In one of the most electrifying comebacks in VALORANT history, Team Heretics stunned the global esports community by reverse sweeping Fnatic in the grand final of the Esports World Cup 2025, clinching their first-ever VALORANT championship title.
The all-EMEA final on July 13, 2025, delivered pure adrenaline and drama as Team Heretics fought their way back from a brutal 0-2 series deficit to take down Fnatic 3-2, securing the championship trophy, $1,000,000 in prize money, and 1000 Club Championship points.
A Cinderella Run for the Ages
Team Heretics’ road to the championship was anything but smooth. After dropping their opening match to NRG, many doubted their chances. But what followed was a spectacular redemption arc. They clawed their way back through the group stages with a reverse sweep against Titan Esports Club, and a critical win over Rex Regum Qeon in a do-or-die decider match.
From there, the team went on a tear, sweeping BBL Esports 2-0 in the quarterfinals and edging out Gen.G Esports 2-1 in a high-stakes semifinal to punch their ticket to the grand final.
Fnatic Dominates Early, But Heretics Flip the Script
Heading into the final, Fnatic looked poised for an easy victory. They stormed through Lotus with a convincing win, and obliterated Heretics on Sunset, closing the second map 13-1. With Fnatic up 2-0, few believed Heretics had any gas left in the tank.
But what came next was a masterclass in resilience.
Heretics found their rhythm on map three, turning a halftime tie into a narrow win. Then came a second-half surge on map four, where they overcame a daunting 3-9 deficit to level the series. By the time map five began, momentum had completely shifted.
Despite being down 5-7 at the break, Team Heretics delivered a clinical second half, taking control of the decider and completing one of the greatest comebacks in VALORANT tournament history.
“I’m so proud that we actually started playing the game [after map two] and we won,” said Ričardas “Boo” Lukaševičius after the match. “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.”
Wo0t Claims MVP After Tournament Domination
Team Heretics’ breakout star Mert “Wo0t” Alkan was crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, earning the $10,000 MVP prize. His consistent performances in clutch situations and his leadership in high-pressure rounds were instrumental in turning the tide of the final.
Implications for the Club Championship Standings
With the 1000 Club Championship points they earned from the win, Team Heretics are now in prime position for the rest of the EWC 2025 season. Fnatic, despite the heartbreaking loss, earned 750 points—already surpassing their total from the previous year in just one week.
The result also sends a strong message to the rest of the VALORANT world: Team Heretics are no longer underdogs. They’re champions—and they’re just getting started.
