We continue our coverage of all the matches in the group stage of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1. On Day 3, Team Heretics will face Apeks, and below we’ll try to predict the outcome of the match.
Current Form of the Teams
Team Heretics
Once the favorites of their region, Team Heretics had a rather poor start to the current season. They placed 3rd at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff after losing to the weaker Team Liquid, which led to them missing the first Masters of the year. In their last five matches, Team Heretics secured two wins against BBL Esports and Gentle Mates but suffered three losses to Team Liquid, Team Vitality, and once again Gentle Mates.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Team Heretics | 0 - 3 | Team Liquid |
| Team Heretics | 0 - 2 | Team Vitality |
| Team Heretics | 2 - 0 | BBL Esports |
| Team Heretics | 2 - 1 | Gentle Mates |
| Team Heretics | FF | FUT Esports |
This uncertain start was likely just a temporary setback, as their head coach has previously stated. Our editorial team tends to agree, and we believe that Team Heretics will likely perform well in the current qualifiers.
Apeks
Apeks, meanwhile, remain underdogs in the region, just as they were in the past. They placed last (9th–12th) at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, also missing out on the Masters. In their last five matches, Apeks managed only one win—against the tier-2 team Team RA`AD. The other four matches ended in losses to Team Liquid, Gentle Mates, Eintracht Frankfurt, and UCAM Esports Club.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Apeks | 1 - 2 | Team Liquid |
| Apeks | 0 - 2 | Gentle Mates |
| Apeks | 3 - 2 | Pcific Esports |
| Apeks | 2 - 0 | CGN Esports |
| Apeks | 2 - 0 | The Ultimates |
The underdog label has stuck with the team, even after signing one of the top players from the Game Changers scene. Although two new players have joined the roster ahead of the current qualifiers, it’s unlikely that this will have a significant impact on results—at least in the short term.
Map Pool
Expected bans:
- Team Heretics will likely ban Fracture
- Apeks will likely ban Icebox
Expected picks:
- Team Heretics may pick Split
- Apeks might choose Pearl
Head-to-head History
These teams have never faced each other before.
Match Prediction
We’re most likely in for a standard match between a favorite and an underdog. While the two new Apeks players may try to surprise the "heretics," spectators shouldn’t count on an upset.
Predicted result: Team Heretics win 2-0.
VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 is taking place from March 26 to May 18 in LAN format at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. Twelve partnered VCT EMEA teams are competing for three spots at Masters Toronto, as well as EMEA Points needed for qualification to the upcoming World Championship.
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