NRG become VCT Paris winners, proving the future of Valorant is bright
In a dominating display of raw talent, NRG swept the trophy away from Fnatic to deny a historic comeback and become VCT Paris winners 3-2.
While NRG’s win marks a return to the top for leader Ethan, the team’s victory is made more impressive by the progress from Adam ‘mada’ Pampuch, Brock ‘brawk’ Somerhalder, and Logan ‘skuba’ Jenkins. All three rose from Challengers in 2024 to VCT Champions in 2025.
Map-by-Map: NRG’s first strides toward becoming VCT Paris winners
After starting the competition on their most dominant map, Corrode, NRG carried strong momentum through to a 2-0 map start.
Despite Fnatic winning the pistol round, they struggled to regain momentum after Round 2. NRG surged forward, destabilising Fnatic and confidently taking round after round.
There was no mercy for Fnatic – Corrode ended with a 13-3 score to NRG.
On Map 2, Fnatic continued struggling to find space to breathe. NRG’s early surge gave them a sizeable lead.
Toward the end of the Lotus map, Fnatic made a series of late pushes to gain extra rounds, attempting to close the lead. Nevertheless, NRG’s lead was too sizeable to close, even for the comeback kings.
Eventually, NRG was able to continue cementing its legacy with a 13-6 win.
Abyss: The Comeback Kings make a stand, calling all into question
With two maps secured in the best-of-five, NRG’s status as VCT Paris winners was in sight. Moving on to Map 3, Abyss, confidence and momentum were in their favour.
On the Attacker side, Fnatic was frozen in place. Trophy in sight, NRG stormed through the Defender side on Abyss with barely a single stumble.
However, NRG forgot the one rule of VCT. Never underestimate the Comeback Kings.
Fnatic began to push back as Defenders, despite being 11-1 down. For the first time in the Grand Final, NRG were forced onto the back foot as Fnatic rapidly closed the distance, round by round, forcing NRG into a brutally enforced overtime.
Against all odds, Fnatic reclaimed a map against the previously clinical NRG.
Achieving a final map score of 15-13, NRG were forced to take a longer route if they were to lay hands on the trophy.
Fnatic surge forward, keeping the dream of becoming VCT Paris winners in sight
Despite a strong year for Fnatic, they were unable to overcome NRG’s stampede toward becoming the VCT Paris winners.
With their competition disrupted by player sickness, Fnatic held out hope for victory after Alfajer was cleared for his Valorant Champions 2025 return after health issues. However, even the full roster was unable to overcome the new World Champions.
They may have held their ground on Abyss, but NRG’s determination to reach the top ultimately prevailed.
Moving to Map 4, Ascent, Fnatic returned to the stage with renewed energy. For the first time in the Grand Final, both teams appeared to sit on equal standing. After a close-fought first few rounds, Fnatic were ahead by the time they switched sides.
After pulling ahead on the Attacker side, Fnatic carried all their hopes and dreams forward to the Defence.
Led with the energy and passion of British IGL Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett, their momentum was undeniable.
Expert IGL calls, superhuman gunfights, and stunning 1v1 plays awarded Fnatic with their second map win, pushing the series to a full five games after a 13-8 victory.
NRG prevail: Sunset belongs to the VCT Paris winners
Fnatic immediately kicked off Sunset with two strong rounds, but NRG countered with strong rounds of their own, eventually earning them an early lead.
The past two map losses were enough to knock NRG back into form, and by Round 12 on Map 5, NRG had reclaimed dominance.
Guided by the determination of their captain, Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold, NRG were continuously able to shut Fnatic down late-round. All early game momentum was denied, and Fnatic were unable to recover.
NRG ended their Attacker side on a score of 9-3.
Although Fnatic made strong attempts to reclaim control on their own Attacker side, NRG proved too strong an opponent. By the time NRG reached 10 rounds, Fnatic’s hopes of a historic reverse sweep had faded.
NRG closed out Sunset with a score of 13-5, finally landing them the Paris trophy.
Despite NRG claiming their position as VCT Paris winners, Fnatic certainly left their mark. Their comeback on Abyss marks the first time a VCT team has recovered from an 11-1 deficit.
Regardless, they fell just painfully short of overcoming NRG’s campaign for the trophy.
NRG players climb from Challengers to prove Valorant esports has a bright future ahead
Becoming VCT Paris winners is no easy feat for the most experienced of players. NRG has set a new precedent in their trophy grab, demonstrating the power behind new VCT players.
Three of the five in NRG’s roster were playing the VCT Challengers circuit only last year. Adam ‘mada’ Pampuch, Brock ‘brawk’ Somerhalder, and Logan ‘skuba’ Jenkins joined the team between October 2024 and May 2025.
All three have undoubtedly made their mark.
NRG’s new status as VCT Paris winners is also greatly influenced by their Captain, Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold.
Ethan raised the 2023 VCT Champions trophy while competing for Evil Geniuses. Now, he has led three of the VCT’s newest players to the top of the competition with the support of former CS:GO player San ‘s0m’ Oh. He is the first VCT player to win the Champions trophy twice, a well-earned achievement.
Even against the strongest of opponents, NRG prove once and for all: the future of Valorant esports is bright.
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