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The upcoming GIANTX vs Team Heretics matchup in Mid Bracket Round 2 of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 EMEA Kickoff brings together two teams aiming to regain momentum after the opening stage of the tournament. With both sides still searching for consistency, this series becomes an important test of form and adaptability. High stakes and limited room for mistakes suggest a tense and competitive showdown.
Let’s take a closer look at each team’s current situation and what to expect from this matchup.
Let’s dive in.
How the bookies view it: Team Heretics favored
Bookmakers see Team Heretics as the favorite with odds of 1.73, while GIANTX are at 2.03. The gap isn’t big, so it should be a close match, and GIANTX still have a good chance to win if they play well.
Team Heretics form. What result can be expected from Team Heretics
Team Heretics are a Spanish VALORANT esports organization and one of the rising forces in the EMEA competitive scene. After claiming their first major international title at the Esports World Cup 2025 with a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Fnatic, the team has gained confidence and momentum heading into 2026. While Heretics have shown they can beat top-tier opponents, their results over 2025 were mixed, with strong performances at regional events but early exits at tournaments like Masters Toronto 2025.
- Team Heretics roster: benjyfishy, Boo, RieNs, Wo0t, ComeBack.
The team’s core revolves around benjyfishy, providing leadership and consistent firepower, with Boo and RieNs adding experience and tactical stability. Wo0t brings flexibility across roles, while ComeBack, the newest addition, injects fresh energy and aggressive potential into the lineup. This blend of veterans and young talent is central to Heretics’ strategy as they aim to build synergy and maintain consistency.
Throughout 2025, Heretics proved capable of challenging and defeating strong European teams, including a 2–0 victory over G2 Esports at VALORANT Champions 2025, but they also faced setbacks in international events, highlighting areas for growth. The team’s approach relies on coordinated team play, strategic mid-round calls from benjyfishy, and flexibility from the newer players to adapt to opponents.
Overall, Team Heretics enter the 2026 season as a formidable contender in EMEA, with a combination of experience, emerging talent, and championship momentum. While consistency remains a question, the team is capable of deep runs in tournaments and posing a real threat to any opponent on their day.
Team Heretics Map Pool
Team Heretics have a solid map pool in 2026. They perform best on Bind, Haven, and Split, where they’ve shown consistent results in recent matches. Maps like Corrode and Abyss are less reliable for them and are usually picked only in specific situations. Overall, Heretics are strongest on their core maps but can adapt when needed, making them capable of taking matches the full distance in a best-of-three series.
GIANTX form. What result can be expected from GIANTX
Team GIANTX are a European VALORANT esports team competing in the VCT 2026 EMEA Kickoff and across the EMEA circuit. They have shown they can reach major events, having qualified for VALORANT Champions 2025 and finished in the top 8 before being eliminated by Team Heretics. While they can compete with strong teams, GIANTX still struggle to consistently break into the top tier of European VALORANT.
- GIANTX roster: Cloud, purp0, westside, Flickless, ara.
The team is built around a mix of experienced players like Cloud and westside, who provide stability and leadership, with newer additions like ara and Flickless adding flexibility and fresh approaches. purp0 acts as a key tactical player, while the team is guided by coach Pipson, helping to coordinate strategy and mid-round calls.
During 2025, GIANTX had some notable results, including a strong showing at VCT EMEA Stage 2, beating teams like Natus Vincere 2–1 in playoffs, and winning A- and B-tier events such as Project Blender 2025 phases 3 and 4. However, they also suffered early exits at major tournaments and had mixed performances against top-tier squads, highlighting areas for improvement.
Overall, GIANTX enter 2026 as a solid mid-tier EMEA team with potential to upset higher-ranked opponents. They are capable of winning matches against strong competition but will need consistent performance to challenge for deep runs at major international events.
GIANTX Map Pool
Team GIANTX’s map pool in 2026 shows a clear focus on consistency and reliability. They tend to perform best on Corrode and Haven, where their coordination and strategies pay off most often. Bind and Split are also part of their regular rotation, though results there can be mixed depending on the opponent. On newer maps like Abyss, the team is still finding stability, so these maps are used more situationally. Overall, GIANTX rely on their stronger maps to secure wins while maintaining enough flexibility to adapt in best-of-three series.
GIANTX and Team Heretics: Head‑to‑Head
GIANTX and Team Heretics have faced each other multiple times in recent VCT competitions, and so far, Heretics have come out on top in every official match. Across four recorded BO3 series, GIANTX have yet to win a series, while Heretics lead 4–0 overall and hold an 8–3 advantage in map score. Their most recent meeting at Valorant Champions 2025 saw Heretics win 2–1, with GIANTX taking one map but ultimately losing the decider. Earlier in 2025, Heretics also defeated GIANTX at both VCT EMEA Stage 2 and Stage 1, showing consistent dominance. While GIANTX remain a solid mid-tier team in EMEA, the head-to-head record clearly favors Heretics, who have established themselves as the stronger side in this matchup.
Predicted result of the match between GIANTX vs Team Heretics at VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff
The upcoming matchup between GIANTX and Team Heretics is shaping up to be an interesting and closely contested series. While Team Heretics enter as the favorites, thanks to their recent successes and superior head-to-head record against GIANTX, this does not mean the series will be straightforward. GIANTX have proven in past VCT events that they are capable of taking maps off top-tier teams when they execute their strategies well and stay coordinated. Their recent performances show a team that can adapt mid-match, punish mistakes, and capitalize on opportunities, which makes them dangerous in best-of-three formats.
Heretics, on the other hand, bring experience, consistency, and high individual skill across their roster. With leaders like benjyfishy providing mid-round guidance and newer players like ComeBack adding aggressive options, Heretics are usually the team to beat. However, even strong teams can be pushed to the limit in a series where both sides are motivated and evenly matched in certain areas, such as mid-round coordination and clutch potential.
Considering these factors, it’s realistic to expect that the series will go the distance. GIANTX will likely take one map if they maintain focus and punish Heretics’ mistakes, while Heretics should also secure a map with their structured play and experience. This points to a three-map series, where momentum could swing several times and the final outcome might only be decided in the decider. Fans can expect a tense, competitive matchup with close rounds and high-level plays from both sides, making it an exciting watch from start to finish.
Predicition: Total Over 2.5 Maps.
