Fnatic and Gentle Mates played their opening matches at VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 and came out with wins. Their matchups concluded the first of five competitive weeks, giving us an initial standings table and temporary leaders.

Fnatic vs NAVI

Hopes that an additional two months without official matches would benefit NAVI and help them find their form were dashed after their debut match at VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 against Fnatic. They lost the first map, Split — picked by the British organization — with a score of 6:13, and on their own pick, Fracture, they gave up a comeback from 11:7 and fell 11:13. The overall match score was 0:2 in favor of Fnatic. NAVI start this crucial tournament with a loss, and their next match will take place on April 2 against Apeks.

Team Liquid vs Gentle Mates

The result of the second match was the biggest surprise of the opening week. Gentle Mates, considered clear underdogs in this matchup, managed to defeat Team Liquid — one of the tournament favorites. The match ended 2:1 in favor of Gentle Mates. The first and third maps were one-sided for both teams respectively, but the main battle took place on Haven, where Team Liquid nearly pulled off a comeback from 11:7 but eventually lost in overtime.

The second week of play at VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 will begin on April 2 and conclude on April 4. During this period, six more matches will be played — two per day. A reminder: 12 teams are competing in this tournament for three spots at VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and 11 EMEA Points, which are vital for qualifying for VALORANT Champions. More about the results and the upcoming schedule can be found via the provided link.