VALORANT Champions 2025 delivered shocking upsets in the opening playoff matches. DRX stunned fans by eliminating G2 Esports in a thrilling 2-1 series. Meanwhile, Team Heretics sent GIANTX home in another intense battle.
G2 Esports entered as heavy favorites. However, their strategic decisions backfired spectacularly. The team failed to ban DRX’s strongest maps, Abyss and Bind.
DRX vs G2: Map Breakdown
As a result, DRX capitalized on familiar territory. G2 won the first map, Lotus, with a 13-7 score. They exploited DRX’s weak performance on this particular map.
The momentum shifted dramatically on Abyss. DRX’s leader Kim ‘MaKo’ Myeong-kwan orchestrated a masterful comeback. Playing Omen, MaKo used precise utility and well-timed teleports. Therefore, DRX secured a 13-10 victory that leveled the series.
Bind became the deciding battleground. MaKo switched to Brimstone and locked down B-site completely. Cho ‘Flashback’ Min-hyuk provided Operator support from key positions. DRX built a commanding 10-2 halftime lead before closing 13-7.
GIANTX vs Heretics Showdown
Meanwhile, GIANTX faced Team Heretics in an EMEA derby. Heretics dominated Ascent with a 13-4 victory. Enes ‘RieNs’ Ecirli delivered an outstanding performance with a 23/8/4 KDA.
GIANTX responded on Lotus, winning 13-3. Eduard-George ‘ara’ Hanceriuc’s explosive Raze play led their comeback. The series moved to the final map, Bind.
Heretics adopted DRX’s signature Waylay/Yoru composition. Despite GIANTX’s strong defensive showing, Heretics prevailed. Their leader Ričardas ‘Boo’ Lukaševičius delivered clutch performances.
For example, Boo completed crucial spike defuses and won a decisive 1v1 clutch. As a result, Heretics secured a 13-9 victory.
Both DRX and Team Heretics advance to the next round. They will face Upper Bracket Semifinal losers on September 29. The tournament continues in Paris with championship dreams still alive.
Fans can watch all remaining matches live on VCT’s official channels. The competition promises more exciting upsets and memorable moments in the days ahead.
