Derke hits back at EMEA criticism after Vitality's Champions playoff victory

Derke hits back at EMEA criticism after Vitality's Champions playoff victory

Team Vitality 's Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev has dismissed concerns about the pressure of being EMEA's final representative at VALORANT Champions 2026 after the team defeated Nongshim RedForce 2–1.

Speaking after the upper-bracket quarterfinal victory, Derke reflected on the criticism Vitality received earlier in the season and explained how the roster continues to handle difficult matches.

Derke responds to regional criticism

Vitality entered Champions after a difficult VCT EMEA Stage 2 campaign that included two defeats against tier-two opposition.

Derke acknowledged that other EMEA teams had criticized Vitality during that period, but argued that reaching the Champions playoffs demonstrated how far the team had progressed.

He said being EMEA's only remaining representative did not create additional pressure.

Vitality explain role adjustments

Derke also discussed the team's changes on Split, where Sayonara played Viper and Jamppi took Fade.

He said the adjustments were intended to allow the players to have greater impact, with the coaching staff supporting the changes.

Experience helps in overtime

Vitality survived a 14–12 overtime decider on Haven against Nongshim.

Derke credited the roster's ability to reset mentally during difficult situations, highlighting Chronicle and Jamppi 's experience.

He emphasized that once a map reaches overtime, the previous rounds no longer matter as much as the team's execution in the next two.

Vitality now advance to face G2 Esports in the upper-bracket semifinals.