VALORANT - Champions 2025: Fnatic will have another chance against NRG, DRX out of Paris

In the Paris lower final of the VALORANT Champions Paris, Fnatic and DRX faced off for a place in the grand final. After four maps, DRX's early dominance was met with a measured response from Fnatic, resulting in a composed conclusion that secured the Europeans a showdown with NRG for the title.

This lower final opened on Sunset. Fnatic began on their own pick, but quickly met Korean discipline. DRX seized the initiative from the defensive half and reached the interval ahead, 8–4. After the switch, Fnatic chipped away yet never pierced the retake structures; DRX controlled mid, held their lines, and closed out 13–8, arresting any early momentum.

The second map, Corrode, produced an immediate and emphatic reply from the Europeans. With a coherent game plan, crisp set plays, and a fluent attacking half, Fnatic raced to 11–2 at halftime. DRX found no conversion after the swap, and the map wrapped swiftly at 13–3, restoring parity and inverting the momentum.

Haven became the series pivot, with one team a single map from qualification. Level at 6–6 at the break, Fnatic then found the proper cadence, alternating late splits with tidy retakes to open just enough of a margin before sealing the finish. Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski delivered an insane performance on Yoru, posting 20 kills with a 1.40 rating, unlocking several high-leverage rounds and propelling Fnatic into the lead.

For Fnatic, Bind offered the pathway to the final. It was a methodical close: they imposed themselves on defense, 10–3 at halftime, then maintained structure on attack to leave DRX few avenues for a comeback. Clean executions, controlled retakes, and a composed conclusion at 13–4 saw Fnatic advance to the grand final, where they will face NRG for the world title.