VALORANT Champions 2025 is being held in Paris, with a total prize pool of $2,250,000 USD. After the group stage, eight teams advanced to the Playoffs, and the bracket has already delivered both surprises and affirmations of dominance as the competition was brought down to the final four; Paper Rex, NRG, Fnatic, and DRX.
Below, we look at how each of those teams reached this stage, their strengths in the tournament so far, and what they may bring to the closing rounds.
Paper Rex – the favourites
Paper Rex entered Champions as one of the flagbearers of the Pacific region. They won Masters Toronto, followed by Stage 2 of VCT Pacific, and at Champs beat both XLG and GIANTX to qualify for the Playoffs as their group’s first seed. In the Playoffs, they overcame G2 Esports in the upper quarterfinals (2–1) to advance. They met Fnatic in the Upper Semifinals but fell 2–1, and were subsequently sent to the lower bracket.
In the lower bracket, PRX showed resilience. Against Heretics, they dropped one map but closed the series 2–1 to survive and advance. Now PRX sits in the top four, fighting for a shot at the lower final, then perhaps the Grand Final slot. Their ability to rebound under pressure is a defining trait in this lower bracket run.
Strengths for PRX include map flexibility, an incredible resilience despite being down in important rounds, and depth in agents, as well as the ability for any of their players to individually pop off. However, compared to NRG and Fnatic, PRX must prove they can finish when the pressure peaks, especially as they fight their old regional adversary DRX.
NRG – fairytale run
NRG’s run through Champions has been highly consistent despite a rough year. After multiple roster shuffles and a middling performance this year, they had to make the grand final at VCT Americas Stage 2, and they did. They beat the likes of DRX and EDG to qualify for playoffs, a feat worth commending in perhaps one of the most challenging groups with three of their players at an international event for the first time. They defeated GIANTX 2–0 in the upper quarterfinals to move forward. In the semifinals, they took down MIBR in a 2–1 series to reach the upper final.
NRG’s strengths have become clear: their composure in close maps, ability to stay calm and come back, and adaptability across multiple map types. Their path to the upper final gives them a smoother line to the grand final compared to those juggling the lower bracket.
However, being in the top four means they’ll face stiffer opponents ahead — Fnatic in the upper final is no small hurdle. NRG will need to continue their disciplined play and avoid collapse in critical rounds.
Fnatic
Fnatic has had a remarkable Champions run, and year. They won Stage 1 EMEA with newcomers crashies and kaajak and came second at Masters Toronto, losing to Paper Rex. They beat DRX 2–1 in the upper quarterfinals, then edged over PRX 2–1 despite playing with a sub, Doma, instead of Alfajer in the semifinals to book their place in the upper final against NRG.
Fnatic’s playoff showings have underscored their adaptability, strong clutching capabilities, and ability to withstand pressure. Their map pool depth and mid-round decision-making have saved them in tight matches. Going into the upper final, Fnatic have both momentum and confidence, especially after getting through series that tested them, and surviving difficult circumstances.
Their risk is overextending in long sets against a team like NRG. Fatigue and small mistakes could cost them. But if they bring their best, they are among the favorites to make the grand final.
DRX
DRX’s path is the most dramatic among the top four. They won Kickoff this year, but failed to make a deep run at Masters Bangkok, qualifying to Champions based off circuit points. They made it to the playoffs after eliminating Team Liquid, but after losing to Fnatic in the upper quarterfinals, they dropped into the lower bracket. In the lower round 1, DRX eliminated G2. Then, in lower round 2, they knocked out MIBR. Finally, they survived Heretics to reach the lower final, securing their spot in the top four.
DRX’s resilience is their signature, along with their duo of HYUNMIN and Flashback on the Waylay and Yoru who have consistently popped off in crucial rounds. Many teams falter after a loss, but DRX absorbed theirs and mounted a lower bracket march full of clutch plays and executions. Their ability to adapt under elimination pressure makes them dangerous in every match.
In the closing rounds, DRX must maintain composure and avoid being overdriven. Their path is tougher — but their performance so far shows they belong among the elite this year, and perhaps even win a trophy.
VALORANT Champions Final Four – The Stakes
The upper final between NRG and Fnatic is set to award direct access to the grand final, while PRX and DRX will face each other in a looming lower bracket elimination series — the loser’s journey ends there. Meanwhile, the top four teams now hold the distinction of being the final survivors in VALORANT Champions 2025.
As the bracket tightens, every map, every round, and every decision matters. Expect mind games, map veto battles, and moments that define legacies. VALORANT Champions 2025 is entering its final stretch—and the top four are all now within reach of immortality in VALORANT’s greatest annual tournament.
