VALORANT - Champions 2025: PRX edged out G2 as Fnatic dismantled DRX

The VALORANT Champions Paris playoff stage has just begun, delivering two blockbuster clashes as Paper Rex locked horns with G2 Esports and Fnatic faced DRX. Both series showcased the highest levels of firepower and discipline, with the outcome of each map being decided by the finest of margins and individual brilliance. Paper Rex kept their nerve in a thrilling three-map showdown to send G2 to the lower bracket, while Fnatic’s resilience and firepower proved too much for DRX in a convincing victory.

From the outset, on Lotus, Paper Rex dominated, with Ilya "Something" Petrov and Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto identifying opportunities across the map, and Ahmad Khalish "d4v41" Russiaidee securing post-plant positions with accuracy. G2 had their moments, with Alexander "jawgemo" Mor making explosive entries and Nathan "leaf" Orf showing clutch potential, but PRX controlled the late rounds and won 13–11.

The second map on Corrode swung in G2's favour, Jacob "valyn" Batio's leadership and disciplined spacing allowed the team to thrive in chaotic exchanges. Meanwhile, Jonah "JonahP" Pulice and Trent "Trent" Cairns closed out key situations, and leaf delivered multiple kills to push G2 into overtime. Despite heroics from f0rsakeN and d4v41, PRX fell short, and G2 levelled the series at 15–13.

Ascent became the decider map of the series and the most hotly contested. Once again, something provided the entry power that PRX needed, and f0rsakeN continued to win crucial duels in mid. Meanwhile, Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza swung the momentum with pivotal low-buy rounds that punished G2’s economy. Leaf tried to keep G2 in the game with consistent impact, but PRX proved steadier in the final rounds, winning the series 2–1 with a score of 13–11.

The match began on Haven, with DRX charging ahead in the attacking phase, led by Kim "MaKo" Myeong Kwon and Kang "BeYN" Ha Bin winning the side 10-2. Fnatic responded with a fierce comeback: Emir Ali "Alfajer" Beder dominated in holds, Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski found the right moments, and Jake "Boaster" Howlett disrupted the rhythm with his calling. Fnatic seized the late rounds to win the opener 13–11.

Ascent allowed DRX to fight back, thanks to Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk’s precise entries and MaKo’s control of the mid-space. Song "HYUNMIN" Hyun Min consistently punished Fnatic’s pushes, and, despite Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov’s attempts to swing the momentum, the Korean squad tied the series with a 13–8 win.

The series ended on Lotus. Fnatic burst out of the gates with pistol round conversions and relentless site takes. Alfajer shone with impeccable lurks and mechanical brilliance, while Kaajak played fearlessly and Austin "Crashies" Roberts provided crucial information to guide the team. Fnatic dominated 13–5 to win the series 2–1 and advance to the upper semi-final, while DRX dropped to the lower bracket.