In a heart-pounding grand final at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dutch esports sensation Manuel “ManuBachoore” Bachoore delivered a masterclass, clinching the FC Pro World Championship title for Team Liquid with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Team Vitality’s Brice “Brice” Masson. This win not only marks ManuBachoore’s second world championship but also secures Team Liquid’s historic third title at this year’s event, cementing their dominance in the EA Sports FC 25 scene.
A Journey of Resilience and Redemption
ManuBachoore’s path to glory was anything but easy. After a disappointing loss at the ePremier League 2025, the 20-year-old Dutch prodigy admitted to doubting his chances. “I thought it was impossible,” he shared in a post-match interview. “Within Team Liquid, others were getting the spotlight, and I felt a bit forgotten. But now, they won’t forget me.” His determination shone through as he navigated the play-ins, dropping just one match to top his group, and battled through nail-biting main event matches, many decided by a single goal.
The grand final was a showcase of ManuBachoore’s signature attacking flair. Facing off against France’s Brice Masson, the match was a rollercoaster of goals, with ManuBachoore holding a slim 4-3 lead in the closing moments. A clutch goal in the final minutes sealed the 5-3 victory, etching his name in esports history as the first-ever two-time EA Sports FC world champion, following his 2023 triumph.
“Becoming a two-time world champion is beyond my wildest dreams,” ManuBachoore said. “I’m so thankful—it feels surreal, like living my dream.”
Team Liquid’s Historic Triumph
ManuBachoore’s victory earned Team Liquid 1,000 Club Championship points, propelling them to the top of the Esports World Cup 2025 standings with a total of 4,200 points—500 ahead of second-placed Team Falcons. This win marked Team Liquid as the first club to claim three titles at a single Esports World Cup, a feat that has reshaped the Club Championship race with just two weeks remaining. Team Vitality, despite Masson’s strong showing, missed out on 250 crucial points, narrowing the gap to Team Falcons to 550 points.
A Tournament of Upsets and Underdogs
The FC Pro World Championship was a battleground of surprises, with 512 players competing in the last-chance qualifier, 48 in the play-ins, and 32 in the main event. Top favorite Anders “Vejrgang” Vejrgang’s early elimination opened the door for ManuBachoore, who seized the opportunity with relentless focus. His path to the final included victories over formidable opponents like Leandro Peixoto, Jonas “Jonny” Wirth, and Guilherme “GuiBarros” Barros, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Masson, too, defied expectations, overcoming a lackluster season to defeat heavyweights like Nicolas “nicolas99fc” Villalba and Levi de Weerd en route to the final. The intense back-and-forth in the grand final captivated fans, with ManuBachoore’s late-game heroics proving decisive.
What’s Next for ManuBachoore and Team Liquid?
With a $250,000 prize and his second world title in hand, ManuBachoore has solidified his status as one of EA Sports FC’s all-time greats. For Team Liquid, the win is a testament to their depth and talent, with teammate Levi de Weerd also shining, securing third place and 500 Club Championship points with a 4-1 win over GuiBarros.
As the Esports World Cup 2025 heads into its final weeks, all eyes will be on Team Liquid to see if they can maintain their lead in the Club Championship. For ManuBachoore, this victory is a reminder that resilience and skill can turn dreams into reality.
