Team Heretics rises late to upset Fnatic in EWC 2025 Valorant Final

With nerves of steel and clutch plays to match, Team Heretics completed one of the most stunning comebacks in Valorant history, toppling two-time world champion Fnatic in a 3–2 reverse sweep to claim the 2025 Esports World Cup title on July 13.

After dropping the first two maps in dominant fashion, 13-4 on Lotus and a brutal 13-1 on Sunset — Heretics looked completely out of sync. Fnatic’s explosive early momentum, spearheaded by Emirali "kaajak" Yildiz and Austin "crashies" Roberts, seemed poised to bury Heretics in the fastest grand final sweep in EWC history.

But the Spanish squad flipped the script.

Fnatic looked untouchable early. With Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov locking down sites on Viper and kaajak wreaking havoc on Raze, the EMEA favorites suffocated space on defense and ran over Heretics’ no-Sentinel setup with ruthless aggression.

Map 2 on Sunset was even more lopsided. 

Crashies orchestrated a Sova masterclass, including a double-ult 2K and a headshot in Round 6, while kaajak flexed a Yoru ace in Round 4. Heretics’ utility was disjointed, and Fnatic’s flood-style site hits overwhelmed them. The 13–1 scoreline in just 14 rounds sent a brutal message.

Map 3 – Icebox marked the turning point.

Ričardas "Boo" Lukaševičius, Heretics' IGL and Viper specialist, clutched a crucial 1v2 in Round 3, helping stabilize his team’s confidence. Paired with better controller synergy from Alejandro "MiniBoo" Demichelis, TH slowed Fnatic’s tempo and won critical mid-round fights. David "ReiNs" Rabadán provided clean recon darts that punished Fnatic's rotations, while Enes "Wo0t" Erkan popped off with a Fade ace in Round 12, sealing a tight 13-11 win.

That momentum carried to Map 4 – Haven, where Heretics defused a 9-3 deficit. Fnatic’s double-Sentinel composition couldn’t keep pace with TH’s unpredictable attacks. Matthew "benjyfishy" Fish held B-site with Cypher traps, and MiniBoo and Wo0t punished rotations with brutal timings.

In Round 23, Boo clutched yet another 1v2, pushing Heretics to a 13–10 win and forcing a decider.

With the crowd on edge and the series tied 2–2, Heretics entered Map 5 – Ascent with swagger.

Boo set the tone early with a 1v2 pistol clutch. Despite an early 3K Thrifty by Fnatic’s Mehmet "Alfajer" Aslantürk and a 4K from crashies, Heretics leaned on sharp post-plants and disciplined site holds. Wo0t, now on Jett, dashed in for high-impact openers, while benjyfishy’s Cypher setups stifled mid-takes.

Fnatic tried to rally, but Heretics’ patient defaults and staggered utility proved too much. ReiNs' 89% KAST on Ascent helped secure consistent trades and information, while Boo’s leadership ensured no opening was wasted.

With a confident hold on defense, Heretics closed out the map 13–10, completing the reverse sweep and claiming their first Esports World Cup title.

With the win, Team Heretics not only claim their first Esports World Cup title, but also cement their redemption arc after falling short at Champions 2024. Once known for their near-misses, the team is now defined by poise under pressure and some of the most intelligent Valorant seen on the international stage.

Since joining Valorant in late 2020, Team Heretics have consistently hovered at the top of the European scene. From winning First Strike Europe (2020) to runner-up at Champions 2024, the roster had long sought the defining title.

They finally earned it.