VALORANT — VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3: Field, Pathways, and Stakes

Following the conclusion of the VALORANT VCT Game Changers EMEA: Contenders Series 2, six teams will join the main event. The competition will take place from 30 September to 2 November 2025. It will begin with a round-robin group stage (Bo3), followed by a hybrid elimination stage that combines a single-elimination knockout and a double-elimination bracket, starting from the winner's semifinals. The Grand Final will take place at the ESA Esports Arena in Istanbul. The prize pool is €33,000, and EMEA circuit points will be awarded that matter for Championship (Worlds) qualification.

The top teams from Stage 2 return: Karmine Corp GC as the reigning champions, GIANTX GC as the runners-up, SK Nebula in third place and G2 Gozen in fourth place. Stage 2 culminated in a 3–2 final for Karmine Corp over GIANTX, highlighting the form of the quintet centred around Azra "Alkyia" Erin. These four teams enter with seeded advantages and the expectations that accompany confirmed podium finishes.

A further six teams complete the line-up via qualification pathways. Twisted Minds, Orchid and BLVCKHVND are returning after achieving 5th–6th place at Stage 2. This result earned them direct passage to Stage 3, as well as a share of the EMEA points. Both teams are already accustomed to the EMEA tempo after competing in the full spring campaign.

The remaining four places were decided in Contenders Series 2 (1–10 August). ZennIT Orange GC and Frick My Chungus Life secured the top two positions, while ZERANCE MINT, with their new addition and AlQadsiah Corals claimed third and fourth place respectively. Notably, the bracket featured ZennIT Orange defeating ZERANCE MINT 2–1 on 10 August, while FMCL clinched qualification with a 2–0 victory over AlQadsiah on the same day — scores that illustrate how close the competition was among the promoted teams.

In the lead-up to Stage 3, several roster changes were made. G2 Gozen made adjustments involving Mathilde "Nelo" Beltoise at the end of June, followed by the announcement of his official departure on 30 July. In contrast, Karmine Corp GC and SK Nebula appear to have retained the line-ups they displayed at Stage 2, signalling continuity as they head into the autumn split.

From a competitive standpoint, the format rewards sustained consistency: one group containing all ten teams, with each team playing every other team, and the top six advancing to the playoffs. The first two teams to advance earn a bye. Karmine Corp, GIANTX, SK Nebula and G2 Gozen will be looking to capitalise on this, establishing an early lead in the table, avoiding the initial knockout and calibrating their peak for Istanbul. For the other six teams, the immediate objective is to achieve week-to-week stability in Bo3 and translate qualifier momentum into tangible EMEA points.