While the phrase “what an amazing series” has been thrown around for multiple clashes throughout the VCT Game Changers Championship 2025, today’s upper finals showdown—where Team Liquid Brazil defeated Shopify Rebellion Gold in a spectacular three-map series—was undoubtedly one of the best head-to-head battles so far, if not the best.
A rematch of the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2023 grand final, the series concluded with Team Liquid clinching the decider map to secure a 2–1 victory. Many would call it a major upset, as this marked Shopify’s first series defeat in the Game Changers circuit since October 2024.
With another tournament favorite, G2 Gozen, already eliminated, this championship has been nothing short of a roller-coaster. For those catching up, here’s a full recap of the Nov. 28 upper finals matchup:
The series kicked off on Haven, Team Liquid’s map pick. The Brazilian roster opted for their signature Sova-Breach double-intel setup paired with Neon, a composition that perfectly suits their aggressive playstyle. As expected, Shopify’s slower-paced Viper-Omen lineup struggled to break through TL’s defense on attack.
However, when the sides flipped, Shopify’s calculated approach to VALORANT allowed them to close the gap on defense. The map pushed into overtime, but TL bounced back just in time, securing two consecutive rounds to close out the game 14–12.
The second game took place on Pearl and opened exactly as expected on Shopify’s map pick—an emphatic 6–0 lead on defense. But Team Liquid wasn’t about to let their opponents run away with the momentum. They exploited SR’s aggression to mount an equally remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive rounds to level the score by halftime.
After the side switch, SR came out strong with an aggressive yet calculated plan, eventually reaching map point with TL at seven rounds. Still, the daiki-led team showed no signs of surrender.
Daiki, in particular, emerged as her team’s lifeline on multiple occasions, clutching critical rounds when all hope seemed lost. However, despite facing determined resistance, SR ultimately closed out the map 13–10.
If the second map felt like too much of a thriller, the decider on Sunset might have offered some relief, but certainly not if you’re an SR Gold fan. Shopify managed to secure seven rounds—some brilliant, others scrappy—but it’s fair to say Team Liquid delivered their revenge for 2023 in decisive fashion. Jelly and Daiki were dominant with their precision aim, and Daiki’s callouts proved highly effective against SR’s slower-paced style.
While Sarah and noia did manage to keep hopes alive with their aim, it ultimately wasn’t enough to help SR make a comeback.
With this win, Team Liquid Brazil completed a flawless upper bracket run and became the first team to qualify for the grand final. Watch them on Nov. 30 in a five-map clash against the lower finals winner.
Fortunately for SR Gold fans, their team still remains in contention. Shopify will compete in the lower finals on Nov. 29, earning one last opportunity to fight their way into the grand final. And if they make it, we’d be looking at yet another Team Liquid Brazil vs. SR Gold rematch, setting the stage for a spectacular conclusion to the tournament.
Make sure you don’t miss the action with an updated schedule, scores, and more—our VCT Game Changers Championship 2025 guide has all the details you need.
