. Exploiting weaknesses across the map, they dismantled their opponents with aggressive play and clinical site takes.

Led by ara’s sharp Raze entries, GIANTX raced to a 9-3 half before closing the map 13-3 in dominant fashion. Every member of the roster chipped in, with ara finishing flawless in opening duels at 5-0.

Bind goes the distance

With the series tied, Bind became the decider and delivered the drama. Heretics pulled out a DRX-inspired Yoru setup while GIANTX leaned on Gekko and Deadlock. Early on, GIANTX looked in control, winning their fourth pistol of the series and building a 5-2 lead.

But after a Heretics timeout, momentum shifted. The map turned chaotic, and that chaos played right into Heretics’ hands. Captain Ričardas “Boo” Lukaševičius kept his team alive with back-to-back full stick defuses in rounds 17 and 18, while RieNs once again delivered clutch plays to deny GIANTX a comeback.

Heretics ultimately closed Bind 13-9, taking the series and knocking GIANTX out of Champions 2025.

Experience wins the day

After the match, Boo highlighted the team’s composure as the difference maker. “Crazy game, but we just kept believing, and I think that’s why we won,” he said.

While GIANTX exit in the top eight, their run marks a massive improvement after finishing in the bottom four of EMEA Stage 1 just five months ago. For Heretics, the journey continues in the lower bracket where they will next face the loser of Fnatic versus Paper Rex on 29 September.

VALORANT Champions 2025 is running from 12 September to 5 October in Paris, featuring 16 teams battling for a $2.25 million prize pool and the most prestigious trophy in the game.

The post Team Heretics Eliminate GIANTX in VALORANT Champions 2025 Thriller appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Day two of the VALORANT Champions 2025 Paris playoffs delivered fireworks as MIBR and NRG swept through their opponents in convincing fashion. Both Americas sides silenced their doubters with statement 2-0 victories, sending Team Heretics and GIANTX tumbling down to the lower bracket.

MIBR settles the score with Team Heretics

MIBR’s matchup against Team Heretics had been building all year, with plenty of words traded but no actual clash until now. On the Champions stage, the Brazilians showed no hesitation, powering to a 2-0 win.

The series kicked off on Corrode, a map MIBR had already dominated in groups. Exploiting gaps in Heretics’ defence, they quickly jumped out to a 5-1 lead. Heretics clawed their way back, even forcing overtime thanks to MiniBoo’s heroics, but MIBR stayed composed. Strong utility from artzin on KAY/O and crucial clutch plays carried them through to a 14-12 overtime win.

On Sunset, MIBR looked even sharper. aspas’ Operator was unstoppable, racking up 10 kills on defence, including three separate collateral shots. Heretics were constantly forced into man-down situations, ending the half 9-3 behind. Any hope of a comeback was short-lived as MIBR closed it out 13-6, with aspas and cortezia leading the way on the scoreboard.

Reflecting on the team’s rise, IGL Andrew “Verno” Maust said: “We just learned how to play each map in our style. We’re all comfortable with how we play together, so it just makes the game really simple.”

NRG crushes GIANTX in record-breaking fashion

If MIBR’s win was impressive, NRG’s performance against GIANTX was downright ruthless. The North American squad dismantled GX with a historic margin, dropping just seven rounds across both maps.

On Haven, GIANTX’s map pick, NRG stunned everyone with a 13-1 thrashing. Led by mada’s Neon and brawk’s Sova, they planted the spike in every single attacking round of the half, leaving GX with no answers. brawk ended the map with an astonishing 18/1 scoreline, his only death coming in the bonus round.

Lotus didn’t go much better for GX. While they managed to take the pistol and tie things up early, NRG’s map control and disciplined team play shut them down. brawk’s Odin locked off crucial angles, while mada and s0m piled on the kills. NRG rolled to a 13-6 win, sealing the 2-0 sweep.

The dominant showing also set a new record for the largest margin of victory in a Champions playoffs best-of-three, underlining just how dangerous NRG look heading into the next stage.

What’s next

The results set up a blockbuster upper bracket semifinal between MIBR and NRG, a clash that promises fireworks given both squads’ current form.

Meanwhile, Heretics and GIANTX now face do-or-die matches in the lower bracket. Heretics will take on GIANTX in an all-EMEA showdown, while DRX square off against G2 Esports. At least one European team will be eliminated from the tournament after tomorrow.

VALORANT Champions Paris continues with more high-stakes action, and fans can catch the matches live on the VCT’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.

The post MIBR and NRG Dominate at VALORANT Champions Paris, Send Heretics and GIANTX to Lower Bracket appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The stage is set for the Valorant Champions 2025 Playoffs in Paris, with Riot Games revealing a bracket that promises nothing but blockbuster clashes. With the group stage officially wrapped, the eight remaining teams now know their path to the title.

For Americas fans, the good news is that both G2 Esports and Made in Brazil (MIBR) secured the last two spots, joining the likes of Fnatic, DRX, Paper Rex, and NRG in the knockout rounds. Their qualification means we’ll be crowning a brand-new champion this year after EDward Gaming’s early exit.

Stacked Bracket Draw

The on-stage draw confirmed that no team will face another from the same region in the opening round, ensuring fans get a full mix of international battles right from the start.

Here’s how the first round looks:

• Fnatic vs DRX
• Paper Rex vs G2 Esports
• Team Heretics vs MIBR
• NRG vs GIANTX

One side of the bracket looks especially fierce, with Fnatic, DRX, Paper Rex, and G2 all crammed together. Only one of these heavyweights will make it into the Upper Bracket Final, raising the stakes from the very first match.

The #VALORANTChampions schedules when we return for playoffs on September 25! pic.twitter.com/3YlNFbn3HM

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 22, 2025

On the opposite side, it’s Americas versus EMEA. NRG go up against GIANTX in a North America versus Europe showdown, while MIBR clash with Team Heretics in what could be one of the spiciest matches of the round. Tensions are already simmering after Heretics players cheekily branded MIBR star Erick “Aspas” Santos the most overrated player in a recent content piece.

Paris Takes the Spotlight

The Playoffs begin on 25 September at the Les Arènes de Grand Paris Sud, before Finals Weekend heads to the 20,300-seat Accor Arena. Riot is expected to confirm the full match schedule in the coming days.

With such a loaded bracket and plenty of regional pride on the line, the Valorant Champions 2025 Playoffs are shaping up to deliver some of the most exciting matches in VCT history.

The post Valorant Champions 2025 Playoffs Bracket Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

VALORANT Champions 2025 kicked off in Paris with fireworks as Paper Rex and GIANTX both secured big opening wins in Group A. The Pacific powerhouse brushed aside China’s Xi Lai Gaming in a 2-0 sweep, while Europe’s dark horses pulled off a gritty three-map victory over Sentinels to set up a mouthwatering clash in the winners’ match.

Paper Rex Roll Past Xi Lai Gaming

The tournament began with Paper Rex (PRX) taking on China’s fourth seed Xi Lai Gaming (XLG). Despite a slow start on Bind, PRX’s trademark aggression soon came to life. Ilia “something” Petrov produced one of the plays of the day, clutching a stunning 1v2 with his Operator to swing momentum. From there, PRX took control, closing Bind 13-9 before dismantling XLG on Sunset 13-5.

We win today’s match with a 2-0! GGs to XLG!

Bind: 13-9
Sunset: 13-5

See ya in our next #VALORANTChampions match on 17th September, 9pm GMT+8! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vcX1ShIlmP

— Paper Rex (@pprxteam) September 12, 2025

Star performances came from f0rsakeN, who dropped 23 kills on Sunset with a 1.59 rating, and something, whose Bind heroics earned him a 1.63 rating. Between the two maps, he averaged an absurd 1.6 rating, comfortably outshining Xi Lai’s top fragger NoMan, who managed 35 kills but also gave up 34 deaths.

The win means Paper Rex move forward to the winners’ match, while Xi Lai drop to the elimination game against Sentinels. For PRX, it’s the perfect start to their Champions run, coming just months after winning Masters Toronto and claiming a third Pacific title.

GIANTX Take Down Sentinels in a Thriller

If Paper Rex’s opener was clinical, GIANTX’s debut was chaotic, bloody, and unforgettable. Facing North American giants Sentinels, few gave the EMEA side much of a chance, but the so-called Cinderella squad rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.

A strong recovery from @GIANTXVALORANT gives them the WIN over Sentinels in their opening match at #VALORANTChampions Paris! pic.twitter.com/GBd7UpVwy1

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 12, 2025

Sentinels struck first on their pick of Corrode, suffocating GIANTX with double-Controller setups and closing out a commanding 13-6 win. It looked like business as usual, with zekken and johnqt finding plenty of impact.

But GIANTX roared back on Sunset. Despite Sentinels’ reputation on the map, Cloud and westside completely took over, combining for 24 kills in the first half as GX stormed to a 10-2 defensive lead. A few consolation rounds from Sentinels weren’t enough, as GIANTX wrapped up a dominant 13-4 win to level the series.

That set up Haven as the decider, and it delivered one of the most intense maps of the day. Sentinels raced to a 6-0 lead, threatening a repeat of their Corrode dominance. GIANTX’s timeout proved the turning point. Adjusting their aggression and timing, Cloud’s mid-round calling opened up the map, and ara became a force of nature in duels.

From 0-6 down, GIANTX clawed their way back into the game, eventually winning 13-9. Cloud finished with a match-high 51 kills alongside his IGL masterclass, while ara spearheaded the fragging effort with 22 kills and a ridiculous 10-2 first duel record on Haven.

Site hold by GIANTX to send them to SERIES POINT! #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/xyyvxzrmme

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 12, 2025

Sentinels had their chances, even converting some rounds from man-disadvantage positions, but they let too many slip on defence. By the end, it was GIANTX who looked like the composed veterans, closing the series 2-1.

What’s Next

Paper Rex and GIANTX will now face off on September 17 in the Group A winners’ match, with the victor securing a playoff spot. Sentinels drop into the elimination bracket against Xi Lai Gaming, needing a win to stay alive in Paris.

The action continues tomorrow with Group C’s opening fixtures, featuring reigning champions EDward Gaming against NRG, and Team Liquid taking on DRX.

Set your calendars for Day 2’s matches at #VALORANTChampions Paris! pic.twitter.com/9AHTG3u4wD

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 12, 2025

VALORANT Champions 2025 is only just getting started, and if day one is anything to go by, fans are in for a wild ride.

The post Paper Rex and GIANTX Start Strong at VALORANT Champions 2025 – Day 1 Recap appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The LEC Summer 2025 Playoffs are finally here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Eight teams are left standing, but only three will make it through to League of Legends Worlds 2025. On top of that, two finalists will get the chance to fight it out in front of a live Madrid crowd, making every series from this point a must-win moment.

After weeks of group stage battles, the bracket is locked in and ready to deliver the drama. From powerhouse squads like G2 Esports and Fnatic, to underdogs like Team Heretics and Team BDS, the road to Madrid looks unpredictable, intense, and packed with storylines.

LEC Summer 2025 Playoffs Format

The Playoffs open with the Cross Play Decider matches, where third and fourth-placed teams from the group stage clash in best-of-fives for survival. The winners move forward to challenge upper-bracket teams, while the losers are sent home. G2 Esports, Fnatic, Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp all locked in top seeds, meaning they have the luxury of a safety net. For everyone else, it’s win or bust.

The Road to Madrid begins when the #LEC returns on September 5! 🗓️

Sep 5, 17:00 CEST – TH vs VIT
Sep 6, 17:00 CEST – GX vs BDS
Sep 7, 17:00 CEST – G2 vs KC
Sep 8, 17:00 CEST – MKOI vs FNC pic.twitter.com/bJixB1Lu9X

— LEC (@LEC) August 27, 2025

Matchups to Watch (With Dates and Times)

Team Heretics vs Team Vitality

📅 Friday, 5 September – 17:00 CEST
Heretics barely scraped into the bracket with just one win, showing flashes of aggression but struggling to close games. Vitality, meanwhile, were steadier but still far from flawless, leaning heavily on their bot lane duo Carzzy and Comp. With elimination on the line, this could be a full five-game slugfest decided by nerves and adaptability.

GIANTX vs Team BDS

📅 Saturday, 6 September – 17:00 CEST
GIANTX finished strong, pulling off a clean win over NAVI to seal their spot. Expect them to stick to their methodical style, pushing through bot lane priority. BDS, on the other hand, have been shaky but creative — their drafts often surprise, but execution remains inconsistent. This is the ultimate test of whether BDS can find rhythm in a best-of-five environment.

G2 Esports vs Karmine Corp

📅 Sunday, 7 September – 17:00 CEST
The kings are back. G2 were the only team to go undefeated in groups, showing the clinical playstyle that made them a favourite heading into Summer. Karmine Corp aren’t to be underestimated though — their skirmish-heavy style and individual talent mean they can punish even the smallest mistakes. Still, G2’s discipline and momentum make them the heavy favourites here.

Movistar KOI vs Fnatic

📅 Monday, 8 September – 17:00 CEST
This clash is as even as it gets. Movistar KOI topped their group with only one stumble, while Fnatic cruised past everyone except G2. Both teams thrive in structured fights, and this series will likely come down to endurance and drafting flexibility. Neither side will want to drop early into the lower bracket, so expect a tense back-and-forth.

The Road to Madrid and Worlds

The Playoffs run all the way to 14 September, with the Split Final set to decide who claims the LEC Summer 2025 crown. More importantly, three teams will punch their tickets to Worlds 2025. With fan favourites, rising underdogs, and old rivals all in the mix, this is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable LEC Playoffs yet.

Fans can catch every match live on the official LEC Twitch and YouTube channels.

The post LEC Summer 2025 Playoffs Teams and Format appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

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.

🏆 @LIQUIDVALORANT ARE THE #VCTEMEA STAGE 2 CHAMPIONS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/52XtOGPcGA

— VALORANT Esports EMEA (@valesports_emea) August 31, 2025

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.

13-9 on Lotus. Sunset next! ONE MORE #LETSGOLIQUID #VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/PUUZXPlfCr

— Team Liquid VALORANT (@LiquidValorant) August 31, 2025

Sunset: Closing it out in style

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

pros never fake (only sometimes) pic.twitter.com/50Tj3oaeDX

— Team Liquid VALORANT (@LiquidValorant) August 31, 2025

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.

The speech of a true MVP 🥇 #VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/P5BygKYA2F

— Team Liquid VALORANT (@LiquidValorant) August 31, 2025

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.

The post Team Liquid Sweep GIANTX to Win VCT EMEA Stage 2 and Reclaim the Throne appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

It’s a rough day for French VALORANT fans, Gentle Mates have officially been relegated from VCT EMEA and won’t be able to fight their way back through Ascension either. That’s right, their time in the top-tier league has come to a close, and they may not even return to the VALORANT scene at all.

A harsh ending to a hopeful story

Gentle Mates, also known as M8, came into VCT EMEA with a fair bit of hype. Backed by French YouTube star Squeezie, the team earned their promotion after taking down Apeks in the 2023 Ascension final. It was a huge moment, not just for the players, but for French VALORANT as a whole.

But staying at the top is a whole different challenge. Over the past two years, Gentle Mates have struggled to find their rhythm. In 2024, they couldn’t make it out of groups in any stage. And this year hasn’t been much better. Their overall record? Just 3 wins in 13 matches. Ouch.

C’est la fin pour nous en VCT… pic.twitter.com/JWTiI4MewB

— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) August 7, 2025

The loss that sealed it

The final nail came on August 7, when Gentle Mates faced off against GIANTX in what was essentially a last-chance match. They started off strong, taking the first map thanks to some solid plays from ComeBack and even leading 9-3 on the second. But as the sides flipped, so did the match.

GIANTX brought the heat, with ara absolutely popping off on Jett. They stole back the second map, then steamrolled the decider with a dominant 13-4 on Haven. And with that, Gentle Mates’ VCT hopes were snuffed out for good.

🚨 Gentle Mates have officially been relegated from #VCTEMEA and will not be able to compete at Ascension to regain their slot for next season

Gentle Mates went 3-10 across Kickoff, Stage 1, and Stage 2 with one series remaining pic.twitter.com/bPoj9dWmTu

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) August 7, 2025

No Ascension, no comeback

You might be thinking, “can’t they just requalify through Ascension?”
Not this time.

Under Riot’s system, teams promoted through Ascension only get to stay in VCT if they hit certain targets, like making playoffs or finishing top 8 in Championship Points. Gentle Mates hit neither. With just 1 point on the board and a bottom-of-the-table finish, they don’t even qualify for this October’s Ascension tournament.

In short: they’re out, and there’s no lifeline.

Will they come back?

That’s the big question. After the match, Squeezie hinted that Gentle Mates might not return to VALORANT at all. He was quoted saying there’s a “very strong, massive chance” the team won’t compete next year. That wouldn’t be a huge shock, running a top-level esports team takes massive investment, and without Riot partnership or Tier 1 status, the costs might not be worth it.

Two teams down, one big question

With both Gentle Mates and Apeks relegated back-to-back, it raises a serious point:

Is the VCT system too punishing for new teams?

Two back-to-back Ascension winners, two relegations, no second chances. It’s a brutal reminder of how cutthroat the VALORANT esports scene has become.

What’s next?

For now, Gentle Mates are set to return to the Challengers circuit, IF they decide to stick around. Whether they rebuild and fight their way back or call it a day, only time will tell. But for the fans, especially those in France, it’s a disappointing end to a once-promising journey.

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