NRG Dynasty Begins! New Champs Crowned in Paris

Look Sports Media – In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, NRG has emerged victorious at VCT Paris, dismantling Fnatic’s hopes for a legendary comeback with a 3-2 victory. This win not only marks a triumphant return to the summit for NRG’s leader, Ethan, but also underscores the meteoric rise of Adam "mada" Pampuch, Brock "brawk" Somerhalder, and Logan "skuba" Jenkins, all of whom transitioned from Challengers in 2024 to VCT Champions in 2025.

NRG’s Path to Victory: A Map-by-Map Breakdown

NRG started strong, leveraging their dominance on Corrode to establish early momentum and secure a 2-0 map lead. Despite Fnatic’s initial pistol round win, they struggled to gain a foothold as NRG relentlessly destabilized their opponents, seizing round after round. Corrode concluded with a decisive 13-3 score in favor of NRG, showcasing their unwavering control.

The second map, Lotus, saw Fnatic continue to struggle for breathing room as NRG’s early aggression built a substantial lead. While Fnatic attempted late pushes to close the gap, NRG’s advantage proved insurmountable, culminating in a 13-6 victory that further solidified their championship aspirations.

Abyss: The Kings of Comeback Respond

With NRG poised to claim the VCT Paris title, their confidence was palpable as they entered Map 3, Abyss. Initially, NRG appeared unstoppable, storming through the Defender side and seemingly leaving Fnatic frozen in place. However, they underestimated Fnatic’s resilience.

Despite facing an 11-1 deficit, Fnatic mounted an improbable comeback on the Defender side, forcing NRG onto the back foot and ultimately pushing the map into a grueling overtime. Against all odds, Fnatic clawed back a map with a final score of 15-13, forcing NRG to extend their journey to the trophy.

Fnatic’s Surge: A Glimmer of Hope

Despite a challenging year marred by player illness, Fnatic clung to the hope of victory, buoyed by Alfajer’s return following health issues. However, even with their full roster, they couldn’t overcome NRG’s relentless pursuit of the championship.

On Map 4, Ascent, Fnatic showcased renewed energy, creating a balanced playing field. After a tightly contested start, Fnatic gained the upper hand and carried their momentum into the Defense.

Led by the strategic brilliance of British IGL Jake "Boaster" Howlett, Fnatic’s expert calls, superhuman gunfights, and clutch 1v1 plays earned them a second map win, forcing a decisive Game 5 with a 13-8 victory.

Sunset Belongs to NRG: Champions Crowned

Fnatic initiated Sunset with two strong rounds, but NRG swiftly countered, seizing an early lead. Drawing on the lessons learned from their previous map losses, NRG regained their dominant form, shutting down Fnatic in the late rounds.

Guided by the unwavering determination of their captain, Ethan "Ethan" Arnold, NRG denied Fnatic any early game momentum, ultimately securing a 9-3 lead on the Attacker side.

Despite Fnatic’s valiant attempts to reclaim control, NRG proved too formidable. As NRG reached 10 rounds, Fnatic’s hopes of a reverse sweep dwindled. NRG closed out Sunset with a decisive 13-5 score, finally claiming the Paris trophy.

A New Era for Valorant Esports

While NRG’s victory solidifies their status as VCT Paris winners, Fnatic’s remarkable comeback on Abyss, overcoming an 11-1 deficit, will be remembered as a historic moment in VCT history.

NRG’s journey to the top, fueled by the rise of new VCT players, signals a bright future for Valorant esports. The contributions of Adam "mada" Pampuch, Brock "brawk" Somerhalder, and Logan "skuba" Jenkins, who transitioned from Challengers to Champions in a single year, cannot be overstated.

Ethan "Ethan" Arnold’s leadership has been instrumental in NRG’s success. As the first VCT player to win the Champions trophy twice, he has guided three of the VCT’s newest players to the pinnacle of the competition, supported by former CS:GO player San "s0m" Oh.

NRG’s triumph over formidable opponents proves that the future of Valorant esports is bright, driven by emerging talent and strategic leadership.