Crazy Raccoon emerged victorious at the Overwatch Champions Clash 2025, clinching the title after a thrilling 4-2 win against Team Falcons in the Grand Final.
This hard-fought success has secured the Japanese team a direct qualification for the upcoming Midseason Championship, the second major international event of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), set to take place in July during the Esports World Cup.
Clash of Titans in Hangzhou
The Champions Clash 2025 was the first global tournament in this year’s OWCS calendar, held from April 18 to 20 in Hangzhou, China. The event brought together eight top-tier teams from Stage 1 regional qualifiers, promising high-stakes battles and elite gameplay.
Heading into the tournament, both Crazy Raccoon and Team Falcons were considered frontrunners, having displayed dominant performances within their respective regions. However, their journeys to the final took different paths. While Team Falcons maintained an unbeaten run in the double-elimination bracket, Crazy Raccoon faced an early setback.
After dispatching Spacestation with a clean 2-0 sweep, Crazy Raccoon was sent to the lower bracket following a 1-3 loss to NTMR, an American squad. Determined to fight back, the Japanese team then eliminated Virtus.pro (3-1) and Once Again before taking revenge on NTMR with a decisive 3-0 victory in the Lower Bracket Final.
Comeback in the Grand Final Showdown
Crazy Raccoon initially stumbled in the Grand Final, dropping the first two maps—Oasis (1-2) and Suravasa (1-3)—to a strong-looking Falcons lineup. Team Falcons briefly regained control on the Push map Runasapi with a score of 133.25 meters to 85.17 meters. However, Crazy Raccoon refused to surrender.
In a stunning turnaround, the Japanese team remained undefeated in the remaining maps. They narrowly edged out Team Falcons on Route 66 (3-2), dominated the hybrid map Esperança (125.3 meters to 68.96 meters), and sealed the championship with a clutch 4-3 win on Circuit Royal.
Rivalry Renewed on the Global Stage
This victory adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Crazy Raccoon and Team Falcons. The two sides have repeatedly crossed paths in high-stakes matches since 2024. Crazy Raccoon previously took home trophies at the OWCS 2024 Major and the Esports World Cup, while Team Falcons claimed victory at the OWCS 2024 World Finals, Overwatch’s most prestigious title that year.
Looking Ahead: OWCS Stage 2
With the Champions Clash concluded, all participating teams now turn their focus to regional events as they prepare for OWCS Stage 2 in May. The battle for global supremacy in Overwatch continues, and expectations remain high for another fierce round of competition.
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