Fnatic defeat Team Heretics to win VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1

Fnatic has become the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 champion after defeating Team Heretics in a dominant 3-0 Grand Final.

With yet another trophy under its belt, the esports organisation has earned nine VCT EMEA Points as well as a direct Playoffs seed at the upcoming Masters Toronto tournament.

Following VCT Kickoff and the first international tournament, Masters Bangkok, VCT EMEA Stage 1 was the second regional competition in the 2025 VALOPRANT esports calendar. Stage 1 saw 12 teams compete at the Riot Games Arena from March 26th until June 18th.

Yesterday’s Grand Final was the third time Fnatic and Team Heretics met throughout the tournament.

The first encounter occurred during the Group Stage, with Heretics securing the top position in Group Alpha with a 5-0 record. Fnatic placed second within the group, having won all four of its other matches.

However, Fnatic picked up the pace for a flawless Playoffs run. After defeating FUT Esports (2-0) and Team Liquid (2-1), Fnatic won its first rematch against Heretics (2-0).

The final encounter began with a dominant victory for Fnatic on Split (13-4). Icebox and Fracture were more competitive, but ultimately ended 13-9 and 14-12 in Fnatic’s favour.

The squad’s rookie duelist player, Kajetan ‘kaajak’ Haremski, delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a 316 average combat score (ACS) and a KDA of 73/33/17 across the entire series.

His teammate and veteran in-game leader (IGL), Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett, commented on the victory via X (formerly Twitter): “We are EMEA champions! Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect this year.

“I wanted to make sure I could still compete at the top because I’m getting a bit old. I can’t believe we are still able to win trophies!! See you in Toronto.”

With all regional VCT Stage 1 events concluded, Fnatic is heading to Toronto, looking to secure its second Masters title and third international trophy. As the runner-up and third-placed teams, Heretics and Team Liquid are also among the Masters Toronto contestants.

The second global VALORANT competition of the year will run from June 7th-22nd, featuring a $1m (~£746,600) total prize pool.

While the regional Stage 1 winners have direct Playoffs buy-ins, the remaining teams must first make it through a Swiss Stage. The first round of match-ups was drawn after the EMEA Grand Final yesterday, and will include the following matches: