Jul 13, 2025.
In an all EMEA final, Team Heretics came out on top after an unbelievable comeback against one of their fiercest local rivals to lift the first VALORANT trophy in Esports World Cup history.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (July 13, 2025) Team Heretics have claimed the first-ever VALORANT trophy at the 2025 Esports World Cup after an unbelievable comeback in the grand final. In one of the most memorable finals in EWC history, they came back from 2-0 down to defeat Fnatic 3-2 and take the win.
The victory marks a career-high for Team Heretics and a defining moment in the team’s development. With the lion’s share of the $1,250,000 prize pool and 1000 Club Championship points on the line, they stepped up when it mattered most, although they did not do it the easy way.
After losing their opening match of the competition against NRG, Team Heretics went on an incredible streak, first reverse-sweeping Titan Esports Club in the elimination match, and then taking down Rex Regum Qeon in the group stage decider. Moving into the semifinals, Team Heretics’ fairytale run continued, beating BBL Esports 2-0 and then sending Gen.G Esports packing in a close 2-1 affair to make it to the grand final.
Fnatic looked in full control early on in the grand final, opening the series with a dominant performance on Lotus. They then steam rolled Team Heretics on Sunset, closing the second map 13-1 to take a 2-0 series lead and move within touching distance of the title.
But from that point on, everything changed. Team Heretics immediately looked like a different team as map three got off to a start, and with the score tied at half-time, they kicked up into another gear in the second half, closing out a tight win to stay alive. Map four also started poorly for Team Heretics, with Fnatic pulling ahead 9-3 at the half, but once again, they rallied, flipping the scoreline with a brilliant second-half performance to force a deciding game.
Map five was a back-and-forth battle, but Team Heretics had all the momentum. While they were down 7-5 at the break, they came to life in the second half once again and closed out a huge victory. The reverse sweep never looked on the cards after they won just five rounds in the first two maps of the series.
“I’m so proud that we actually started playing the game [after map two] and we won,” said Team Heretics player Ričardas "Boo" Lukaševičius.“We stuck with the same roster, many organizations wouldn't do the same, they want fast results, [but] the coaching staff trusted us, and we worked hard for it. When you work hard, finally, one time you win.”
Team Heretics star Mert “Wo0t” Alkan was awarded the MVP award after a standout performance across the entire tournament, truly earning the $10,000 prize that comes with it. His impact on key rounds and his composure in high-pressure situations helped Team Heretics flip the grand final series when it looked all but over.
The win earns Team Heretics 1000 Club Championship points, and puts them in a solid position to place well in the Club Championship. Fnatic will be disappointed to only pick up 750 points for their second-place finish after being so close to the win, but this is a fantastic start to their campaign, already beating their total points total from 2024 after just one week of action.
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