In the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs, Team Heretics awaits two possible opponents: rivals Fnatic or gutsy underdogs, BBL Esports.

The VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA Stage 2 event is entering its Playoffs Stage, running from August 21 to 31, live at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany.

With the first round of matchups set, there’s a storm brewing, and it’s heading straight towards Team Heretics.

Coming out on top with a clean sweep of 5-0 in Group Alpha, Team Heretics has earned an Upper Bracket Semifinal spot (August 22).

The squad, featuring Lithuanian brothers Ričardas “Boo” Lukaševičius (the in-game leader) and Dominykas “MiniBoo” Lukaševičius, is awaiting their opponents. Team Heretics await the winner of the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals match between Fnatic and BBL Esports.

No matter which squad Team Heretics faces, there’s some spicy history, setting up an exciting tie underpinned by sweet, sweet revenge. With the Playoffs Stage looming, let’s discuss the possibilities.

Team Heretics vs. Fnatic: A Clash of Champions

Both possibilities will see Team Heretics up against an opponent with payback on the mind. Based on recent matchup histories, however, Fnatic is the scariest prospect.

Fnatic has already qualified for Champions Paris, in becoming the first team from the EMEA region to do so. Ultimately, the London-headquartered team will want to win the entire stage.

While Fnatic has already qualified for Champions Paris, becoming the first EMEA team to do so, there’s still the goal to win Stage 2 burning in their bellies.

To claim the trophy in Germany, Fnatic will first have to dispatch of BBL Esports and get past their long-time rivals. The alternative route is suffering a loss and grinding through a grueling lower bracket.

Take a look at the Team Heretics vs. Fnatic matchups history for 2024 and 2025 outlined below.

• Team Heretics 2 – 0 Fnatic (VCT 24 Stage 1 Week 1)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 Fnatic (VCT 24 Stage 1 Upper Bracket Final)
• Fnatic 3 – 2 Team Heretics (VCT 24 Stage 1 Grand Final)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 Fnatic (VCT 24 Champions Upper Bracket Quartefinals)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 Fnatic (VCT 25 Stage 1 Week 5)
• Fnatic 2 – 0 Team Heretics (VCT 25 Stage 1 Upper Bracket Final)
• Fnatic 3 – 0 Team Heretics (VCT 25 Stage 1 Grand Final)
• Team Heretics 3 – 2 (Esports World Cup 2025 Grand Final)

The rivalry between these two teams extends through multiple significant events. If Fnatic’s IGL, Jake “Boaster” Howlett, is on point with his calls, and star player Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov comes to life, Fnatic can exact revenge on Team Heretics.

BBL Esports vs. Team Heretics sets up an underdog story

If BBL Esports beats Fnatic in the first round of play, the Upper Bracket Semifinals match doesn’t necessarily get less spicy.

We’ll see a clash where the underdog is looking for vindication, in a mirror match of VCT EMEA Stage 1, when Team Heretics smacked down BBL with a 2-0 score in the Upper Bracket Semifinals.

Here’s the list of head-to-head results for Team Heretics vs. BBL Esports in 2024 and 2025:

• BBL Esports 2 – 0 Team Heretics (VCT 24 Stage 1 Week 3)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 BBL Esports (VCT 25 Kickoff Upper Bracket Semifinal)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 BBL Esports ( VCT 25 Stage 1 Upper Bracket Semifinal)
• Team Heretics 2 – 0 BBL Esports (Esports World Cup 2025 Quarterfinal)
• Team Heretics 2 – 1 BBL Esports (VCT 25 Stage 2 Week 1)

BBL Esports must overcome the giant that is Team Heretics, ending their losing streak and recovering from the devastating reverse-sweep loss in the recent Week 1.

Should BBL Esports somehow beat Fnatic and Heretics, they can put themselves in a strong position for a spot at Champions Paris—the ultimate goal for any VALORANT team.