Fnatic Seals the Title at VCT EMEA 2025: Stage 1

Fnatic secured the VCT EMEA 2025: Stage 1 championship with a commanding 3-0 sweep against Team Heretics in this morning’s Grand Finale (19/5).

The series showcased Fnatic’s strategic mastery and individual brilliance, earning them nine VCT EMEA points and a direct ticket to the playoffs of the upcoming Masters Toronto. Team Heretics and Team Liquid followed in second and third place, respectively.

This final marked the third showdown between these two titans during Stage 1. While Heretics initially topped Group Alpha, with Fnatic finishing second, Fnatic surged in the playoffs. They first swept Heretics 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Final before sealing their dominance with a decisive victory in the Grand Final.

Fnatic’s control was evident from the opening game on Ascent. Their airtight defensive setups and coordinated teamwork stifled Heretics’ efforts, with Emir “Alfajer” Ali delivering crucial plays to secure a 13-4 win.

Heretics fought back fiercely in Game 2 on their favored map, Icebox. However, Fnatic’s superior utility usage and disciplined retakes locked down key sites, closing the map 13-9.

The deciding game on Fracture intensified as both teams traded blows in chaotic duels. Yet Heretics’ late-game discipline crumbled under pressure, costing them critical map control. Fnatic clinched a dramatic 14-12 victory to seal the title.

With this win, Fnatic advances directly to the Masters Toronto playoffs. Heretics and Liquid, meanwhile, will enter the Swiss Stage to chase points, starting with matches against Asian giants Paper Rex and BiliBili Gaming.