Heretics will face Vitality in a match within the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1. This match presents an opportunity for one of the teams to assert themselves as a formidable contender in the tournament by starting with a successful debut at the event. Let's evaluate the form of both teams and predict the winner of this match.

Current Form of the Teams

Heretics confidently started the group stage of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, winning both of their initial matches against Apeks (9–12th place at Kickoff) and GIANTX (7–8th place). The overall score of 2:0 indicates a strong start, although the level of opponents was below average. The team also showed a respectable result at the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, securing 3rd place. In their last five matches, Heretics have claimed three victories and have not made any roster changes—a stability that could be advantageous in this important encounter.

Vitality are the reigning champions of the EMEA Kickoff and secured 4th place at the recent VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok. Despite these achievements, the team has won only two of their last five matches, suffering defeats against T1 and G2 Esports—two of the tournament's strongest teams. In the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, Vitality lost to Fnatic but defeated GIANTX. A significant moment was the roster strengthening before Stage 1 with the signing of CyvOph, which should add firepower and flexibility to their gameplay.

Team Map Pool

Predictions for map picks:

• Heretics Ban: Pearl — This map is consistently banned despite a good win rate, possibly to avoid revealing strategies before the playoffs.
• Vitality Ban: Ascent — The team hasn't played this map, likely preferring to avoid unfamiliar territory.
• Heretics Pick: Lotus — One of the team's most stable maps with a good win rate (2:1), often chosen as the first pick.
• Vitality Pick: Split — The team shows strong results here (4:2) and might choose it to execute a powerful attack.
• Heretics Ban: Fracture — This map remains contentious (1:1), while Vitality has a 2:0 record here, posing potential problems.
• Decider: Haven — Both teams have played it frequently, making it a compromise: Heretics at 1:2, Vitality at 2:3.

Head-to-Head

Heretics have never managed to defeat Vitality in seven encounters. The last game ended with a victory for Vitality at the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, reaffirming their dominance over Heretics. This psychological factor could be decisive in critical moments of the match.

Match Prediction

Vitality remain the favorites due to their extensive experience, results on the international stage, and superiority in head-to-head meetings. Despite Heretics' confident start in the group, the class of their opponents was lower. Vitality, even in times of instability, can rise to the occasion in crucial games.

Prediction: Vitality wins 2:1.

VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 runs from March 26 to May 18. During the event, teams compete for three slots at the VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and Points needed for further qualification to VALORANT Champions. You can find more information about the match schedule and tournament results through the link.