Team Heretics finally break second-place curse to win VCT EMEA Stage 1

Bryan Francis Published May 19, 2026

After three years of the VCT EMEA, Team Heretics have finally become champions in Stage 1 2026. After finishing second in multiple regional tournaments, the team has finally overcome the burden of not finishing first. Following a thriller grand final, Team Heretics defeated Team Vitality.

The last time Team Heretics had won a VALORANT tournament was all the way back in 2025. They became the inaugural champions of the VALORANT x EWC 2025. That win was the first time the team won a tournament.

Since then, they have come close but couldn’t secure gold. During VCT EMEA Stage 1, the team fell into the lower bracket after losing to Eternal Fire.

In a similar manner to Paper Rex, the team defeated every single team in the lower bracket to reach the grand final.

The VCT EMEA Stage 1 grand final were quite a close affair. Both teams played some of the best VALORANT we have seen from them in the last few years.

Each map had a minimum of 20 rounds played, with two maps even going to overtime.

On the final map, the game went to overtime after an incredible comeback by Team Vitality. In round 26, Benjamin “benjyfishy” David Fish secured a crucial 1v1 clutch to help his team get the momentum to win the tournament.

Benjyfishy speaks about beating the second place curse

Image credit: Riot Games

Regarding finally beating the second-place curse, Benjyfishy had this to say:

“When it gets really close, especially on the last map, I feel we did a really good job of keeping our emotions in check. I truly believe that our mental strength is one of the strongest on any team. We are doing a lot of breathing, and in these tense situations, it all depends on who reacts first. This time it was us.”

By becoming champions, Team Heretics are the VCT EMEA #1 seed going into VALORANT Masters London. They will receive a direct bye into the playoff stage of the tournament. Both Team Vitality and FUT Esports will play in the Swiss Stage of the tournament from June 6.

Additionally, they would receive a direct spot at the upcoming VALORANT x EWC 2026 tournament. With Team Heretics being the reigning champions, they have already received a spot; Team Vitality will receive the spot at the EWC competition.

Also read: Paper Rex dominates Full Sense to win VCT Pacific Stage 1 grand final

Featured image source: Riot Games