Because the mud settles over the grueling VALORANT Champions Paris group stage, eight groups have superior to playoffs. With a double-elimination bracket looming, the remaining groups share the identical preliminary aim: to advance to the highest 4 and thereby compete on the Accor Area.
MIBR’s fairytale run continues. Picture Credit score: Riot Video games
To achieve the Accor Area, the groups should navigate a number of best-of-three playoff stage matches. With the primary spherical of playoff stage matchups drawn and a few stunning outcomes from the group stage nonetheless contemporary in everybody’s thoughts, it’s clear that we’re in for some bangers.
The opening playoffs matches of Champions Paris
We noticed unbelievable matches alongside the best way, together with a record-tying comeback from NRG, the defending champions EDward Gaming getting eradicated early, underdogs GIANTX rising to the problem in Group A, and the Brazilian squad MIBR beautiful everybody with an attractive run in Group B.
The “Group of Dying” (Group D) didn’t disappoint both, with favorites in line with the International Energy Rankings (GPR), G2 Esports, narrowly making it via, and EMEA superstars Crew Heretics popping out on prime.
So why the historical past lesson? Easy: to showcase that on the largest VALORANT esports stage, something can occur. Favorites can fall, and underdogs can rise via the ranks. With the group stage leads to thoughts, try the opening matchups of the Champions Paris playoffs.
The Champions Paris playoffs bracket. Picture Credit score: Riot Video games
For reference, you’ll find the exact group stage seedings of all groups for the opening playoffs stage matchups under:
Paper Rex vs. G2 Esports (Group A #1 vs. Group D #2)
FNATIC vs. DRX (Group B #1 vs. Group C #2)
Crew Heretics vs. MIBR (Group D #1 vs. Group B #2)
NRG vs. GIANTX (Group C #1 vs. Group A #2)
Earlier than Champions Paris kicked off, Crew Heretics was #17 on the GPR, and MIBR was #27. Meaning the 2 lowest-ranked groups on the occasion will face off within the opening spherical of matchups, and the winner is assured a minimal sixth-place end.
Notably, we talked about in our pre-event GPR rankings article how Crew Heretics was closely underranked, and the way the GPR didn’t have in mind their Esports World Cup 2025 victory.
Take a look at the highlights from the ultimate Day of Group Stage at #VALORANTChampions. pic.twitter.com/HJCVx7oIOg
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 22, 2025
Contemplating the preliminary rankings and group stage performances, VALORANT esports followers are in for a deal with. Strap in for nailbiting motion, because the playoffs stage runs from September 25 to October 5, 2025.
