VALORANT: Team Heretics reverse sweep Fnatic in Esports World Cup Grand Final

The Esports World Cup 2025 VALORANT Grand Final was an enthralling clash between Team Heretics and Fnatic. After losing the first two maps with a dominant start from Fnatic, Team Heretics secured a 3–2 series victory. After losing the opening maps on Lotus and Sunset, Heretics made a composed and stylish comeback on Icebox and Haven, ultimately winning the series on Ascent. The match lasted two and a half hours, with both teams demonstrating tactical depth and clutch plays. Heretics victory was the result of their disciplined mid-round strategies and their ability to adapt to Fnatic’s tempo.

Throughout the series, Austin “crashies” Roberts shone on Lotus, achieving a stellar rating of 1.87 and an ACS of 271, which demonstrated his ability to win critical duels. Meanwhile, Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov was a consistent presence with Viper across maps, achieving a reliable 1.79 rating. Their synergy was a highlight for Fnatic, but it was eventually countered by the Heretics' impactful rotations and map control. Despite the heartbreaking loss in the final map, the performances of Crashies and Chronicle were hallmarks of Fnatic’s competitiveness.

In the closely fought bronze match, Gen.G Esports showed great composure, beating Paper Rex 2–0 to take the last podium spot. The series began on Sunset, where Gen.G won 13–10, followed by a 13–9 victory on Ascent. Gen.G’s Kim “Karon” Won-tae stood out with a commanding performance on Ascent, tallying a 25/17/9 KDA, a reflection of his aggressive yet calculated style. Their cohesion and measured aggression carried Gen.G to a well-deserved third-place finish on Day 6 in Riyadh.

Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto led Paper Rex valiantly, notably achieving a 25/16/13 KDA on Sunset. However, the team's defensive struggles allowed Gen.G to dictate the tempo. While falling short of the medals, their fourth-place finish concluded a promising run, and Paper Rex still showcased flashes of brilliance that hinted at latent potential.

The day’s matches showcased VALORANT at its highest level. Team Heretics emerged as deserving champions after a hard-fought battle. Fnatic demonstrated high-calibre individual performances, even in defeat. Gen.G capitalised on their tactical superiority to secure third place. And Paper Rex left the tournament in fourth place.