FURIA will represent Brazil in the grand final of the R6 Reload, the international Rainbow Six Siege tournament that marks the opening of the 2025 competitive season. Hosted in Rio de Janeiro, the event is nearing its conclusion following a set of dramatic semifinal matches.
The first semifinal saw Japan`s CAG Osaka face off against North America`s Wildcard Gaming. Competing for the initial spot in the final, Wildcard started strong, securing a solid 7-4 victory on Nighthaven Labs. The Japanese squad demonstrated resilience, however, taking Chalet with the same scoreline to force a decisive third map.
On the final map, Border, CAG Osaka exhibited dominant form, closing the map with a convincing 7-3 score. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, securing their first ever appearance in an international Rainbow Six Siege grand final.
The highly anticipated match for the Brazilian audience at Arena Carioca 1 was undoubtedly the national derby between FURIA and w7m. This confrontation delivered intense action and close rounds from beginning to end, living up to the hype surrounding a matchup between two of Brazil`s prominent teams.
On the first map, Border, w7m appeared to be in control early on, establishing a commanding 5-1 lead. However, showcasing remarkable talent and determination, spearheaded by Kheyze – who was later recognized as the match MVP – FURIA mounted an extraordinary comeback. They systematically dismantled w7m`s lead, securing a historic turnaround to win the map 8-6. A notable demonstration that a lead, even a substantial one, is merely a suggestion until the final round is won.
Carrying the momentum from their dramatic comeback, FURIA maintained an intense pace on the second map, Cafe Dostoyevsky. They quickly secured the first rounds, building a 3-0 advantage. While w7m attempted to respond by taking three rounds themselves, it proved insufficient to halt FURIA`s advance. The Panthers swiftly closed out the map with a 7-4 victory, securing the series 2-0 and confirming their place in the Reload grand final.
This upcoming final presents a significant opportunity for the FURIA roster, which notably consists entirely of former w7m players. Defeating their previous organization en route to the final adds a compelling narrative layer to their journey. It stands as their most promising chance yet to clinch a major R6 tournament title and commence the 2025 season on the highest possible note.
The R6 Reload grand final is scheduled for this Sunday at 4:15 PM local time. FURIA will face CAG Osaka in a best-of-five series to determine the champion. The tournament, which began on the 10th, features a substantial prize pool totaling nearly $520,000 USD.
