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LOUD has made history in the VALORANT Champions scene by defeating Team Vitality in the grand final, becoming the first organization to secure the trophy for the second time. According to Sheep Esports, the Brazilians clinched their second title after a successful 2022 triumph. The grand final kicked off with a remarkable comeback as LOUD overturned a 9-3 halftime deficit on Summit to emerge victorious with a score of 13-11.
The best-of-five series concluded with LOUD taking the victory 3-1. After Team Vitality leveled the series with a 13-8 win on Lotus, LOUD dominated on Sunset with a 13-5 win and sealed the deal on Haven with a 13-10 win. This impressive result marks a significant turnaround for a team that had finished last at VCT Americas Kickoff 2026 and entered Champions as the region’s second seed.
Summit comeback sets the tone for LOUD
Having been defeated by Vitality in the group stage, the final not only crowned a champion but also settled a rivalry that had already seen a playoff rematch. LOUD’s victory in the upper-bracket final set the stage for their championship-winning performance in the grand final against Vitality, turning a group-stage loss into a triumphant answer.
The turning point came on Summit. Trailing by six at halftime, LOUD showcased their defensive prowess and staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 13-11 victory; Roberto “erde” Lobos’ triple kill was the defining moment. While Vitality fought back on Lotus, LOUD’s wins on Sunset and Haven left no room for a French comeback.
| Map | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Summit | LOUD | 13-11 |
| Lotus | Team Vitality | 13-8 |
| Sunset | LOUD | 13-5 |
| Haven | LOUD | 13-10 |
erde and tkzin shine on the biggest stage
Enzo “tkzin” Zimiani stood out in the series with 77 kills, consistently posing a threat to Vitality with his Neon and securing an additional ace during the competition. The 18-year-old erde tallied 66 kills, led LOUD’s strategic decisions, and was named the MVP of Champions. His triple kill on Summit was the exclamation point on the comeback.
The MVP accolade came during a deeply personal time for erde, as he had received news of his mother’s passing just days before the competition began. It is important to acknowledge this milestone with sensitivity, recognizing his significant contributions in the final’s crucial moments and the leadership he provided throughout the series.
Setting a new standard for the Americas
Every player on the LOUD roster achieved their first international tournament victory. With a lineup composed of four rookies and one player with only a year of Tier 1 experience, winning the title is a remarkable feat for a team that had not previously competed together on an international platform.
This victory further solidifies the Americas’ dominance, as the region has now secured the last three international titles, including the Esports World Cup. Champions marked the conclusion of VALORANT’s inaugural partnership-programme era, bringing the competition full circle to where LOUD’s championship journey began. While the future for this roster remains uncertain, they have already etched their names in the record books.