French organisation Gentle Mates are officially returning to the top level of VALORANT, with Riot Games confirming the team has been selected to join the VCT EMEA League for the 2026 season, replacing KOI after the Spanish organisation was removed from the league.
The announcement follows an extensive evaluation process by Riot, which invited ten teams from across the VALORANT Esports EMEA ecosystem, including former Visitor Teams and 2025 Ascension contenders, to apply for the open slot left by KOI’s departure. Nine organisations submitted formal applications, each assessed across several key areas such as organisational goals, strategic alignment, operational readiness, and community engagement.
After reviewing all submissions, Riot confirmed that Gentle Mates achieved the highest overall score, earning a one-year partnership that will run through to the end of 2026, when all current VCT EMEA contracts are set to expire.
From Ascension Underdogs to Tier-One Returnees
Gentle Mates’ comeback marks a major moment for the French squad, who previously faced relegation from the international circuit but built a strong fanbase through their spirited run in the VALORANT Ascension EMEA tournament.
“When the opportunity to apply presented itself, it was a no-brainer: VALORANT is part of Gentle Mates’ DNA,” said Marceau ‘Placido’ Lambert, the team’s director. “Since our rise through Ascension, we have brought a strong identity, an engaged community, and a unique energy to the league. But for us, that’s only half the story. The other half will be played out on the field.”
Nous serons en VCT en 2026.
Quand l’opportunité de candidater s’est présentée, c’était une évidence : Valorant fait partie de l’ADN de Gentle Mates.
Depuis notre montée via l’Ascension, nous avons apporté une identité forte, une communauté engagée et une énergie unique à la… https://t.co/6NmDr2TyA1
— Marceau ‘Placido’ Lambert (@Placidooh) October 7, 2025
Lambert added that the team’s goal is to “build a roster capable of competing at the highest level, worthy of what the brand represents and our history in the game.”
Gentle Mates now take over KOI’s former spot in VCT EMEA, after Riot reportedly removed the Spanish team due to inconsistent performance and a failure to meet certain operational requirements.
Two More Teams Set to Join in 2026
Riot also confirmed that two more teams will join the VCT EMEA League next year through the VALORANT Ascension system, keeping the total number of teams at twelve.
The best-performing Challengers teams in 2026 will even have a shot at qualifying for VALORANT Champions through Stage 2 playoffs, although Riot has yet to reveal how this new system will be integrated without disrupting the existing format.
With Gentle Mates returning to the top flight and new blood entering the mix, the 2026 VCT EMEA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Fans can expect the action to begin early next year at the Riot Games Arena.