NRG Crowned Valorant World Champions in Paris
NRG Esports have claimed the Valorant Champions 2025 title after a 3-2 victory over Fnatic in Paris, marking their first-ever world championship win. The grand final, held at the Accor Arena, captivated global audiences, peaking at over 1.47 million concurrent viewers, according to Esports Charts. The event closed out the competitive season with a thrilling display of high-level strategy and mechanical excellence.
Road to Victory
Heading into the event, few expected NRG to triumph, only 3.9% of Pick’Em participants predicted their win. However, the North American squad defied odds, topping their group over DRX and EDward Gaming before defeating GIANTX and MIBR in playoffs. In both the upper bracket final and grand final, NRG outmaneuvered Fnatic with tactical precision. Team captain Ethan “Ethan” Arnold became the first player in Valorant history to win two Champions titles with different teams.
Standout Performances and Strategy
Ethan’s leadership and clutch plays on Sunset set the tone for NRG’s momentum, while Brock “brawk” Somerhalder impressed with sharp entries and wallbangs that dismantled Fnatic’s defenses. Fnatic’s Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski and Austin “crashies” Roberts fought hard, but NRG’s synergy, tempo control, and adaptability proved decisive. Across Ascent and Abyss, NRG demonstrated exceptional utility management and coordination that solidified their map dominance.
The grand final atmosphere was electric, featuring a musical opening and Riot Games’ reveal of the new Agent Veto, set to release October 7. Despite timing challenges for international audiences, NRG’s win symbolizes resilience and tactical brilliance, cementing their legacy among Valorant’s elite.
