The 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Paris was everything fans of competitive Valorant could have hoped for: nail-biting matches, shocking comebacks, and a new international champion crowned on one of the scene’s biggest stages. Held from September 12 to October 5 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, the tournament brought together 16 of the world’s elite teams to compete for prestige and a share of the massive $2.25 million prize pool.
SurveyBy the time the confetti fell, it was NRG Esports from North America lifting the trophy, defeating European powerhouse Fnatic in a Grand Finals series that will be remembered for years to come.
The road to Paris glory
The group stages kicked off with fireworks, immediately reminding fans that nothing comes easy at a Champions event. With a double-elimination format, even one bad day could spell disaster for tournament favorites. Teams like Paper Rex and DRX showcased consistency early, but the real story was the intensity of the battles to secure a playoff berth.
By the end of the groups, eight teams advanced to the knockout stage, setting up a bracket filled with high-stakes clashes. It was here that NRG and Fnatic began to distinguish themselves from the pack.
NRG, long seen as a strong contender but never quite at the top, came into Paris hungry. Guided by their veteran in-game leader Ethan, they blended tactical discipline with explosive individual plays. Meanwhile, Fnatic leaned on their experience and adaptability. Despite roster changes earlier in the year, Boaster’s leadership and the rising performances of Alfajer and Chronicle gave them the tools to make another deep run.
The Grand Finals: NRG vs. Fnatic
The final showdown between NRG and Fnatic was a best-of-five series that lived up to its billing. Fans expected fireworks, and the two teams delivered one of the most dramatic finals in VCT history.
- Map 1 – Corrode (13–3 NRG): NRG opened with a statement. They suffocated Fnatic with overwhelming firepower and near-perfect utility usage. brawk, wielding his signature Odin, locked down entire bombsites, leaving Fnatic scrambling for answers.
- Map 2 – Lotus (13–6 NRG): NRG doubled down, showcasing coordination and confidence. s0m came alive with clutch multi-kills, while Ethan’s decisive calls kept Fnatic off balance. Suddenly, NRG were one map away from a historic sweep.
- Map 3 – Abyss (15–13 Fnatic): Facing elimination, Fnatic produced one of the greatest comebacks ever seen on the VCT stage. Down 11–1, they clawed back round by round, fueled by Crashies’ clutches and kaajak’s heroics. The Accor Arena roared as Fnatic forced overtime and stole the map 15–13, breathing new life into the series.
- Map 4 – Ascent (13–8 Fnatic): Momentum firmly shifted, Fnatic played like a team reborn. Alfajer, on Sage, dominated the pace with aggressive wall placements, while Boaster orchestrated their strategies with composure. With the score now tied 2–2, the series was set for a decisive finale.
- Map 5 – Sunset (13–5 NRG): The last battleground belonged to NRG. Despite losing the pistol round, they regrouped quickly, surging to a dominant 9–3 half. Ethan delivered clutch after clutch, while skuba and crashies provided critical support. Fnatic’s late attempts to rally were shut down, and NRG closed the map 13–5, securing the championship.
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Tournament MVPs and highlights
- MVP – brawk (NRG): The breakout star of Paris was undoubtedly the NRG Rookie Brawk who finished with a 1.27 match rating and a +23 kill-to-death ratio. His control of the Odin was not just a weapon choice but a defining factor in NRG’s success.
- Ethan (NRG): Beyond being the steady in-game leader, Ethan’s composure in the finals – particularly on Sunset – cemented his legacy as one of North America’s most influential players.
- Fnatic’s resilience: Despite finishing as runners-up, Fnatic’s legendary Abyss comeback and tactical execution on Ascent highlighted why they remain one of Valorant’s most dangerous squads.
- Historic plays: From s0m’s deceptive bait smokes and coves to Kaajak’s explosive movement mechanics, the finals were packed with highlight-reel moments that reminded fans why Valorant esports continues to grow in popularity.
Final standings
| Place | Team | Region |
| 1st | NRG | North America |
| 2nd | Fnatic | Europe |
| 3rd | DRX | Asia |
| 4th | Paper Rex | Asia |
Looking ahead
The conclusion of VCT Paris 2025 not only crowned a new champion but also shifted the global competitive landscape. NRG’s rise to champions marks a new era for North American Valorant, proving that patience and perseverance can pay off on the world stage. At the same time, Fnatic’s performance reaffirms their status as perennial contenders, capable of brilliance under pressure.
As the 2025 season continues and the road to next year’s Champions begins, fans can expect even greater storylines, rivalries, and moments of brilliance. If Paris was any indication, the future of Valorant esports burns brighter than ever.
For full brackets, detailed stats, and match VODs, fans can visit official Valorant Esports channels on youtube and VLR’s coverage of the event.
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Vyom Ramani
A journalist with a soft spot for tech, games, and things that go beep. While waiting for a delayed metro or rebooting his brain, you’ll find him solving Rubik’s Cubes, bingeing F1, or hunting for the next great snack. View Full Profile
