If there were two teams within the VCT EMEA with distinct storylines, it would be Fnatic and Gentle Mates. One team is a dynasty within VALORANT Esports; the other must climb to the top to cement their name. Now, these two teams face off against each other, with only survival on their minds. Which team will come out on top? Let’s find out.
Fnatic vs Gentle Mates – VCT EMEA Kickoff 2025 Preview
Image Credits: Riot Games
Gentle Mates has been an organization that has stood the test of time. In 2023, the team participated in the VALORANT Challengers League in France. After winning the tournament, they secured a VCT Ascension 2023 EMEA spot.
The journey during the group stage wasn’t easy, but they proved their mark in the playoffs, winning the tournament and securing a spot in the VCT EMEA League. Their journey last year in the league wasn’t ideal, with them finishing 7th and 10th in stages one and two of VCT EMEA, respectfully.
In the Kickoff 2025, they started strongly, defeating the newly promoted team of Apeks 2-0. While this run of form continued into the first map against Team Heretics, they lost to a reverse sweep by their opponents. In the lower bracket, they faced off against Moviestar KOI and won the series with a score of 2-1. Each win was entirely one-sided, with Moviestar Koi not winning more than seven rounds.
On the other hand, Fnatic was one of the favorites going into VCT EMEA Kickoff. After losing their first match, they faced NAVI. After a really close series, with the decider map going to overtime, the squad won the game with a scoreline of 15-13.
Series Breakdown
Looking at Fnatic’s previous match, we can see that they are mentally one of the strongest teams in the world. At one point in the final map against NAVI during the VCT EMEA Kickoff, they were down 11-5. In the next eight rounds, they leveled the game at 12-12, forcing NAVI to overtime. This is where the camel broke its back, as NAVI couldn’t take the lead even once during overtime.
For Gentle Mates to win, they must start on the defense. They have a higher win rate in their matches during the VCT EMEA Kickoff that they began on defense. Thus, they must make the most of every opportunity they get. If they don’t, then as seen in the past, Fnatic will claw their way back and win the series before Gentle Mates realize it.
Our prediction for the match is 2-1 in favor of Fnatic.