Paper Rex have done it again. The Southeast Asian powerhouse have claimed the Radiant International Invitational 2025 title, defeating Gen.G 3-1 in the Grand Final and securing back to back championships at the international VALORANT event.

We are your #VALORANTRII Champions!

GGWP Gen.G, we will see you again next year 👊🏻

Abyss: 5-13
Split: 13-5
Haven: 13-3
Bind: 13-9

Thank you to the fans for your support!

WGAMING will be back for #VCTPacific 2026. pic.twitter.com/jpp2E8Cmcn

— Paper Rex (@pprxteam) December 21, 2025

It caps off a strong end to the year for Paper Rex, who continue to look every bit a world class contender heading into the 2026 season.

A stacked international field

The Radiant International Invitational brought together six teams from across three VCT regions, giving fans an early look at how new 2026 rosters are shaping up.

Representing China were FunPlus Phoenix, Nova Esports, and Bilibili Gaming. The Pacific League featured Paper Rex and Gen.G, while G2 Esports represented the Americas.

For Paper Rex, the event was also notable for the debut of new signing Adrian Jiggs Reyes, better known as invy, following the departure of PatMen.

A shaky group stage start

The tournament opened with a round robin group stage, where each team played four matches, with the top four advancing to playoffs.

Gen.G emerged as the clear standout early on, finishing the group stage undefeated at 4-0, with their closest contest coming against Paper Rex. FunPlus Phoenix followed closely behind at 3-1, fuelled by the return of sScary, picking up surprise wins over both Paper Rex and G2.

Paper Rex’s own group stage was far from smooth. A convincing win over Nova Esports was followed by narrow losses to FPX and Gen.G, leaving fans wondering how quickly the new lineup would gel. A crucial win over Bilibili Gaming saw PRX finish 2-2, just enough to scrape into the playoffs alongside G2.

Playoffs ignite Paper Rex’s run

The playoffs used a gauntlet style bracket, with Gen.G seeded directly into the Grand Final, FPX placed into the semifinal, and Paper Rex facing G2 in the quarterfinal.

Paper Rex opened their playoff campaign by once again getting the better of G2, their third victory over the North American side this year. The first two maps were tightly contested 13-10 affairs, before PRX completely took over on the decider, with Wang Jing Jie Jinggg putting on a dominant Phoenix performance.

Momentum carried straight into the semifinal rematch against FPX. This time there was no upset, as Paper Rex swept the series 2-0, with strong showings from Jinggg and Jason Susanto forsaken. While invy was quieter statistically, he still posted a respectable 18/14/10 KDA across the series.

Grand Final revenge against Gen.G

The Grand Final set up a familiar rivalry. For more than a year, Gen.G had consistently had Paper Rex’s number, winning all six of their previous meetings. That trend looked set to continue early, as Gen.G convincingly took the opening map on Abyss.

From there, however, the series swung decisively. Paper Rex hit back with a dominant 13-5 win on Split, before completely taking control on Haven. A blistering 9-0 start left Gen.G scrambling, and PRX closed the map 13-3 with ruthless efficiency.

Bind threatened to be closer, with a 7-5 first half in Paper Rex’s favour, but once rifles came online, PRX surged ahead to seal the map 13-9 and the championship.

At the heart of it all was Khalish Rusyaidee d4v41. Outstanding on Chamber throughout the event, he finished the Grand Final with 65 kills across four maps and was deservedly named tournament MVP, repeating his feat from Paper Rex’s 2024 victory.

Your Radiant International Invitational 2025 MVP: d4v41! pic.twitter.com/bIMXQDqUIZ

— VALO2ASIA (@VALO2ASIA) December 21, 2025

Eyes already on 2026

With another international trophy secured, Paper Rex’s form looks as sharp as ever. The team appear to have lost none of their edge from a successful 2025 season, and with VCT Kickoff just a month away, expectations around the squad are sky high.

If this tournament is anything to go by, Paper Rex are once again ready to challenge the very best on the global stage.

The post Paper Rex Crowned Radiant Invitational Champions Once More appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The VALORANT community is getting its own dedicated awards night, and it is being led by none other than TenZ himself. The former pro player and one of the scene’s most recognisable personalities has officially announced the inaugural 2025 VALORANT Community Awards Show, set to celebrate the very best of VCT and Game Changers.

Welcome to the 2025 VALORANT Community Awards Show!

A live ceremony celebrating the best of VCT and Game Changers, voted by the teams themselves.

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m proud to finally make it happen.

Thank you @VALORANT and… pic.twitter.com/4oUr8GvAQb

— TenZ (@TenZOfficial) November 19, 2025

Held live in Los Angeles on December 15th at 9pm PT, the ceremony will be streamed across all of TenZ’s channels, giving fans everywhere a front-row seat to the first event of its kind.

A New Stage For VALORANT’s Best

TenZ revealed the project through his social channels, calling it something he has been wanting to create for a long time. Backed by Riot Games and Red Bull Gaming, the show aims to spotlight standout players, coaches, and teams from across the 2025 competitive season.

Unlike traditional esports award ceremonies, this one puts the power directly into the hands of the competitors. Teams from both VCT and Game Changers will vote using a points-based system, ranking their top five picks in each category. Once tallied, the three highest scoring names will become the official finalists.

At the time of announcement, only one category has been publicly confirmed, the Red Bull Clutch of the Year, with more to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.

TenZ Continues His Post-Pro Evolution

Since retiring after VCT 2024, TenZ hasn’t slowed down. He joined Red Bull Gaming, co-streamed major events like Red Bull Home Ground 2025, launched his own line of gaming mice, and settled comfortably into the life of a full-time creator.

Now, with the 2025 VALORANT Community Awards Show, he is expanding his influence even further. The project adds another milestone to his growing list of ventures, especially as he continues building new ways to uplift the wider VALORANT scene.

When And Where To Watch

The 2025 VALORANT Community Awards Show will broadcast live from Los Angeles on December 15th at 9pm PT. Fans can tune in from anywhere through TenZ’s Twitch and YouTube channels, where the full ceremony will unfold in real time.

With finalists soon to be announced and more categories on the way, the event is shaping up to be a major highlight of the VALORANT offseason, giving players a moment to shine before VCT 2026 kicks off.

A Growing Trend In Esports

Awards shows focusing on specific titles have been popping up across the industry. Clash Royale recently introduced its CRL 2025 Awards, while League of Legends continues to expand its own annual League Awards.

VALORANT is no stranger to recognition either. The game won Esports Game of the Year in 2021, and while it missed out in 2025, the launch of this dedicated community show signals just how far the title has grown since its release.

As TenZ steps into the spotlight once again, this time behind the scenes, the community looks set to gain a new tradition worth celebrating every year.

The post TenZ To Host The First Ever 2025 VALORANT Community Awards Show This December appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Celebration of Seoul and the Spirit of Game Changers

Riot Games has revealed the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 merchandise collection, celebrating the upcoming global tournament set to take place in Seoul from November 20 to 30.

Launching November 13 at 10 AM PT (6 PM BST), the exclusive collection captures the bold energy of the Korean capital and the spirit of the players and fans leading the future of VALORANT.

https://t.co/ibC9w8YlWQ

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) November 2, 2025

Fans can grab the items online through merch.riotgames.com or in person at the Riot Games Arena during the Championship.

What’s in the 2025 Game Changers Merch Drop

The new line features two standout pieces, a Seoul Crewneck Sweatshirt and an exclusive Clove Tee, designed to reflect the passion and personality of the Game Changers community.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Riot Games describes the collection with the tagline: “This isn’t about overcoming. It’s about becoming. Louder. Sharper. Brighter.”

VALORANT Game Changers Seoul Crewneck

Crafted from a 60/40 airlume combed and ring-spun cotton/polyester blend, this heavyweight sweatshirt balances comfort and quality. It features soft-hand plastisol screenprinted graphics across the chest, sleeves, and back, including a bold depiction of Raze, Viper, Jett, and Fade.

Image Credit: Riot Games

The crewneck also includes a woven interior label for a premium finish, embodying the confidence and energy that Game Changers represents.

Available worldwide through Riot’s online store, it’s the must-have item for anyone wanting to rep the Championship from home.

VALORANT Game Changers Clove Tee

For fans attending the Championship in Seoul, the Clove Tee will be available exclusively at LoL PARK. This custom oversized heavyweight tee, made from 100% cotton, features Clove-inspired doodles on the front and a striking butterfly motif on the back.

The design embodies Clove’s expressive personality and the playful creativity that defines the Game Changers movement.

A Global Event Empowering VALORANT’s Future

The VALORANT Game Changers Championship (GCC) stands as the pinnacle of the Game Changers circuit, Riot’s competitive ecosystem dedicated to women and marginalised genders in VALORANT.

This year’s Championship brings together ten top teams from across EMEA, Americas, and Asia-Pacific, including powerhouse rosters like G2 Esports and Shopify Rebellion, both former titleholders.

Beyond the action, fans can expect on-site activations, giveaways, and likely Twitch Drops for viewers tuning in from around the world. While Riot typically reserves in-game bundles for the VALORANT Champions series, this real-world collection ensures Game Changers gets the spotlight it deserves.

Where and When to Get It

• Online Launch: November 13 at 10 AM PT (6 PM BST) via merch.riotgames.com
• On-Site Availability: November 20–30 at the Riot Games Arena, Seoul
• Exclusive Piece: Clove Tee available only at LoL PARK during the Championship

With its mix of global flair and Seoul-inspired design, this collection captures what Game Changers is all about, empowerment, creativity, and celebrating the next generation of VALORANT stars.

The post VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 Merch Collection Unveiled appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

End of an Era for BOOM’s Kazakh Controller

BOOM Esports has announced the departure of Dastan “Dos9” Zhumagali from its VALORANT roster, closing a memorable chapter in the organisation’s journey through the 2025 season.

Thanks boom for given opportunity, i gave my everything. 2025 season with this team will have special space in my heart, still watching and supporting them in their ascension journey, wish them luck. https://t.co/qBanGHjzm3

— BME dos9 (@dos9gg) October 19, 2025

From Revenant to BOOM: A Year of Growth

Dos9 joined BOOM in late 2024, following the organisation’s promotion to the VCT Pacific League after Bleed Esports’ removal from the circuit. His arrival came on the heels of BOOM’s second-place finish at Pacific Ascension 2024, which earned them a coveted temporary spot in the top tier of competition.

Before joining the Indonesian side, Dos9 made a name for himself with Revenant Esports, helping the Indian organisation win Challengers South Asia: Split 2 and qualify for the 2024 Ascension event. Known for his versatility as a flex player, he transitioned into a full-time Controller role at BOOM, bringing a more aggressive edge to the team’s playstyle.

His early run with BOOM was impressive. The team stormed through Stage 1 of the 2025 season with a flawless 5–0 group stage record. Dos9’s individual performance stood out, earning a 1.25 rating, third-highest among all players—and a 32 percent clutch success rate, the second-best in the league.

However, BOOM’s promising start didn’t carry over into the playoffs. The squad was eliminated after just two matches and later failed to regain momentum in Stage 2, ending with a 0–5 record that halted their VCT Pacific run.

BOOM Looks Ahead with a New Roster

Despite the setbacks, BOOM’s overall performance earned them enough Championship Points to qualify for Pacific Ascension 2025, ensuring their continued presence in competitive VALORANT.

The organisation has since restructured its lineup, adding fresh talent to prepare for the next season. The current BOOM Esports roster includes:

• Jonathan “natz” Adiputra
• Michael “whitecat” Andre M. Yuzon (Loan)
• Fikri “Famouz” Zaki Hamdani
• Hildegard “Shiro” Arnaldo
• Sheldon “NcSlasher” Andersen Chandra
• Rizkie “BerserX” Adla Kusuma
• Chornelius “Mycroft” Vanny (Manager)
• Harry “6fingers” Tjahjadi Putra (Head Coach)
• Mazarian “Owljan” Sahita (Staff)
• Sam “Fields” Greenfield (Assistant Coach)

The updated lineup has already started their Ascension campaign strong, currently sitting at a 2–1 record in the group stage with a playoff berth secured.

A Respected Player and Teammate

Throughout the 2025 season, Dos9 earned respect for his discipline and leadership both inside and outside the server. His aggressive yet calculated approach as a Controller often helped BOOM find momentum in high-pressure situations.

Fans across the region have expressed their appreciation for his impact, calling him one of the standout imports in the Pacific scene. Many praised his commitment and consistency, with one fan simply summarising the community’s sentiment: “Decent controller. Hope he will be signed again.”

As Dos9 moves on from BOOM Esports, his legacy in the Pacific region remains strong, a testament to hard work, adaptability, and professionalism. Wherever his next step leads, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely.

The post Dos9 Departs BOOM Esports After Memorable VCT Pacific Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

In one of the most intense Grand Finals in VCT history, NRG triumphed over Fnatic 3–2 to lift the VALORANT Champions 2025 trophy in Paris. The victory marks NRG’s first international title and a historic second Champions trophy for in-game leader Ethan “Ethan” Arnold, making him the first player ever to win the event twice.

THIS IS WHAT IT WAS ALL FOR

THIS ONE SINGLE MOMENT

NRG ARE YOUR VALORANT WORLD CHAMPIONS. pic.twitter.com/InHzDimkBN

— NRG (@NRGgg) October 5, 2025

The best-of-five clash had it all, dominant starts, impossible comebacks, and viral moments that lit up social media. Both teams came in with something to prove: NRG as the Americas dark horse, and Fnatic as the EMEA powerhouse desperate to end their international drought.

NRG Sets the Pace on Corrode and Lotus

The series opened on NRG’s pick, Corrode, and it was a complete blowout. Running a double-Initiator setup with Ethan on KAY/O and brawk on Sova, NRG dismantled Fnatic 13–3. Their rookies, skuba and s0m, were rock solid on defence, while brawk’s Odin turned into a highlight reel of wallbangs and multi-kills.

The domination continued on Lotus, where both teams mirrored Raze compositions. Fnatic’s attempts to counter NRG’s early aggression fell flat as s0m put on a clinic in his Grand Final debut. NRG cruised to a 13–6 win and a 2–0 series lead, sitting just one map away from sweeping the final.

Fnatic’s Comeback Sparks Hope on Abyss

Then came Abyss, and with it, one of the biggest turnarounds in Champions history. Down 11–1 at halftime, Fnatic refused to fold. Led by Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski and Chronicle, the EMEA squad clawed their way back with fearless mid-control and clutch afterplants. Against all odds, Fnatic forced overtime and closed it out 15–13, keeping their Championship dream alive.

That comeback set the tone for a fiery atmosphere, and an unexpected viral moment.

Fnatic Forces a Decider on Ascent

Fnatic carried that energy into Ascent, where Emir “Alfajer” Beder shone on Sage, yes, Sage, turning defence into domination. His crisp aim and smart utility reads helped Fnatic close out the map 13–8, forcing a fifth and final map.

Sunset: Ethan’s Championship Moment

The title decider on Sunset was all NRG. Fnatic experimented with a double-Duelist composition, but NRG’s structure held firm. Ethan led the charge on Breach with clutch plays and calm mid-round calls, while skuba and brawk locked down key sites.

NRG wrapped up the map 13–5, winning the series 3–2 and preventing a reverse sweep to become the VALORANT Champions 2025.

The Viral “OHNEPIXEL!” Moment

As if the match itself wasn’t dramatic enough, the Grand Final also gave fans one of the most viral moments in VALORANT history, and it involved none other than ohnePixel, the Counter-Strike streamer who’s recently become a Valorant sensation.

During a post-round celebration, Fnatic’s Boaster yelled “OHNEPIXEL, ZESTIFY!” in reference to the creator’s now-infamous Valorant co-streams. Within seconds, ohnePixel reacted live on stream, losing his mind in disbelief. The clip spread like wildfire across X and Twitch.

Even NRG joined in on the fun, tweeting “FOR YOU, THE FAMILY AND THE ANCESTORS 🧡 @ohnePixel” after sealing their championship win.

For context, ohnePixel has recently been at the centre of a hilarious culture crossover between the CS2 and VALORANT communities. His jump into Riot’s tactical shooter has sparked countless memes, debates, and reactions, a phenomenon we covered in detail in OhnePixel Valorant Stream and Gameplay Sparks Memes, Reactions and a Culture Clash earlier.

That ongoing conversation made his Champions shoutout feel like a full-circle moment, bridging two of the biggest FPS fanbases in the world.

Brawk Earns MVP as Ethan Makes History

Brock “brawk” Somerhalder claimed Champions MVP honours with a 1.27 rating, +23 K/D, and 151 ADR, not to mention his now-iconic Odin plays that turned memes into meta. Meanwhile, Ethan’s leadership and composure made him the first player in history to win two VALORANT Champions trophies.

Fnatic, despite their resilience, finish 2025 with three Grand Finals appearances but no international titles, a painful streak for one of the most consistent teams in the scene.

As the VCT 2025 season wraps up, NRG’s name is etched in VALORANT history, and the ohnePixel moment ensures this Grand Final will be remembered as much for its personality as its play.

The post NRG Crowned VALORANT Champions 2025 After Thrilling Five-Map Showdown Against Fnatic appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has officially confirmed that Harbor, widely regarded as VALORANT’s weakest agent, will be getting a full rework later this year. The announcement came during the VALORANT Champions 2025 Dev Update Panel in Paris, teasing fans with the promise of long-awaited changes coming in Patch 11.10.

The update doesn’t have an official release date yet, but it’s expected to arrive in mid-to-late November as part of VALORANT’s end-of-year update. Alongside general gameplay and balance changes, this patch will bring a major overhaul to Harbor’s abilities and gameplay style, something many players have been hoping for since his release.

The end-of-year changes are on the way, and so is a Harbor rework!?

From the #VALORANTChampions Dev Update Panel. pic.twitter.com/1AgonABhSI

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) October 3, 2025

Harbor Finally Gets the Buff He Deserves

Since debuting in 2022, Harbor’s kit has struggled to make an impact. His water-based walls and shields sounded great on paper but never stacked up against more versatile Controllers like Omen or Viper. According to Tracker.gg, Harbor currently has the lowest pick rate across all ranks, and professional players have almost completely avoided him throughout the VCT 2025 season.

Game Designer Ryan Cousart confirmed that the rework aims to keep Harbor’s original hybrid identity as both a Controller and Initiator intact, while also introducing brand-new abilities to modernise his playstyle.

“A lot of Harbor’s identity is still true, and we wanted to make sure that was there,” Cousart said. “There’s a lot we’re going to be shuffling around to make you think about those abilities differently, but we also have a couple of new abilities that we wanted to add through.”

Fans are already speculating on social media about what the new abilities might look like. Some hope for a passive that lets him cross his own walls without being slowed, while others want Riot to lean harder into his Initiator potential. As one fan joked on X, “If his walls don’t slow teammates to start, it’s already a massive W.”

Setting the Stage for 2026

Tiffy Tsay, Senior Product Manager at Riot Games, explained that the end-of-year patch isn’t just about balancing but also preparing for what’s next.

“Sometimes we need to take bigger swings at things in one go,” Tsay said. “That’s what the goal for the end-of-year patches is — to set up the foundations for next year so that when you come back, the game feels fresh and ready for all the new content.”

It’s been a while since VALORANT has seen a full agent rework, with Yoru being the last to receive one. That makes this Harbor update even more exciting for the community. As players wait for Patch 11.10, expectations are high that the Indian Controller will finally rise from the bottom of the pick charts and become a real contender in both ranked and pro play.

The post VALORANT Weakest Agent Harbor is Getting Major Rework in Patch 11.10 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

DRX has knocked out Paper Rex from VALORANT Champions 2025 after a dominant 2-0 win, booking their place in the Lower Bracket Final against Fnatic. The victory means the Korean side keeps their championship hopes alive while the Masters Toronto champions head home in fourth place.

ANOTHER #1 SEED TAKEN DOWN!@DRX_VALORANT advances to the Lower Final of #VALORANTChampions! pic.twitter.com/jyRSBCSBSj

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 3, 2025

This latest clash between two Pacific heavyweights was a true classic. It marked the 17th time DRX and Paper Rex have met, but their first ever encounter on the Champions stage. Paper Rex came in as clear favourites after a season filled with silverware, yet DRX arrived well-prepared and confident in their game plan.

The match began on DRX’s pick, Ascent. Paper Rex started strong, taking an 8-1 lead behind Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie’s lights-out performance on Sage. He finished the half with 20 kills and only five deaths as DRX trailed 9-3 at the break. Despite the deficit, DRX refused to back down.

Song “HYUNMIN” Hyun-min led the charge in the second half, tearing through Paper Rex’s defence with aggressive mid-control and confident first duels. His precision completely shifted the momentum. Although PRX reached map point first, DRX forced overtime and held firm to close out Ascent 15-13. HYUNMIN finished with an incredible 36/19/1 KDA, eight first kills, and an average damage per round (ADR) of 220, topping even Jinggg’s impressive stats.

“I just had to put confidence into my team and for myself, so I just started peeking everything,” HYUNMIN said in the post-match interview, smiling about his fearless play.

Next up was Paper Rex’s map pick, Lotus. DRX adapted instantly, swapping HYUNMIN’s Waylay for Raze and matching PRX’s Raze-Yoru composition. The change worked perfectly. DRX claimed the first pistol round thanks to a 3K from HYUNMIN and traded rounds evenly through the first half before edging ahead 7-5.

The second half saw DRX completely take control. A clean pistol and bonus round win pushed them to an 11-5 lead. While Paper Rex fought back with a few strong A-site hits and a clutch Showstopper from Jinggg, DRX proved too solid to break. They closed out Lotus 13-8, with MaKo standing tall on Omen at 17/8/14 and HYUNMIN adding another 19 kills to cap off his monster series.

Across both maps, HYUNMIN ended with a staggering 55/32/4 KDA and 200 ADR, cementing himself as one of the standout players of the tournament.

With this win, DRX have matched their best-ever international finish from Champions 2022 and are now one step away from the grand final. Their next challenge will be against Fnatic, who dropped to the lower bracket after a 2-0 defeat to NRG earlier in the day. The winner will advance to face NRG, who remain undefeated so far in Paris.

One team has secured their spot in the Grand Finals.

See the updated #VALORANTChampions bracket. 👇 pic.twitter.com/FhKcYs4h18

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 3, 2025

Fans can catch the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final of VALORANT Champions 2025 live on the official VALORANT Champions Tour YouTube and Twitch channels.

The post DRX Eliminates Paper Rex, Sets Up VALORANT Champions 2025 Lower Final Against Fnatic appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

NRG have done it. The underdogs from the Americas region have stormed their way into the VALORANT Champions 2025 grand final after a dominant 2-0 sweep over Fnatic in Paris. It marks NRG’s first-ever international grand final appearance and a defining moment for the team’s young roster.

FLAWLESS TO GRAND FINALS!@NRGgg take the win over FNATIC and secure their spot. #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/UqGAVF3ipe

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 3, 2025

The upper bracket final began on Ascent, Fnatic’s map pick, and it was clear from the start that NRG came prepared. Running a double-Initiator setup with Sova and KAY/O, the team took early control with mada and s0m leading the charge. Fnatic, meanwhile, leaned on their signature double-Sentinel composition with Alfajer returning to Sage after recovering from illness.

While Fnatic nearly snatched the opening pistol round thanks to a 1v3 attempt by Boaster, NRG held strong and quickly built momentum. A well-timed timeout and some aggressive plays from mada, including brawk’s clever use of the Odin, helped NRG secure an 8-4 half-time lead.

Fnatic fought back on defence, with Alfajer and kaajak stepping up to tie things at 11-11 and push the game into overtime. But it was NRG who held their nerve. Two quick rounds from mada sealed a 14-12 victory on map one, giving the North American squad the early advantage.

On Abyss, NRG’s pick, things quickly spiralled out of control for Fnatic. The team’s unconventional composition featuring Yoru and Harbor caught Fnatic completely off-guard. Skuba opened the map with a massive 4k in the pistol round, setting the tone for what would become a brutal one-sided affair.

THE ROOKIE WITH THE CLUTCH 1v2! @skubacs #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/yJz8MwG5L0

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 3, 2025

By the half, NRG led 11-1. Fnatic’s usual stars, kaajak, Alfajer, and Chronicle, were nowhere to be found, struggling to break through NRG’s confidence-fuelled aggression. Skuba finished the first half with 15 kills, while s0m sat comfortably behind him with 13. Even a pistol round win in the second half couldn’t save Fnatic from the inevitable, as NRG closed out Abyss 13-5 to win the series 2-0.

Skuba was the undisputed series MVP, ending with a 1.31 rating, 39 kills, +17 K/D differential, and 151 ADR, a monster performance on the biggest stage of his career so far.

With the win, NRG have secured their spot in Sunday’s VALORANT Champions 2025 grand final, capping off an incredible Cinderella run for a roster once dismissed as “rookies and rejects.” As for Fnatic, their journey isn’t over yet. The EMEA giants drop to the lower bracket final, where they’ll face DRX for one last shot at redemption and a chance to meet NRG again for the title.

The post NRG Crush Fnatic to Reach VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic have pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks of VALORANT Champions 2025 so far, toppling Paper Rex 2–1 in the upper semifinals despite playing without star player Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder.

12 ROUND COMEBACK AND A REVERSE SWEEP!@FNATIC are now Top 3 and their highest placement ever at #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/wSLFM09Asv

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 28, 2025

Just hours before the match, Fnatic confirmed that Alfajer would miss the series due to health issues. In his place, former Fnatic player Domagoj “Doma” Fancev was flown in at the last minute, arriving in Paris only four hours before the match began. You can read more about Alfajer’s absence and Doma’s unexpected return here.

Bind Slips Away

The opener on Bind, Paper Rex’s map pick, looked promising for Fnatic early on. Kaajak was electric on Yoru, putting up 30 kills in just 23 rounds, but PRX’s resilience shone through. A clutch 4K from something in round 21 helped secure a 13–10 win for the Pacific side, giving them the series lead.

Fnatic Strike Back on Haven

Fnatic hit back on Haven, a map PRX had avoided all tournament. Smart play around the Yoru–Waylay composition gave them control from the start, with Chronicle sealing the half 8–4 thanks to a superb 1v3 clutch. After finally securing a pistol round, Fnatic closed out the map comfortably 13–4. Kaajak again delivered, with 20 kills across just 17 rounds, backed by Chronicle’s sharp Viper performance.

The Comeback on Lotus

Lotus looked set to break Fnatic’s hearts when PRX raced to an 8–1 lead and finished the half up 9–3. But in true Fnatic fashion, the team rallied in spectacular style. Crashies and Chronicle sparked the turnaround with a pivotal 2v4 pistol round win, setting the stage for a ten-round streak that silenced PRX completely.

Fnatic ran away with the decider 13–9, leaving Paper Rex without a single attacking round in the second half. Chronicle was the standout, dropping an outrageous 31/14/7 KDA on Viper with 246 ADR. Doma also had his moment, clutching a vital 1v2 that helped steady the team’s momentum.

A Statement Win

The victory secures Fnatic a spot in the upper final and guarantees a top three finish at Champions—their best ever result at the tournament. For Doma, it was an emotional return to the orange and black.

“I did this for him, I tried my best,” he said after the match, dedicating his performance to Alfajer. “Alfa, enjoy the semis and go win the whole thing.”

Paper Rex now drop into the lower bracket, where they will fight Team Heretics for survival and a chance to stay in contention for the title.

Fnatic, meanwhile, continue their run in Paris with momentum, belief, and one of the most inspiring comebacks we’ve seen at Champions.

The post Fnatic Stun Paper Rex With Stand-In to Reach VCT 2025 Top Three appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic have been dealt a major blow at VALORANT Champions 2025, with star player Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder sidelined due to health issues just hours before their highly anticipated matchup against Paper Rex.

The organisation confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that Alfajer has been dealing with health concerns in recent days. While he is reportedly on the mend, medical staff advised that he sit out to prioritise his recovery. Fnatic’s Head Coach CoJo added further context, revealing that Alfajer had spent much of the previous night in hospital undergoing checks.

Some things are more important than Valorant.

Has been a brutal last 24hrs with all of last night spent in the hospital (horrible experience btw, 8.5hrs wait and didn’t get a diagnosis). Fortunately, Alfa is looking better today and on the mend but more to be done with the… https://t.co/W3tVr2Lin3

— FNATIC CoJo (@CoJoPM) September 28, 2025

“Some things are more important than VALORANT,” CoJo wrote, thanking fans for their support and asking everyone to send their best wishes to Alfajer as he continues treatment.

Doma Returns to the Stage

Stepping into the gap is Domagoj “Doma” Fancev, a familiar face for Fnatic fans. Doma previously represented the team between 2020 and 2022 and was part of their memorable run at VALORANT Champions 2021. Despite receiving just 16 hours’ notice, he was quick to answer the call and will rejoin Jake “Boaster” Howlett and the rest of the squad on stage.

Fnatic expressed confidence in Doma’s ability to handle the high-pressure situation, pointing to his prior synergy with the team and his versatility in Initiator and Sentinel roles. The organisation also extended thanks to Enterprise Esports for allowing Doma to step in on such short notice.

A Huge Match with Bigger Stakes

The clash between Fnatic and Paper Rex was already one of the most anticipated of the tournament. With a spot in the Upper Final on the line, the absence of Alfajer—one of the top three performing players at Champions so far, significantly shifts the odds.

Paper Rex, known for their aggressive playstyle and global fanbase, now look even more favoured heading into the matchup. Still, Doma’s return offers a glimmer of hope. His similar playstyle to Alfajer could help maintain balance in Fnatic’s strategies, keeping their upper bracket run alive.

If Fnatic fall short, they’ll be forced into the lower bracket, where every match is do-or-die. Regardless of the outcome, all eyes will be on Doma’s performance and Alfajer’s recovery in the days ahead.

Fnatic closed their announcement with a message to supporters: “Give your love over to Alfa—we’ll see you at 3PM!”

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