“This is definitely the best iteration we’ve had,” NRG Ethan on reaching the VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Finals

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NRG has become the first team to qualify for the Grand Finals of VALORANT Champions 2025, defeating Fnatic 2-0. The team, considered underdogs, is now poised to compete for the championship.

During the VALORANT Champions 2025 Upper Bracket Finals, NRG won against FNATIC with a final score of 2-0. The North American team started the tournament as the less favored team, but they’ve been changing expectations with each match. They’ll compete in the Grand Finals on Oct. 5 against either DRX or FNATIC. The question now is: can they win the championship?

NRG is the first Champions 2025 finalist

I believe that after every game we play, we consistently look for ways to improve, regardless of whether we win or lose. Our coach, Bonkar, has done a great job of keeping us focused and helping us grow after each match. Everyone on the team has put in a tremendous amount of work to get better individually,” NRG mada said following his win against FNATIC.

“I’ve been with NRG for quite a while now. They’ve always believed in me as a player, and I feel a responsibility to them. It’s up to us to finish strong,” said NRG’s s0m. The 23-year-old has been a member of the North American team since it was created in 2020, making him one of its most experienced players.

After NRG’s match against FNATIC, assistant coach Joe “Strong” Edwards explained that the team’s win was due to their dedicated practice. “If we hadn’t practiced against that kind of strategy in the last few days, we likely would have lost,” he stated. He pointed out FNATIC’s “weird composition” but emphasized, “Just understanding what Fnatic usually does isn’t enough to win against them.” In the end, Strong highlighted the players’ ability to adjust to the situation and their successful implementation of the team’s plans.

Ethan is the first player to reach the VALORANT Champions Grand Final twice

After defeating Fnatic, NRG has earned a place in the VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Finals. Ethan “Ethan” Arnold is now the first player ever to make it to the Champions Grand Final two times. He also has the opportunity to become a two-time World Champion. Having already won the championship in 2023 with Evil Geniuses, another victory would not only solidify Ethan’s place in VALORANT history but also be a first for a North American team – no organization from the region has ever won Champions twice. More details are available here.

This is absolutely the strongest version of the team we’ve seen so far. I believe everyone is performing at a remarkably high level right now. We’ve all learned how to help each other succeed, and I want to give credit to everyone on the team for making that happen,” IGL Ethan said. “It’s great to be back here again.

Ethan feels the atmosphere is much the same as it was in 2023. He says, “I think any team reaching this stage of a tournament, especially Champs, is made up of truly talented players. Ultimately, I believe that teamwork is the most important factor. And we function exceptionally well as a team.”

Regarding who will reach the Grand Finals, NRG’s Logan “skuba” Jenkins is predicting a matchup against FNATIC. With three new players on their roster, the question is: can NRG secure the championship for North America?

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2025-10-04 12:41