As the sun sets on a back-and-forth VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3, Türkiye’s BBL Queens have snatched the trophy away from longstanding champions, G2 Gozen, whose Stage 3 run didn’t quite go to plan. It’s been quite the shakeup - that’s for sure - so if you’ve missed out on any of the action, or just want a recap of everything that happened, here’s our rundown of VTC Game Changers EMEA Stage 3.

VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3: Standings

Below are the final standings for VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3:

VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3: Not the tournament we expected

It’s no secret that G2 Gozen were the favorites coming into VCT Game Changes EMEA Stage 3 - after all, they have been on a winning streak all year,  snatching the trophy twice already. However, it was BBL Queens that showed up and shut down this time around, coming out swinging with a flawless group stage performance, then an impressive upper bracket run to the finals, where NASR Ignite and Falcons Vega failed to halt their advance.

BBL Queen’s rivals in the race for the crown would turn out to be Acend Rising, who topped Group B 6-1, but were cast into the lower bracket by Falcons Vega. Their road wasn’t easy - especially because G2 Gozen were their opponents in the semifinals. It was as back-and-forth as we imagined it would be, with both maps spilling into overtime. Acend Rising, however, emerged triumphant on both Bind and Split, taking the series 2-0 and eying up revenge on Falcons Vega as they moved to the Lower Bracket Final.

Falcons Vega pushed Acend Rising to five games but ultimately dropped the final map Ascent. Fired up and feeling bulletproof from a near-perfect upper bracket run, all eyes were on BBL Queens, the Turkish titans that awaited them in the grand finale. 

BBL Queens came into the series with momentum, taking Acend Rising down on Haven, then dominating second map Lotus with an impressive 13-4 scoreline. Acend bounced back, though, pushing Ascent into overtime and snatching away a 14-12 victory. Gülce ‘Wens’ Sürmeli’s Cypher was on fire for BBL Queens, though, ensnaring Acend at every turn on final map, Split, to take the crown 3-1. 

Popping heads whilst dropping just 3 maps the whole tournament, BBL Queens hoisted the trophy in style, securing themselves a spot at the Game Changers Championship in São Paulo - taking place from November 28th to December 3rd. Joined by G2 Gozen, alongside NA’s Version1, Evil Geniuses GC, and Brazil’s Team Liquid Brazil, with 3 more teams still to be confirmed - it’s enough to send a shiver of excitement down your spine. Snatching the crown won’t be easy, but if BBL Queens play how they’ve played this Stage, then we’re in for quite the ride next month.

Following the match, Zehra ‘Felipa’ Durak was asked about preparing for the Game Changers Championship and their competition, stating “We will be ready, but they should prepare even harder than us’. Roll out the red carpet, EMEA’s royalty has arrived, and they are ready to conquer. 

VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3: VODs
If you missed out on any of the VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 action, check out the VODs on twitch.tv/valorant_emea.