The stage is set for a high-stakes rematch between Fnatic and DRX in the lower final of Valorant Champions 2025. Both teams have had impressive runs, and this match will determine who advances to face NRG in the grand final. FNC had already won 2-1 over DRX during their opening game at Valorant Champions Paris Playoffs.
Fnatic and DRX have also faced each other multiple times in previous international events. In Masters: Toronto 2025, Fnatic secured a 2nd place finish, narrowly losing to PRX in the grand final. Their encounter in the Champs 2025 upper bracket quarterfinals saw Fnatic emerge victorious with a 2-1 win over DRX. However, DRX has also had their moments, including a 1st place finish at the Pacific Kickoff earlier in the year.
Both teams have made Champions every year so far (DRX making it in 2021 as Vision Strikers), and have faced off each tournament, with this one being no exception. So far, both teams have won two encounters apiece.
Fnatic: Their Best Champs Placement Yet
Fnatic’s 2025 season has been marked by consistency and resilience. Their standout performance came at Masters Toronto, where they secured a 2nd place finish, showcasing their tactical depth and individual skill. In the Champions 2025 Group Stage, they navigated a challenging group, securing key victories to advance. Despite wins vs DRX and PRX, the latter with a sub, they fell to NRG with a shocking 2-0 loss to drop the the lower final.
DRX: A Chance to Win Their First Trophy
DRX’s 2025 season has been highlighted by their victory at Pacific Kickoff, setting a strong tone for the year. Their performance in the Champions 2025 Group Stage was solid, finishing with a 2-1 record after wins against Team Liquid and a loss to NRG. In the playoffs, they faced early challenges but managed to secure victories over G2, MIBR, and Paper Rex in the lower bracket, earning their spot in the Lower Final.
VALORANT Champions 2025: A Tournament of Tight Games and Time-Tested Matchups
Fnatic’s journey through Champions 2025 has been a testament to their adaptability and teamwork. After a strong group stage where they qualified as first seed, they faced DRX in the upper bracket quarterfinals, securing a 2-1 victory. However, they fell to NRG in the upper final, dropping to the lower bracket. In the lower round 3, they defeated MIBR, setting up their rematch against DRX in the lower final.
DRX’s path to the lower final has been marked by resilience. After a solid group stage, they faced challenges in the upper bracket but managed to secure victories over G2 Esports and Paper Rex in the lowers, earning their place in the lower final against Fnatic. The winner of the BO5 series will advance to face NRG in the grand final, with the opportunity to claim the Valorant Champions 2025 title. For DRX, it’s a chance to redeem their earlier loss to FNC and continue their pursuit of an international title. For FNC, it’s an opportunity to prove their dominance and possibly secure their first Champions title, the sole feat missing for such a storied team.
Both teams have shown they can compete at the highest level, but facing NRG in the grand final presents unique challenges after both teams have faced losses to the Americas’ representatives. While DRX lost 2-1 in the Group Stage, FNC were 2-0’d in the upper final. As the lower final approaches, all eyes will be on Fnatic and DRX to see who will emerge victorious and advance to the grand final, aiming to find revenge versus NRG.
