VALORANT Champions 2025 has already delivered its fair share of heart-stopping moments, but few could have predicted the dramatic twists and turns that unfolded in the recent playoff elimination matches. The esports world watched with bated breath as fan favorites stumbled, strategic gambles paid off, and the lower bracket became a proving ground for resilience.
The Fall of a Favorite: G2 Esports` Strategic Misstep
As three-time VCT Americas champions, G2 Esports arrived at VALORANT Champions 2025 with the weight of expectation. They were considered a formidable force, a team poised for a deep run, perhaps even the trophy. However, the playoffs are a cruel mistress, and in esports, even the most dominant teams can find their Achilles` heel in the most unexpected places: the map veto.
Their elimination match against Pacific powerhouse DRX became a masterclass in strategic counterplay, punctuated by what some might call a questionable decision. G2 Esports, for reasons known only to them at the time, left two of DRX`s strongest maps, Abyss and Bind, available. DRX, being the cunning competitors they are, wasted no time in punishing this oversight, staging an impressive 2-1 comeback.
DRX`s Calculated Assault
The series began with G2 picking Lotus, a map where DRX had previously struggled. G2’s initial dominance, securing a 13-7 victory despite losing both pistol rounds, seemed to affirm their favored status. Their attack side showed exceptional map control and read on DRX`s defensive setups, while their Odin spams and retakes on defense were textbook.
But then came Abyss. This was where DRX truly began to shine, spearheaded by their in-game leader (IGL) Kim `MaKo` Myeong-kwan. His Omen play, highlighted by a perfectly timed teleport to dodge a G2 ultimate early on, set the tone. DRX`s overwhelming site executes put G2 on the back foot. Despite G2`s commendable effort to snatch four crucial rounds in the first half and win a pistol round on their attack, DRX`s quadrupled aggression ultimately sealed the map 13-10.
The decider, Bind, was a strategic clinic by DRX. MaKo, transitioning to Brimstone, effectively locked down the B site with crucial support from Cho `Flashback` Min-hyuk on the Operator. DRX`s homework on G2 was evident; they effortlessly dissected G2’s known macro plays, notably predicting the enemy`s early B-long pressure leading into a late A-hit. MaKo’s 1v2 clutch to secure a massive 10-2 lead at halftime was the nail in the coffin. Though G2 managed a few rounds in the second half, the momentum was irreversibly with DRX, who closed out Bind 13-7, sending the Americas champions home.
EMEA`s Internal Battle: Team Heretics Outmaneuvers GIANTX
The day`s drama continued with an all-EMEA clash between GIANTX and Team Heretics. This regional derby promised fireworks, and it delivered a gritty 2-1 victory for Team Heretics, sending GIANTX packing.
The series kicked off on Ascent, GIANTX`s map pick. Despite GIANTX securing the initial pistol round, Heretics swiftly flipped the script with a second-round `thrifty` win. Their defensive strategy, centered around intelligent Cypher utility for information gathering and slowing enemy pushes, proved incredibly effective. Heretics` coordination was palpable, leading to a strong 8-4 halftime lead. They carried this momentum into the second half, patiently dismantling GIANTX’s defense and stealing their map pick with a decisive 13-4 win. Enes `RieNs` Ecirli on Sova was a standout, boasting an impressive 23/8/4 KDA.
GIANTX, however, was not one to back down. They responded with an equally dominant performance on Lotus. Despite another second-round thrifty by Heretics, GIANTX adapted smartly on offense, confidently navigating around Heretics` Chamber and his Operator. Their duelist, Eduard-George `ara` Hanceriuc, stepped up significantly, securing crucial opening kills on Raze. GIANTX stormed through the map, winning the half 9-3 and ultimately taking Lotus 13-3.
The Decisive Bind: Boo`s Heroics
The final map, Bind, saw Team Heretics take a page from DRX`s book, deploying their signature Waylay/Yoru team composition—a bold and unconventional choice. GIANTX, however, looked strong on their defense, making Heretics work for every inch. Their deep smokes and proactive pushes forced Heretics to expend utility early, disrupting their site executes and resulting in a 7-5 lead for GIANTX at the half.
In the second half, Heretics clinched a vital pistol round, igniting their comeback. Amidst close and chaotic rounds, IGL Ričardas `Boo` Lukaševičius ascended to hero status. He stuck two spike defuses under enemy fire, scored a double-kill with his Brimstone ultimate, secured a clutch 1v1, and followed up with an opening kill in the subsequent round. His final Orbital Strike denied GIANTX`s post-plant stall, concluding the map 13-9 and sending Team Heretics forward.
The Road Ahead: Lower Bracket Intensifies
With G2 Esports and GIANTX now out of the running, DRX and Team Heretics have earned their right to continue their arduous journey through the lower bracket. These two resilient teams are set to face the losers of the upcoming Upper Bracket Semifinals on September 29th, battling for survival and a chance to claw their way back to the grand finals.
This day at VALORANT Champions 2025 served as a stark reminder that in competitive esports, past glories offer no guarantees. Strategy, adaptability, and individual brilliance converge to create moments of triumph and heartbreak, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Every match is a narrative, and the story of this Champions event is far from over.
