After an extended period of disappointing performances, the VALORANT team from the esports organization DetonatioN FocusMe Academy has finally achieved a much-anticipated victory in the VCT Challengers 2025.
In their recent contest against ZETA Division Academy on July 24, during the ongoing VCT Challengers Japan Split 3, DFM Academy not only managed to secure their first map victory of the season but also triumphed in the series with a score of 2-1. Although ZETA took the opening map on Icebox, suggestive of their previous struggles, DFM responded strongly, winning the subsequent maps of Ascent and Lotus, both with a score of 13-8.
This victory marks the end of a discouraging 14-match losing streak that had plagued the team since January, spanning the first split. Since its formation in 2024 for the 2025 season, the roster suffered through every match, recording a disheartening 28 consecutive map losses with a 0-2 scoreline.
While it’s challenging to identify all the underlying issues, DFM Academy has faced persistent difficulties with essential skills such as coordination, strategy, and gameplay mechanics. This inconsistency has contributed to their poor performance record. It’s important to note that this isn’t solely an issue confined to the Academy team or the VCT Challengers.
Despite a strong reputation in League of Legends, DetonatioN FocusMe has faced significant challenges in adapting to the competitive VALORANT landscape. The organization received a direct invitation to the inaugural VCT Pacific franchise but, despite multiple roster changes, quickly became associated with one of the most prolonged losing streaks in the game’s history.
In their first year within the partnership (2023), DFM did not secure a single series victory during the League stage. The following year saw only a few wins, and now, in 2025, they have managed just three series wins so far. This raises the pressing question: is DetonatioN FocusMe collectively struggling with a curse in VALORANT?
Regarding the Academy team, their recent win against ZETA brings a hint of optimism for their future in the VCT Challengers. However, it remains to be seen whether this is the start of a positive trend or just a temporary respite in their ongoing struggles. Their next matchup in Split 3 is against Riddle Order, currently one of Japan’s top teams, which doesn’t bode well for them. Yet, given that Riddle has lost to ZETA Academy previously, they still have a chance.
