VCT EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs: Full Schedule, Matchups, Format & Group Stage Recap

Tung "Ginn" Duong
Aug 16
2 min read

The VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 is set for its final act as the top eight teams clash in Berlin for a shot at Champions Paris 2025. Following five weeks of group stage action, the playoff bracket is now locked, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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Team Heretics Enter Playoffs With A 5-0 Undefeated Record

Fnatic has already secured their ticket to Champions Paris through Championship Points — Credits: Valorant Esports EMEA

The group stage (July 16 - August 15) split 12 teams into two groups, Alpha and Omega, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. Group Alpha saw Team Heretics dominate, securing first place and a direct berth into the upper bracket semifinals. GIANTX and BBL Esports followed closely, locking in upper bracket spots, while Team Vitality managed to scrape into the lower bracket. Gentle Mates and FUT Esports bowed out early after a tough run.

In Group Omega, Team Liquid were untouchable, finishing with a 4-1 record and earning their ticket straight to the semifinals. Fnatic and Natus Vincere (NAVI) claimed the remaining upper bracket positions, while Karmine Corp survived to fight another day in the lower bracket. Unfortunately, Movistar KOI and Apeks were eliminated. With these results after the 2025 season, both Apeks and Gentle Mates have been relegated to Valorant Challengers EMEA 2026.

Road to Paris: Playoffs Format and Who Will Join Fnatic?

The playoffs (August 21 - 31) will feature an eight-team double-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three, except for the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which are best-of-five.

Most importantly, the top two teams from Stage 2 will secure direct qualification for Champions Paris 2025, while the others will rely on Championship Points to keep their international hopes alive. With only two direct tickets to the Champions Paris available, every round is a do-or-die. Giants like Team Liquid, Fnatic, and Team Heretics face off against dark horses like GIANTX and BBL Esports, making for one of the most competitive brackets EMEA has ever seen.

Fnatic, however, has already secured their ticket to Champions Paris through Championship Points, guaranteeing their spot at the international event regardless of how they perform in Berlin. The road to Paris runs through Berlin, and only three more teams are walking away with their Champions dreams secured.