Team Vitality enters the VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 1 grand final as the clear favorite after advancing through the upper bracket with dominant playoff wins, including a convincing upper-final victory over FUT Esports that showcased their strong map control and execution. Team Heretics reached the final via the lower bracket, overcoming Eternal Fire with resilient performances that highlighted their improved coordination and depth following recent roster adjustments. Traders reflect this recent form and bracket positioning in the current implied probabilities, though both squads remain capable of high-level Valorant in a best-of-five format where momentum and map vetoes can shift quickly.