Underdogs rise as new powerhouses emerge across all VCT regions

The 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) kicked off with a bang across all four international leagues, delivering shocking upsets, breakthrough performances, and the emergence of unexpected contenders. As week two approaches its conclusion, the battle for Masters Santiago qualification spots has reshaped regional hierarchies and set the stage for an unpredictable season ahead.

VCT Pacific: Nongshim and RRQ Rewrite the Script

The Pacific region witnessed perhaps the tournament’s most dramatic storylines, with two teams: one an Ascension champion, the other a consistent franchise of 2025 in the region, now positioned to battle for the region’s first Masters Santiago slot.

The Undefeated Upper Bracket

Nongshim RedForce has emerged as the Cinderella story of VCT Pacific Kickoff, maintaining an undefeated record through the upper bracket to be the region’s first finalist after beating Full Sense. Last year’s Ascension winners announced their arrival on the tier-one stage emphatically by opening with a clean 2-0 sweep of Team Secret before stunning tournament favorites T1 2-1 in a thrilling reverse sweep. After dropping the opening map, Nongshim’s defensive coordination tightened considerably, leading to a dominant second map victory that carried momentum into the decider.

Rex Regum Qeon has been equally impressive, defeating DetonatioN FocusMe 2-0 to reach Upper Round 3. The Indonesian organization has showcased the form that makes them perennial Pacific contenders, with Paper Rex going down to them to get them to the upper final. Meanwhile, Full Sense, who replaced the terminated TALON partnership, has proven their VCT credentials, dominating ZETA DIVISION 2-0 before defeating DRX 2-1. They dropped to the middle bracket after their loss to NS.

The Korean Contingent Holds Strong

Despite opening losses, the Korean powerhouses of T1 and DRX, as well as a newly rebuilt Global Esports and DetonatioN FocusMe, remain formidable in the middle bracket. Each team carries the significant advantage of multiple lives in the triple-elimination format, giving them ample opportunity to fight back toward Santiago qualification.

Global Esports has emerged as a particularly intriguing storyline, becoming one of the first teams to successfully integrate Veto into their strategic arsenal. The new agent has added an unpredictable dimension to their playbook, with UdoTan spearheading the experimentation. After defeating VARREL 2-0 in the opening round, Global Esports fell to Paper Rex 2-1 in a competitive series that showcased their potential despite the loss but won against ZETA.

T1, meanwhile, continues to showcase the confidence and decisiveness that made them a regional force, with Munchkin’s veteran leadership steering the ship. The team’s 2-1 loss to Nongshim in Upper Round 2 was closer than the scoreline suggests, with T1 displaying flashes of championship-level play, and continuing their winning ways in their next game against Gen.G.

Gen.G’s Shocking Stumble

Perhaps no result turned more heads than DetonatioN FocusMe’s clean 2-0 sweep of Gen.G in the opening round—DFM’s first-ever victory over the organization in VCT Pacific play. Gen.G now finds themselves in the lower bracket, fighting to keep their Santiago dreams alive. The absence of former star IGL Munchkin, combined with newer talent still adapting to the team’s systems, has left the reigning Pacific champions vulnerable in the early going.

Standout Performers

The Pacific region has produced several eye-catching individual performances. Paper Rex’s f0rsakeN continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the game’s premier flex players, showcasing his signature agent versatility. RRQ’s Kushy has been the tournament’s statistical standout,and his teammate Jemkin’s Chamber has been similarly electric, combining for one of the most lethal duos in the region.

Full Sense’s primmie has validated his billing as one of Thailand’s brightest duelist talents, and Gen.G’s t3xture, despite his team’s struggles, has maintained a respectable statline, proving his individual class remains intact. Global Esports’ Autumn continues to deliver , while Nongshim’s Francis has been instrumental in his team’s run, while leading aggressive plays with 28 first kills and 20 first bloods across the tournament.

VCT Americas: Brazilian Organizations Defy Expectations

In a stunning turn of events, MIBR and FURIA have seized control of the Americas upper bracket, relegating pre-tournament favorites NRG and G2 Esports to the middle bracket in what many are calling the region’s biggest upsets.

MIBR’s Superteam Arrives

MIBR’s offseason acquisitions—Zachary “zekken” Patrone, Ian “tex” Botsch, and Roberto “Mazino” Rivas joining Erick “aspas” Santos under IGL Verno —have immediately paid dividends. The Brazilian-North American hybrid roster defeated ENVY 2-0 in the upper bracket before delivering a statement victory over NRG 2-1. The match showcased MIBR’s diverse tactical approaches and adaptability, with aspas’s explosive performances proving decisive in crucial moments.

Zekken’s addition to the roster has provided the added firepower MIBR desperately needed, while the team’s chemistry appears far ahead of schedule. Their path to the upper bracket final has positioned them as legitimate title contenders and Masters Santiago favorites.

FURIA’s Redemption Arc

After a disappointing 2025 campaign where they failed to win a single series, except for one win with a roster full of subs due to visa issues, FURIA has emerged as the tournament’s Cinderella story. The squad opened with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over KRÜ Esports before delivering perhaps Kickoff’s most shocking result: a clean 2-0 dismantling of Sentinels. The match wasn’t close—FURIA’s coordinated retakes and disciplined site executions left the rebuilt Sentinels roster searching for answers.

Their upset streak continued against G2 Esports in a tense 2-1 victory. The addition of Daniel “eeiu” Vucenovic as well as koalanoob, and improved chemistry across the roster has transformed FURIA from last year’s disappointment into a genuine threat.

The Middle Bracket Battle

Cloud9, playing with Demon1 as a stand-in until OXY’s return from a personal leave, faces a crucial test in the middle bracket. The team opened strong with a 2-0 sweep of LOUD before falling to NRG 2-0, but Demon1’s seamless integration has given the team confidence moving forward. A further 2-1 win over ENVY and a 2-0 loss to G2, the latter with OXY having returned, sends them to the lower bracket.

NRG’s path through the middle bracket now matches them up against G2 in a 2025 Stage 2 final rematch following a close-faught 2-0 win against 100T in round three.

Lower Bracket Eliminations Loom

The lower bracket holds no second chances, creating a pressure cooker for some of the Americas’ biggest names. KRÜ and LOUD are already out, leaving Sentinels, ENVY, Leviatán, and Evil Geniuses in single-elimination scenarios, with just one loss ending their Santiago aspirations. The presence of so many historically dominant organizations in the danger zone underscores how competitive Americas has become.

ENVY’s 2-1 victory over Evil Geniuses in the opening round showed promise for the Ascension champions, but their 2-0 loss to MIBR left them battling elimination alongside former world champions and regional powerhouses.

Top Individual Showings

While comprehensive statistics remain limited this early in the tournament, several players have already made their mark. MIBR’s zekken has been the centerpiece of his team’s offense, combining mechanical brilliance with smart positioning. NRG’s mada has shown flashes of elite form despite the team’s upper bracket exit, while FURIA’s eeiu has been revelatory—his addition transforming the team’s strategic depth and firepower.

G2’s babybay continues to deliver explosive performances, proving his veteran experience remains invaluable. 100 Thieves’ cryocells has quietly impressed with consistent performances, while Cloud9’s stand-in Demon1 has proven his versatility, slotting seamlessly into the roster despite limited practice time.

VCT EMEA: Tier-Two Talent Dominates the Establishment

The EMEA region has produced perhaps Kickoff’s most surprising narrative: both upper bracket finalists are composed primarily of players who competed in tier-two circuits just months ago.

The Ascension Success Stories

BBL Esports and Gentle Mates have seized the tournament by storm, both securing undefeated runs to the upper bracket final. BBL’s success stems from their acquisition of last year’s EMEA Ascension-winning PCIFIC roster in its entirety—a move that’s paid immediate dividends. The Turkish organization’s decision to import the championship squad wholesale has created instant chemistry and tactical cohesion that established teams are struggling to match.

BBL swept PCIFIC Esports 2-1 before stunning FNATIC 2-0 in a statement victory that sent shockwaves through the region. The roster, featuring emerging star lovers rock, has looked unstoppable in their climb through the bracket.

Gentle Mates, who replaced the removed KOI partnership in October, have similarly benefited from roster continuity and hunger. After sweeping FUT Esports 2-0 and GIANTX 2-0, they outlasted NAVI 2-0 in the upper semifinals to reach the finals. Both organizations now stand one series away from Masters Santiago qualification.

The Middle Tier Fights Back

Vitality and Fnatic headline the middle bracket after absorbing single losses while retaining two lives in the triple-elimination format. FNATIC’s stumble against BBL raised eyebrows, as the perennial contenders showed early-season shakiness that’s become an annual tradition. However, with Alfajer anchoring the defense and the team’s proven ability to build momentum, writing them off would be premature.

Vitality defeated ULF Esports 2-0 before outlasting Team Liquid 2-1 in a competitive series. With Derke returning to elite form, Vitality remains one of the most dangerous teams in the middle bracket. NAVI, despite their 2-0 loss to Gentle Mates, showed enough promise in their 2-1 victory over Team Heretics and 2-0 sweep of Karmine Corp to remain threats.

Shocking Eliminations

The lower bracket’s occupants include some jaw-dropping casualties. Karmine Corp, FUT Esports, PCIFIC Esports, and ULF Esports all face elimination scenarios, but the biggest shocks are Team Heretics and Team Liquid—both former regional champions now fighting to avoid an early exit. Heretics’ 2-1 loss to NAVI and Liquid’s 2-1 defeat to Vitality represent seismic shifts in EMEA’s competitive landscape.

Individual Excellence

Fnatic’s Alfajer has reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the world’s best anchors, delivering vintage performances despite his team’s upper bracket exit. PCIFIC’s lovers rock has continued impressing despite his team’s struggles, while Gentle Mates’ Minny has been a revelation—combining mechanical skill with mature decision-making beyond his experience level.

NAVI’s filu has announced his arrival on the tier-one stage with consistently strong showings, while Vitality’s Derke appears rejuvenated. The Finnish superstar is posting performances that recall his championship form, giving VIT genuine hope of a deep run.

China: Champions Defend Their Territory

While other regions experienced chaos, China’s Kickoff has largely followed the script, with established powers holding serve and the region’s depth on full display.

The Top Four Hold Form

All Gamers, Dragon Ranger Gaming, Xi Lai Gaming, and EDward Gaming have advanced to the upper bracket semifinals, with each team looking significantly more refined than their 2025 iterations. All Gamers in particular have impressed observers, demonstrating tactical evolution and improved mid-round calling that addresses last year’s weaknesses.

All Gamers opened with a clean 2-0 sweep of Nova Esports before defeating Bilibili Gaming by the same scoreline—a statement victory against one of China’s elite squads. Dragon Ranger Gaming, returning via Ascension after initially qualifying for VCT China through the same route in 2024, defeated JDG Esports 2-1 to continue their upward trajectory. Xi Lai Gaming swept Wolves Esports 2-0, while EDward Gaming, the 2024 world champions, dispatched TYLOO 2-0 to maintain their position atop the region.

Ascension Teams Shine

The continued success of Ascension qualifiers has become a defining characteristic of Chinese VALORANT. Dragon Ranger Gaming’s resilience—having clawed through the lower bracket at Ascension 2025 to retain their spot—speaks to the pathway’s competitive merit. Their development since promotion has been remarkable, with the roster showcasing improved coordination and strategic depth.

The Middle and Lower Brackets

TYLOO and Bilibili Gaming occupy the middle bracket, both carrying the talent to make deep runs despite opening-round setbacks. BLG’s whzy remains one of China’s most dangerous duelists, while TYLOO’s steady development continues to impress despite their 2-0 loss to EDward Gaming.

The lower elimination bracket features Titan Esports Club and Trace Esports, both facing must-win scenarios to keep their Santiago hopes alive. Trace, in particular, represents a disappointing fall after their 2-1 loss to Wolves Esports, having shown strong 2025 performances.

Chinese Standouts

EDward Gaming’s kangkang continues to showcase why he’s considered one of the world’s premier Operators, delivering clutch performances that remind opponents of his championship pedigree. All Gamers’ f4ngeer has been instrumental in his team’s refined approach, combining smart utility usage with consistent fragging.

BLG’s whzy, despite his team’s middle bracket position, remains a constant threat with explosive performances that can single-handedly swing series. XLG’s Rarga has provided steady contributions, while DRG’s vookashu has demonstrated the mechanical brilliance that powered their Ascension run.

The Road to Masters Santiago

As week two concludes and the brackets narrow, three qualification spots per region hang in the balance per region. The triple-elimination format has provided ample room for upsets while ensuring elite teams have multiple opportunities to advance, but time is running out for lower bracket inhabitants. One thing is certain: the 2026 season has already delivered drama, upsets, and storylines that will resonate throughout the year. As teams finalize their preparations for the final push toward Masters Santiago, the message is clear, the old guard is being challenged, and nothing can be taken for granted.

The next two weeks will determine which twelve teams join the elite at Santiago, and if Kickoff’s opening salvos are any indication, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable VALORANT.