Team Liquid Upset Fnatic In VCT EMEA Grand Finals

In an intense BO5 showdown, Team Liquid came out on top against Fnatic, snatching the title of champions in the first-ever VCT EMEA League.

Fnatic had been unbeatable for a whopping seven months, exuding an air of invincibility throughout the league and playoffs. Team Liquid faced an enormous challenge. It was no small feat to even win a single map against their formidable opponents, let alone the entire series.

Moreover, having lost both previous encounters against the LOCK//IN Champs this season, the Liquid squad entered the grand finale as massive underdogs. However, under immense pressure and with everything at stake, they exhibited exceptional VALORANT skills, ascending to the throne of EMEA as the triumphant rulers.

The match kicked off on Fnatic’s chosen map, Lotus, unfolding just as everyone expected. Boaster and his crew stormed ahead, leading 8-4 at halftime. While Team Liquid had a significantly stronger attacking half, Fnatic ultimately closed out the map thanks to Alfajer‘s rock-solid defence on the sites and impressive shutdowns.

.@leojannesson and @Alfajervl solve a 2 vs. 3! ?#VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/8FmY4vnZYK

— VALORANT Esports EMEA (@valesports_emea) May 28, 2023

From the start of the second map, Ascent, Team Liquid appeared to be in control. The star duo of Jamppi and Sayf put on a show, securing a commanding 12-5 lead for their team. However, the tides began to turn as Fnatic mounted an impressive comeback, winning seven consecutive rounds and pushing the match into overtime. Just when it seemed like the world’s number one team was about to pull off an incredible turnaround, Team Liquid showed nerves of steel, securing the map victory with clutch performances in OT.

JAMPPIIII HOOOOW??? ? @Jamppicsgo #VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/qiM8Bf7YVq

— VALORANT Esports EMEA (@valesports_emea) May 28, 2023

Carrying the momentum forward, Redgar‘s team didn’t allow their opponents a moment to catch their breath on the third map, Haven. soulcas, who hadn’t performed up to par throughout the season, had a standout performance, displaying mastery as an initiator. With a convincing 13-6 win, Team Liquid found themselves on the brink of championship glory.

Sorry, no permission to plant the spike here ? @Jamppicsgo #VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/c18I13y2XU

— VALORANT Esports EMEA (@valesports_emea) May 28, 2023

Throughout the VCT 2023 season, we hadn’t witnessed Fnatic playing Fracture. Adding to that, Team Liquid boasted an impressive 80% win rate on this map, setting the stage for them to seal the series. Led by nAts and his teammates, Liquid had a strong start, securing an 8-4 half on the defensive side.

However, mirroring the overall theme of the entire BO5, Fnatic launched a remarkable comeback, taking the lead in the second half. Once again, the young Finnish prodigy, Jamppi, emerged as the hero for Team Liquid. In the last three rounds, the 22-year-old delivered six crucial frags, ultimately helping his team secure the map win and the series.

JAMPPI THE KING OF CLUTCHES!! ? @Jamppicsgo

(on a thrifty round btw)#VCTEMEA pic.twitter.com/EFSEghBS0S

— VALORANT Esports EMEA (@valesports_emea) May 28, 2023

With this resounding victory, Team Liquid will represent the EMEA region as the top seed in Japan. By triumphing over Fnatic, who were previously considered the undisputed best in the world of VALORANT, Liquid has cemented their status as one of the top contenders for the upcoming Masters event in Tokyo.