Team Liquid made waves in the VALORANT world as they shattered Fnatic's 21-game win streak, emerging victorious in the grand final of the VALORANT VCT EMEA League. This unexpected turn of events unfolded in a gripping clash that captivated fans worldwide. With Fnatic's LOCK//IN championship title and an undefeated run leading up to the final, they appeared unbeatable. However, Team Liquid displayed exceptional skill and resilience, strategically outplaying their formidable opponents.

VCT 2023 EMEA League Grand Finals: Team Liquid vs Fnatic Recap

In Map Veto, Fnatic had a two-map ban advantage as it qualified from the Upper Bracket. Starting off, Fnatic leveraged the two-map ban advantage to ban Pearl and Split. Following this, Team Liquid picked Ascent and Fnatic picked Lotus. The teams went on to pick Fracture and Haven, respectively, and the last remaining map Bind was set as the decider map.

Map no. 1: Lotus

Fnatic, riding high on their LOCK//IN tournament victory and an undefeated streak of 21 games in the EMEA region, entered the grand final as clear favorites. The team  showcased its dominance in the opening round, taking control of the map Lotus with a tight 13-11 win. It seemed as though Fnatic would continue its unyielding momentum, leaving Team Liquid with a formidable challenge ahead.

Map no. 2: Ascent

Undeterred by Fnatic's initial success, Team Liquid responded with resilience and determination. As the clash shifted to the map Ascent, Liquid unleashed a relentless onslaught, securing an impressive nine consecutive round wins. Fnatic fought back valiantly, managing to match Liquid's intensity and forcing the game into overtime. Ultimately, Team Liquid prevailed with a nerve-wracking 14-12 victory, denying Fnatic its renowned comeback ability.

Map no. 3: Haven

Haven, a map that had been a stronghold for Fnatic since October 2022, witnessed an unexpected turn of events. Team Liquid displayed their strategic prowess and executed flawlessly, swiftly navigating through Fnatic's defenses. With a resounding 13-6 triumph, Liquid shattered Fnatic's long-standing undefeated streak on Haven, showcasing their versatility and resilience under pressure.

Map no. 4: Fracture

The fourth and final round unfolded on the map Fracture, with both teams locked in a fierce battle for supremacy. The game remained tightly contested, with Team Liquid and Fnatic trading blows and refusing to yield an inch. However, it was Team Liquid who ultimately found the crucial breakthrough, pulling away from a tense 9-9 tie to secure a hard-fought 13-11 victory. Their synchronized efforts and balanced performances, with each player contributing between 61 and 72 kills, propelled Team Liquid to claim the series 3-1.

With their triumph over Fnatic, Team Liquid clinched the prestigious EMEA 2023 title and secured the top seed for the upcoming Tokyo Masters event. Their remarkable performance not only ended Fnatic's undefeated run but also emphasized that EMEA possesses multiple serious title contenders. Both Team Liquid and Fnatic will skip the initial group stage of the Tokyo Masters tournament, advancing directly to the quarterfinals. As the battle for VALORANT Champions 2023 qualification intensifies, the outcome of the Tokyo Masters event will determine which teams from EMEA will secure a spot in the world championship event.