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Team Liquid sweep GIANTX to claim Stage 2 EMEA title
With a dominant 3-0 sweep over GIANTX, Team Liquid have lifted the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 trophy.
The win marks their first title in two years, following VCT EMEA 2023, and comes after narrowly missing out on the previous two VCT 2025 events.
A Strong Year of Rebuild
After a disappointing 2024, Liquid rebuilt their roster around nAts, the team’s cornerstone since the start of the International Leagues. They signed paTiTek, kamo, and kamyk to complete the squad, but early results fell short of expectations: a second-place finish at the EMEA Kickoff, an early exit in Bangkok, and a third place in Stage 1 capped by another disappointing international run in Toronto.
Ahead of Stage 2, Liquid swapped out Serial—who had already replaced kamyk—for trexx. The move paid off immediately, with Liquid dominating Group Omega to secure a favorable playoff position. They went on to defeat both GIANTX and BBL to book their place in the Grand Finals.
A Clean Sweep
Although their semifinal against BBL was hard-fought, Liquid entered the finals as clear favorites. On the big stage, they showcased resilience and composure, repeatedly overturning early-round deficits to close out maps. Their ability to convert pressure moments into wins powered them to a convincing 3-0 sweep.
The Real Challenge Ahead
Despite their domestic dominance, Liquid have struggled internationally since their 3rd–4th finish at VALORANT Champions 2021. With momentum finally on their side, the roster now turns its eyes to Paris. Having conquered EMEA, Liquid’s next goal is proving they can deliver on the global stage.
Later today, following VCT Americas Stage 2 Grand Finals, a draw will decide Team Liquid’s opponents for VALORANT Champions Paris. As the leaders of the group, they will be expected to make a flawless run, but they will face challenging foes from the remaining three regions.
Stay tuned on Strafe for the first look at the Champions Paris Groups and Fixtures.
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Feature image credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
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