VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026: Fnatic, Vitality, and Gentle Mates Lead the Charge in Berlin

Posted : 20 January 2026

Following the conclusion of VALORANT Champions Paris and a busy off-season, the VCT EMEA returns with the 2026 Kickoff event, running from January 20 to February 15. Twelve teams will battle for the first trophy of the season, alongside three coveted spots at Masters Santiago, the year’s first global VCT tournament.

The competition will feature familiar faces, rookies, and international imports making their EMEA debut at Riot Games Arena in Berlin. Former teammates will face off as rivals, while two new Ascension teams also aim to make an impact. The triple-elimination format promises intense matches and unexpected outcomes.

Fnatic, a perennial powerhouse in the region, faces a season of transition. After losing veteran Chronicle to Team Vitality, the British squad must integrate Sylvain ‘Veqaj’ Pattyn while maintaining its core leaders Boaster and Alfajer. Despite losing star duelist Derke last year, Fnatic’s strong onboarding system and experience with young talent have kept the team competitive. With recent additions Austin ‘crashies’ Roberts and Kajetan ‘kaajak’ Haremski now fully settled, Fnatic looks to prove that it can remain among EMEA’s elite in 2026.

Meanwhile, Team Vitality has emerged as a major story. Reuniting former Fnatic stars Derke and Chronicle, alongside Dawid ‘PROFEK’ Święć and IGL Elias ‘Jamppi’ Olkkonen, Vitality has built what many are calling a superteam. Coach Gregor ‘PAL’ Morton brings continuity and strategic depth, although the roster will be temporarily without official fifth player Ștefan ‘Sayonara’ Mîtcu until he turns 18 in March, relying on PROFEK as a stand-in. The team hopes that experience and synergy will translate into early success at Kickoff and beyond.

Gentle Mates makes a surprising return to tier-one EMEA competition after taking over KOI’s league spot. Retaining only Patrik ‘Minny’ Hušek from last year, the French organisation has rebuilt its roster around IGL Patryk ‘starxo’ Kopczyński, former Karmine Corp duelist Martin ‘marteen’ Pátek, and promising rookies Conner ‘GLYPH’ Garcia and Taranvir ‘bipo’ Singh. With coaching support from Pavle ‘pakko’ Kostić and Jiri ‘KUNDIKUNDI’ Honkala, Gentle Mates aims to demonstrate resilience and make an impact despite its underdog status.

As the VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026 begins, the mix of established champions, revamped rosters, and hungry newcomers sets the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling start to the VALORANT season. Fans can expect intense rivalries, breakout performances, and the first signs of who will dominate the regional stage in 2026.

VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026: Fnatic, Vitality, and Gentle Mates Lead the Charge in Berlin

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