FULL SENSE joins VCT Pacific 2026: Thai org chosen by Riot to replace TALON

In a move that shakes up the 2026 VCT Pacific rosters, FULL SENSE, a long-standing Southeast Asian VALORANT org, have announced that they will assume the VCT Pacific slot vacated by Talon Esports, with Riot confirming the news. Talon’s removal was announced earlier in November after the org reportedly failed to meet financial obligations, including repeated payment delays to players.

With Talon out, Riot launched a selective application process to fill the gap, and FULL SENSE emerged victorious. BOOM Esports did cause a bit of hype with contract signing gifs and a possible repeat of Riot’s decision at the end of 2023 to have BOOM take Bleed Esports’ spot after the latter were removed from the VCT Pacific league for the next season. However, FULL SENSE was the organization that came out on top, and this has ended up benefiting both the player base and the Talon org’s old roster. The decision also reflects Riot’s desire to retain Thai representation in Pacific VALORANT, while rewarding an org with a strong regional track record and financial backing.

The Background: What Happened to Talon

Talon Esports were once a stable fixture in Pacific VALORANT. They first joined the VCT Pacific partner program in 2022 and had been part of the league ecosystem ever since. However, by late 2025 their status deteriorated: Riot cited “a pattern of significantly overdue payments to players” and the organization’s inability to demonstrate the required financial capacity. Despite granting extensions and working with Talon to find a resolution, the league terminated their partnership on November 18, 2025.

That decision freed up a slot opening the door for a replacement org to take over. Riot emphasized the importance of maintaining a Thai-rooted team in the Pacific league, given the region’s fanbase and the legacy of VALORANT in Southeast Asia.

Why FULL SENSE?

FULL SENSE has been active in VALORANT since the early days of Asian esports, climbing through Challengers Southeast Asia and making multiple Ascension runs. What tipped the scales in their favor was a renewed financial commitment: the org’s ownership reportedly has backing from a major Thai business, confirming to Riot that FULL SENSE has the organizational and financial stability to meet VCT’s rigorous requirements.

Critically, FULL SENSE also checks Riot’s other priorities: regional identity, fanbase representation, and prior competitive experience. For Pacific values, especially the Thai community, it was essential that the replacement team retained that connection.

What the New Roster Looks Like

While the transition remains ongoing, early reports from Sheep Esports suggest that much of Talon’s former VALORANT roster will be retained under the FULL SENSE banner, rather than a full rebuild. Notably, Talon’s former IGL, Crws, is reportedly switching roles to become head coach under FULL SENSE’s new structure. Meanwhile FULL SENSE has promoted talent from within: their longtime player Leviathan is expected to be elevated to the starting roster.

• Thanyathon “Leviathan” Nakmee
• Jittana “JitboyS” Nokngam
• Papaphat “Primmie” Sriprapha
• Anupong “thyy” Preamsak
• Tanate “Killua” Teerasawad
• Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyut (ex-IGL, now Coach)

If carried through, this core could deliver a mix of experience and fresh energy, giving the team a solid shot at stabilizing Pacific competition while remaining competitive. The old Talon roster missed out by one game on making it to Champions Paris this year, and their roster were able to show off their potential. Despite the ex-Talon roster’s head coach Jovi joining RRQ, replacing Ewok who said he was taking a break after years leading the roster, the core of their players, combined with experienced talent from FULL SENSE, could make a splash in VCT Pacific this upcoming year.

What This Means for VCT Pacific in 2026

FULL SENSE’s entry reshapes the Pacific region’s competitive landscape. It preserves Thai representation and delivers hope that the league maintains Southeast Asian visibility. Most importantly, it serves as a way for talented players to continue playing in VCT Pacific and for the Thailand fanbase to continue to have an organization to be able to represent them. This is the overall best outcome, with the former Talon roster gets a second chance under a new banner.

With a new coach (Crws) and ownership backing, they can start the season with structure, resources, and a fresh narrative. For fans: the change signals Riot’s commitment to not just competitive integrity, but also regional representation, ensuring that Pacific VALORANT remains accessible, inclusive, and rooted in its communities.

For the broader VCT ecosystem, FULL SENSE’s rise is a reminder that partnership slots come with both opportunity and responsibility. Organizations must meet financial and operational standards, and those who falter may be replaced, even mid-offseason. FULL SENSE’s entry into VCT Pacific isn’t just a roster change, it’s a rebirth. For a region built on passion, community, and rising talent, this might just be the reset Pacific needs.