Erick “aspas” Santos once again reminded the VALORANT world why he’s considered one of the greatest fraggers of his era. Yesterday, despite his team losing, he dropped a staggering 80 kills over a best-of-3 series against NRG. That total is the highest recorded BO3 frag score at any VCT Masters or Champions and solidifies aspas’ reputation as a duel-machine who can carry rounds even in defeat.
A Monster Performance Against NRG at VALORANT Champions
In the upper semifinal clash between MIBR and NRG at VALORANT Champions 2025, the razor-thin margins kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, NRG edged the series 2–1, via a 16–14 OT finish in the decider map. But through every map, aspas was a constant presence. His stats for the series included:
- 80 eliminations total across all three maps, breaking new ground for kill totals in international BO3 play.
- A +38 kill differential
- An ACS of 272, and 15 first kills across the series.
- He even netted an Ace during OT on map three.
Even though MIBR fell short, the margin by which they lost was narrow — and aspas was arguably the most consistent force across the series from either team. His high kill output, ability to win key duels, and capacity to stretch rounds under fire made nearly every map a statement.
This isn’t the first time aspas has shattered BO3 records. Earlier in the year, in MIBR’s match against KRÜ during the VCT Americas Kickoff, he posted 82 kills in that series, now considered the official VCT BO3 kill record. He had a +46 kill differential, 347 ACS, and several multikills; all without overtime.
To offer context: the record for a best-of-five (BO5) in international VALORANT competition is held by Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang with 111 kills, achieved during EDG’s Champions 2024 Grand Final win. That mark remains far above what BO3 matches typically allow — making aspas’ 80-kill showing in a BO3 even more remarkable.
Aspas Legacy & Other Records
Aspas’ consistency at this level isn’t accidental. Over years in the VCT circuit, he’s built a reputation as a duelist whose upside in fragging often outstrips what many teams bring in coordination, and, even though his last international trophy was in 2022 with LOUD, he always remains a threat on the server.
What makes the 80-kill series equally interesting and heartbreaking is that it ended in a loss. Aspas not only pushed numbers when everything was at stake, but kept MIBR alive in rounds they otherwise might have lost.
Going forward, one major question is whether NRG or any future opponent reshapes their veto or defensive priorities to contain aspas specifically. Teams like OpTic in 2022 found success by avoiding his part of the map entirely to win trophies.
Erick “aspas” Santos’ 80 kills against NRG may not have been enough to carry MIBR to victory, but in terms of individual performance, it ranks among the all-time elite. And while ZmjjKK’s 111 kills in a BO5 still stands as the highest overall record, aspas continues to push the boundaries. His name is again etched deeper in VCT lore — and his next opportunity to break more records looms large, assuming he can survive the lower final matchup against DRX.
