French esports organisation Gentle Mates is heading back into VCT EMEA with a brand new roster, revealing a full rebuild for the 2026 VALORANT season. After their unexpected return to the league, the team has wasted no time putting together a mix of proven talent and rising stars, all hoping to make the most of their second shot at top tier play.

Bienvenue à notre nouveau roster Valorant avec @hellowork #M8WIN

🇵🇱 @starxo5
🇮🇹 @bipoval
🇨🇿 @minnyfn
🇨🇿 @imthemarteen
🇺🇸🇵🇭 @47GLYPH

Staff :
🇷🇸 @pakkoVAL_
🇫🇮 @kundikundiVAL
🇹🇷 @Luinwess
🇫🇷 @marc_kwl

*pending riot approval pic.twitter.com/Sn8mF28arm

— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) November 20, 2025

Below is your full breakdown of the new roster, their backgrounds, and what fans can expect from Gentle Mates as they prepare for the 2026 season.

A Second Chance in VCT EMEA

Gentle Mates were initially relegated from the VCT EMEA league in 2025 after a rough Stage 2 where they failed to secure a win. However, the team was given an unexpected lifeline when KOI was removed from the partnered league, opening a spot for the French organisation to return for 2026.

With another chance to prove themselves, the organisation chose to rebuild almost entirely from scratch, keeping only Czech player Patrik “Minny” Hušek from the 2025 lineup. The rest of the roster features four new signings, all bringing different strengths and experiences to the table.

Meet the 2026 Gentle Mates Roster

Patryk “starxo” Kopczynski takes the lead

The team’s new in-game leader is a familiar name in VALORANT history. starxo famously won the first ever VALORANT Champions title in 2021 under Acend, cementing his legacy early in the game’s lifespan.

In 2023 and 2024, he spent time with KOI, and in 2025 he moved to Joblife, where he reinvented himself as an IGL and became the highest rated player of the entire Ascension tournament. While Joblife didn’t qualify for VCT, his standout performance made him an ideal centrepiece for Gentle Mates’ rebuild.

Fresh firepower and proven consistency

The only returning player, Minny, will continue as a flexible backbone for the team. Throughout 2025 he handled a variety of roles and even took on IGL duties in the second half of the season. Now he returns with stronger support around him.

Former Karmine Corp duelist Martin “marteen” Pátek brings two years of tier one experience in EMEA. KC impressed in 2024 with a Kickoff win and top eight finishes internationally, and even though they couldn’t maintain that success, marteen remains a dangerous individual threat.

Two rookies set for their Tier 1 debut

Gentle Mates have also picked up two rising stars to round out the lineup.

Taranvir “bipo” Singh is a familiar name in Europe’s tier two scene, most recently standing out with MOUZ after helping them win Split 3 of VCL DACH. His aggressive duelist style will be tested on the VCT main stage for the first time.

Conner “GLYPH” Garcia joins from the other side of the world, moving from North America to EMEA after a strong 2025 performance. With Ambrosia he reached the top level of NA Challengers, and later led Winthrop University to a top four finish at Ascension Americas. His development has been rapid, and fans are eager to see how he handles tier one competition.

The Staff Behind the Rebuild

Alongside their new roster, Gentle Mates have upgraded their coaching team. Leading them is Pavle “pakko” Kostic as head coach, supported by Jiri “KUNDIKUNDI” Honkala as assistant coach. The staff lineup also includes Sinan “Luinwess” Koyuncu, Marc “ManyFender” Kowolik as manager, and Marceau “Placido” Lambert.

With experienced leadership both in and out of the server, the organisation is clearly aiming for long term stability.

When Will They Play?

Fans won’t need to wait long to see the new roster in action. Gentle Mates will debut at the Intel Monsters Reloaded Tournament, where they’ll face FUT Esports, Fenerbahçe Esports, and CGN Esports.

This event should give us an early read on how well the new lineup meshes ahead of the official 2026 VCT EMEA season.

Full 2026 Gentle Mates VALORANT Roster

Players:

• Patryk “starxo” Kopczynski
• Taranvir “bipo” Singh
• Martin “marteen” Pátek
• Conner “GLYPH” Garcia
• Patrik “Minny” Hušek

Staff:

• Pavle “pakko” Kostic, Head Coach
• Jiri “KUNDIKUNDI” Honkala, Assistant Coach
• Marc “ManyFender” Kowolik, Manager
• Sinan “Luinwess” Koyuncu, Staff
• Marceau “Placido” Lambert, Staff

Gentle Mates’ 2026 rebuild blends championship-level experience with fresh, hungry talent from across EMEA and the Americas. With a proven IGL in starxo and a roster full of potential, the team’s second life in VCT EMEA could be their strongest chapter yet.

The post Gentle Mates Rebuild for VCT 2026 With A Fresh Lineup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A High-Stakes Start in Bucharest

The stage is set for PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, with the tournament’s opening matches officially confirmed. Running from October 26 to November 1, the $1,250,000 Counter-Strike 2 event will be hosted at the PGL Studios in Bucharest, Romania, featuring 16 teams battling it out in a Swiss format before heading into the eight-team playoffs and a best-of-five grand final.

The tournament serves as one of the final Tier 1 events before the upcoming Budapest Major, giving teams a crucial chance to refine their form and build confidence.

Legacy vs Liquid Headlines Opening Day

Fresh off their victory at the CS Asia Championship 2025, Legacy enter Bucharest riding a wave of momentum and will open the tournament against Team Liquid in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling rematch.

Legacy have quickly become one of South America’s rising forces after their win in Shanghai, and this match against a resurgent Liquid, now led by Jonathan “ELiGE” Jablonowski, will test whether their recent success can translate onto European soil.

For Liquid, this is another opportunity to prove that their rebuilt roster can hang with the best. Fans are already hyped for the clash, which kicks off on October 26 at 8AM UTC.

Opening Day Lineup: Big Names, Big Battles

The opening round will feature a packed schedule of matches, with global representation from Brazil, Europe, and Oceania. Here’s the full list of opening-day fixtures:

October 26, 2025 (Saturday)

• 08:00 UTC – Legacy vs Team Liquid
• 08:00 UTC – paiN Gaming vs Gentle Mates
• 11:00 UTC – GamerLegion vs FlyQuest
• 11:00 UTC – HEROIC vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
• 14:00 UTC – 3DMAX vs SAW
• 14:00 UTC – BetBoom vs MIBR

October 27, 2025 (Sunday)

• 17:00 UTC – Aurora Gaming vs Fnatic
• 17:00 UTC – Astralis vs B8

🇷🇴 The Day 1 schedule of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 is here! 🗓️

📅 October 26 – November 1
💰 $1,250,000 in winnings
🎮 16 teams
📍 PGL Studios#PGLMasters pic.twitter.com/mcwjAcJph6

— PGL (@pglesports) October 20, 2025

Fan Reactions: Time Zones and Sleep Schedules

While excitement for PGL Masters Bucharest is high, the global CS2 community had plenty to say about the match timings.
Brazilian fans were quick to note that both Legacy and paiN Gaming will be playing at 5AM local time, making it tough for South American viewers to tune in live.

“I’d love to watch these matches, but I’m not waking up at 5AM on a Sunday for a Tier 2 tournament,” one fan wrote on HLTV, sparking a lighthearted debate about dedication versus practicality.

Others, however, were quick to defend the schedule, pointing out that the matches are aligned with local Romanian time zones. As one commenter put it, “You do realise that match times are according to the location of the tournament, right? Before blaming PGL?”

Fans in Europe and Oceania, meanwhile, were much happier with the timing, with one Australian user joking, “7PM for me – good time to eat dinner and watch from 8PM.”

Aurora and GamerLegion Seek Redemption

Among the most anticipated storylines are Aurora Gaming and GamerLegion, both looking to bounce back after inconsistent results.

Aurora enter Bucharest as the highest-ranked team in attendance, but their recent form has been shaky, placing mid-table at events like ESL Pro League and the Thunderpick World Championship. Their first challenge will be Fnatic, the current Fragadelphia Blocktober champions, in what promises to be a fiery match.

Meanwhile, GamerLegion face FlyQuest, a rising team from the Asia-Pacific region. Despite once being a top European contender, GamerLegion’s recent struggles could make this a surprisingly tight series.

What’s at Stake

With a massive $625,000 first-place prize on the line, every match at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 counts. The event also serves as a critical momentum builder heading into November’s Budapest Major, where many of these same teams will compete again.

Given their recent form and hunger for a Tier 1 breakthrough, Legacy may well be the team to watch once again. Their fans would love nothing more than to see back-to-back trophies added to their cabinet before year’s end.

The post PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 Opening Matches Revealed With Legacy to Clash with Liquid in Early Rematch appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Danish Fortnite star Marius “MariusCOW” Wendt has officially renewed his contract with Gentle Mates, confirming his spot with the French esports organisation for the upcoming 2026 Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) season.

Gentle Mates Keep Their European Champion

Announced on October 16th, Gentle Mates confirmed that their “European Champion remains”, continuing their strong Fortnite legacy with MariusCOW at the forefront. The renewal comes as the organisation solidifies its Fortnite roster heading into a fresh season filled with format changes and major events.

MariusCOW’s impressive 2025 run with teammate Vanya “Vanyak3k” Sakach saw the duo clinch victory at Europe’s Major 2 Grand Final and finish second at the FNCS 2025 Global Championship. Both players have now committed to the team for another year, ensuring stability in one of Europe’s most consistent Fortnite rosters.

Building Toward FNCS 2026

Epic Games has already revealed big updates for next year’s FNCS, with the competition switching back to the Duos format, last used in 2023 and 2024. Alongside this change, four international LAN events are set to take place throughout 2026, including a new Road Elite Series event where players can respawn if their teammate remains alive, a format twist designed to increase excitement and strategy.

With these changes on the horizon, Gentle Mates’ decision to retain their star duo looks like a calculated move to maintain synergy and adapt quickly to the returning Duos system.

A Streamlined But Strong Roster

Following the conclusion of the 2025 FNCS season, Gentle Mates made major roster adjustments, parting ways with their coach and five players to refine their line-up from ten down to five. Despite the cuts, the organisation continues to boast an elite mix of European and South American talent, with MariusCOW now standing as one of the cornerstones of its future.

Gentle Mates Expand Beyond Fortnite

While Fortnite remains a key focus, Gentle Mates has also been branching out into other titles. In August 2025, the team entered the Counter-Strike 2 scene by signing the former Iberian Soul roster. The squad has since climbed to 23rd in the October Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and narrowly missed qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major after an impressive ESL Pro League Season 22 showing.

As Gentle Mates look to 2026, their renewed confidence in MariusCOW represents more than just a player signing, it’s a commitment to their winning formula and a clear signal that they’re aiming for another dominant year in competitive Fortnite.

The post MariusCOW Stays With Gentle Mates for FNCS 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

French esports organisation Gentle Mates has officially renewed the contract of Fortnite star Vanya “Vanyak3k” Sakach, confirming he’ll remain with the team for the upcoming Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2026 season.

VANYABUBU RESTE À LA MAISON ! #M8WIN

Notre aventure continue avec @vanyak3kk pour la saison FNCS 2026 pic.twitter.com/UnKgIF98dV

— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) October 15, 2025

A Key Player Stays Home

The announcement came on October 15th, with Gentle Mates posting on X.

Vanyak3k has been one of Europe’s standout Fortnite players throughout 2025, consistently landing strong finishes on both regional and international stages. His performance peaked at the FNCS 2025 Global Championship, where he secured a second-place finish and a $100,000 (approx. £74,399) prize alongside Wilmer “Pixie” Juriander from Team HavoK and teammate Marius “MariusCOW” Wendt from Gentle Mates.

A Period of Change for Gentle Mates

The re-signing marks a stabilising move for Gentle Mates after a wave of roster changes earlier in the week. On October 14th, the organisation parted ways with six players, including Danila “Malibuca” Iakovenko, who had finished second at Europe’s Major 1 Grand Final back in February.

Encore merci pour tout 🩷

🇫🇷 @PodaSaiFN
🇷🇺 @SwizzY281
🇺🇦 @P1ngfnz
🇫🇷 @xsweezefn
🇷🇺 @MalibucaFN
🇫🇷 @ketzxn pic.twitter.com/D0SxvcuFYx

— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) October 14, 2025

In addition, Florian “Ketzon” Besson, the team’s long-time Fortnite coach, announced his retirement. Ketzon had been instrumental in building Gentle Mates’ Fortnite division since its debut in 2023, helping shape it into one of Europe’s premier squads.

Gentle Mates’ Rise Across Esports

Founded in 2023, Gentle Mates has quickly become a powerhouse in French esports. The organisation made waves in 2024 when it entered the Call of Duty League, taking over the Los Angeles franchise slot. The upcoming 2026 CDL season will mark the first full year under its full management, with rumours swirling about a potential rebrand and relocation.

Gentle Mates has also expanded into Counter-Strike 2, earning a surprise invitation to ESL Pro League Season 22 earlier this year. The team came close to qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major in November, proving its growing presence across multiple titles.

Re-signing Vanyak3k sends a clear message: the organisation intends to keep building on its strong momentum heading into 2026, solidifying its position among Europe’s top multi-title esports organisations.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Vanyak3k staying “at home,” Gentle Mates’ Fortnite roster remains anchored by one of the scene’s most consistent performers. As FNCS 2026 looms, fans can expect more podium finishes, highlight-reel plays, and a continued rise for both the player and the organisation that believed in him from the start.

The post Gentle Mates Re-Signs Vanyak3k for FNCS 2026 Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Gentle Mates’ AWPer Antonio “MartinezSa” Martinez has issued a public apology after being accused of making a racist comment toward The MongolZ during their ESL Pro League Season 22 match.

I want to sincerely apologize for the words I said during our recent match against The Mongolz.
What I said was completely inappropriate, and I now understand how disrespectful and hurtful it can be.
Coming from a different culture, I haven’t always had the right awareness or…

— Martinez (@MartiinezSa) October 7, 2025

The controversy began when MartinezSa was caught on camera shouting, “Don’t jump, Jackie Chan, or you’ll get punished!” after eliminating Techno4k on Mirage. The phrase, referencing the Hong Kong martial arts icon, quickly sparked debate across the Counter-Strike 2 community. While some dismissed it as harmless trash talk, others condemned it as racially insensitive and unacceptable in a professional setting.

“It doesn’t reflect who I am”

Following Gentle Mates’ elimination from the tournament, MartinezSa took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologise, acknowledging that his words were “completely inappropriate” and “disrespectful.”

MartinezSa ended the post by saying he “fully accepts and respects” any sanctions Gentle Mates decide to impose.

Gentle Mates’ and The MongolZ’s responses

Gentle Mates, whose roster is entirely Spanish, swiftly addressed the incident in a statement written in French, calling the player’s remarks “unacceptable” and “contrary to the club’s values.”

Communiqué officiel https://t.co/zZivHbiTP5 pic.twitter.com/JS0JY1ILob

— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) October 7, 2025

“We unconditionally condemn any manifestations of racism, discrimination, or stereotypes,” the organisation stated. “This incident does not reflect our principles. We apologise to The MongolZ, their community, and everyone who may have been affected by this situation. We expect each player to set an example of respect and responsibility, both on and off the server.”

The organisation confirmed that internal sanctions had been issued against MartinezSa, though the details of those measures were not made public.

In response, The MongolZ took a surprisingly calm stance. implying no offence was taken.

He said “Jackie Chan” and I said “G”

I think it’s bromance. pic.twitter.com/Z0IiSGQO7w

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) October 7, 2025

Divided community reaction

The apology ignited mixed reactions online. Some praised MartinezSa for taking accountability and hoped it would serve as a learning moment. Others questioned the sincerity of his statement, labelling it a “PR-crafted” apology.

The debate soon broadened into a discussion about cultural sensitivity in esports. Some fans argued that trash talk has always been part of Counter-Strike’s identity, while others stressed that racism and disrespect have no place in competitive gaming.

French content creator M8rgancmoi commented, “There’s a difference between trash talk and racism. It’s not because it’s esports that we can accept what society wouldn’t.”

Despite the backlash, The MongolZ’s grace in handling the situation drew praise, with many commending their professionalism and sportsmanship.

A reflection point for the CS2 scene

This incident underscores the growing challenges of global esports, where players from vastly different backgrounds compete under one spotlight. As CS2 continues to expand worldwide, maintaining mutual respect and cultural awareness becomes just as crucial as performance on the server.

Whether this controversy fades quietly or becomes a turning point for how organisations handle player conduct, it’s a reminder that words in the heat of the moment can echo far beyond the match.

The post Gentle Mates MartinezSa Apologises After Racist “Jackie Chan” Remark Toward The MongolZ appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

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.

The post Gentle Mates Replace KOI in VCT EMEA After Riot’s Selection Process appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

It’s been a wild weekend at ESL Pro League Season 22 in Stockholm, as two underdog teams pulled off some of the biggest upsets of the year. HOTU and Gentle Mates shocked the Counter-Strike world by toppling elite squads The MongolZ and Team Vitality, sending fans and analysts into a frenzy.

Gentle Mates just swept Vitality

Wtf is CS right now pic.twitter.com/woGnI87Jid

— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) October 4, 2025

HOTU’s Dream Run Continues

HOTU’s Cinderella story just refuses to end. The majority-Russian squad extended their incredible ESL Pro League run with a 2–1 victory over The MongolZ, one of the top-ranked teams in the world.

The series kicked off on Overpass, where Dmitry “mizu” Kondratev led the charge with a dominant 1.62 rating as HOTU took a clean 13–8 win. Despite The MongolZ clawing back on Mirage thanks to Ayush “mzinho” Batbold’s flashy 1vs3 clutch, HOTU kept their composure.

Back on Ancient, Rustem “mou” Telepov’s side built an early lead and stayed cool under pressure, closing it out 13–9 to seal the series. David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan was the standout performer with a 1.29 series rating and 57 kills, proving why his Major-winning experience continues to matter.

HOTU are now sitting at an impressive 8–2 map record in Stockholm, having already taken down FURIA, B8, and ENCE in earlier rounds. After this win, they’ve officially secured their spot in the 1–0 pool.

Their in-game leader Suleımen “dukefissura” Orazaly revealed their strategy going into the matchup:

“We wanted The MongolZ because they don’t play well on Overpass and pick Mirage, one of our best maps.”

And it paid off.

HOTU upset the #1 team in the world 👀 pic.twitter.com/yY5ZT25B27

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) October 4, 2025

The community reactions were as chaotic as expected. HLTV threads filled up with disbelief and memes, with one fan writing, “Expected from major winner n0rb3r7.” Another joked, “ESN CEO instantly relocate HOTU back to Asia and commit seppuku in Sükhbaatar Square.” Even MongolZ supporters had to admit the upset was deserved, as the team’s recent form looked shaky.

Gentle Mates Shock Vitality in French Derby

If HOTU’s win was impressive, Gentle Mates’ victory over Team Vitality was downright unbelievable. The Spanish roster, who weren’t even supposed to be in Stockholm and joined as a late invite, took down one of Europe’s most dominant teams 2–0 in their opening Stage 2 match.

The first map, Nuke, saw Pere “sausol” Solsona Saumell put up a monstrous 1.57 rating and close the game with a clutch 1vs3. Gentle Mates never looked nervous, taking Nuke 13–6.

Vitality tried to recover on Train, with William “mezii” Merriman pushing hard from Ivy, but M8s held firm. Despite several chaotic forcebuy rounds, Alejandro “alex” Masanet’s squad finished strong at 13–11, claiming the series 2–0.

Gentle Mates continue to surprise at EPL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6Q6ulFeEUL

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) October 4, 2025

This shock result is even more poetic when you consider that Gentle Mates only entered Counter-Strike 2 earlier this year, signing the rising Spanish roster Iberian Soul as their debut lineup. You can read more about their journey in Gentle Mates Enter Counter-Strike 2 With Iberian Soul Roster.

For context, Vitality came into the match after nearly a month of inactivity following their BLAST Open London grand final loss to G2. That rust showed badly, and fans weren’t kind about it online. One commenter roasted, “apEX keeps throwing rounds with knife in hand.”

Despite the chaos, sausol and MartinezSa were the heroes of the night. The duo combined for 76 kills across two maps, completely dismantling a star-studded Vitality lineup featuring ZywOo and ropz.

As one fan put it, “No shame in losing to a better French org.”

The Underdog Era

These back-to-back upsets are a reminder that in modern Counter-Strike 2, no team is safe. The meta keeps evolving, younger squads are hungrier than ever, and even giants like The MongolZ and Vitality can crumble when the pressure mounts.

HOTU’s confidence and Gentle Mates’ passion have turned ESL Pro League Season 22 into one of the most unpredictable events in years, and fans are absolutely loving it.

today is literally the day of upsets 😭 pic.twitter.com/0XysiEMPVK

— GamerLegion (@GamerLegion) October 4, 2025

As one comment summed it up:

“It’s 2025, anything can happen. Even HOTU and Gentle Mates winning it all.”

The post HOTU and Gentle Mates Stun The MongolZ and Vitality in Massive Upsets on ESL Pro League appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

ESL Pro League Season 22 has seen some major last-minute roster shake-ups, with two teams pulling out under very different circumstances and their spots quickly being filled.

Chinese side Lynn Vision were forced to withdraw after being unable to field a complete roster, opening the door for Spanish organisation Gentle Mates to step in. Meanwhile, Virtus.pro’s campaign came to an abrupt halt after three of their players were turned away at the Swedish border, paving the way for ENCE to join the tournament instead.

Gentle Mates replace Lynn Vision

ESL confirmed that Lynn Vision would not be attending Pro League, citing their inability to bring a full line-up. Gentle Mates, who were next in line under ESL’s “last-minute replacements” rule, accepted the invitation.

Unfortunately @Lynnvision_ are unable to field a complete roster at #ESLProLeague Season 22. Due to their ineligibility and a short replacement window, Lynn Vision will be replaced by @gentlemates who were the next eligible team to accept the invite per our rules stating:

3.2.6… pic.twitter.com/ezzWXvyOfA

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 27, 2025

The choice came after several other European teams were ruled out. Ninjas in Pyjamas, SAW and BetBoom were ineligible for declining earlier qualifier invites, while fnatic were asked first but declined the replacement slot.

The sudden call-up comes at a difficult time for Gentle Mates, who were competing at the Birch Cup in Gdańsk, Poland. With the Pro League kicking off in Sweden on the same weekend, the squad had to make the tough decision to withdraw from Birch.

Head coach Eloy “deLonge” Suárez expressed frustration with the scheduling clash, taking to X to criticise Birch organisers for refusing to allow a replacement team at their event. “No team should be penalised for getting invited to a higher-tier event that represents a huge opportunity in their professional growth,” he said.

Virtus.pro denied entry, ENCE take their place

Later the same day, Virtus.pro also had to withdraw, this time under far more dramatic circumstances. The Russian squad revealed that three of their players were denied entry into Sweden after border officials flagged their medical insurance as insufficient. Although the organisation scrambled to arrange new policies, their visas were revoked before they could resolve the issue.

Unfortunately @virtuspro are unable to field a complete roster at #ESLProLeague Season 22. Due to their ineligibility and a short replacement window, VP will be replaced by @ENCE who were the next eligible team to accept the invite per our rules stating:

3.2.6 Last minute… pic.twitter.com/hVH1fiV1HR

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 27, 2025

This setback is a huge blow for Virtus.pro’s hopes of securing a spot at the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major. They are currently projected to sit 15th out of 16 possible European qualifying spots, with several rivals still in contention to overtake them.

Their slot at Pro League has now gone to ENCE, who were competing at the Birch Cup alongside Gentle Mates. Just like the Spanish squad, ENCE are now expected to abandon their Polish campaign in order to make it to Sweden in time for their opening match against M80.

A chaotic lead-up to Pro League

The back-to-back withdrawals highlight the unpredictable nature of international esports competition, where scheduling conflicts and travel logistics can turn into major roadblocks.

For Gentle Mates and ENCE, however, the replacements are a golden opportunity to showcase themselves on one of Counter-Strike’s biggest stages. With Pro League matches starting this Sunday, both squads face a quick turnaround to prepare.

How they handle the sudden shift could have a huge impact not only on their Pro League campaigns but also on their chances of making it to the Budapest Major.

The post Gentle Mates and ENCE Step In at ESL Pro League as Lynn Vision and Virtus.pro Withdraw appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed that the search for a new VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA partner team is officially underway, following the recent departure of Spanish organisation Movistar KOI.

Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports EMEA at Riot Games, shared the update in a post on X, revealing that ten organisations with strong ties to VALORANT have been invited to take part in the application process. The move comes as the league looks to fill KOI’s vacated slot for the 2026 season.

VCT EMEA fans,

I want to take a moment to share an update on the open slot in our league. A week ago, we launched an invite-only selection process to find our next partner team. We invited ten orgs with strong ties to VALORANT Esports in EMEA – including our outgoing visitor…

— Daniel Ringland (@RiotStupendous) September 22, 2025

“We launched an invite-only selection process to find our next partner team,” Ringland said. “We invited ten orgs with strong ties to VALORANT Esports in EMEA, including our outgoing visitor teams and Ascension teams – to participate in the selection process.”

Same criteria as the original partner teams

Riot confirmed it will be using the same framework applied when the original partner teams were selected back in 2023. Competitive performance is only part of the criteria, with Riot also weighing up fandom, community engagement, marketing strength, and overall operational readiness.

“Our goal is to find an organisation that can help grow the sport and have a meaningful impact on the ecosystem next year,” Ringland explained. “We’ve received a number of strong proposals and will be working through them over the coming weeks.”

The chosen team is expected to be revealed in October, just before the VCT Ascension tournament kicks off on 18 October.

KOI’s shock departure

The announcement follows Riot’s decision to cut ties with Movistar KOI earlier this month. The organisation, co-founded by popular Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos, was removed from the league due to what Riot cited as contractual breaches.

Reports suggest the main issue centred on KOI failing to meet co-streaming obligations, with Llanos himself stepping back from regular streaming this year due to mental health challenges. Although other KOI staff filled in on broadcasts, Riot decided that wasn’t enough to meet the terms of their agreement.

Ibai voiced his frustration at the decision, claiming he hadn’t been given enough warning and suggesting the move may have been intended to open the door for Gentle Mates, another streamer-led team, to return in a permanent capacity.

Guest teams also at risk

KOI’s exit isn’t the only change on the horizon. Guest teams Apeks and Gentle Mates, both of whom failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2025, are also set to lose their VCT slots unless one of them is selected as a new partner. Otherwise, both will drop down to tier two competition in 2026.

Gentle Mates, co-founded by French creator Lucas “Squeezie” Hauchard, has remained a popular draw despite inconsistent results on the server. Their matches regularly pulled strong viewership numbers throughout the season, thanks in part to Squeezie’s heavy involvement.

What’s next for VCT EMEA

With KOI out and two visitor teams on the chopping block, Riot’s upcoming decision will shape the competitive landscape of VCT EMEA heading into 2026.

The next few weeks will be crucial as Riot reviews proposals from the ten invited organisations. Whoever is chosen won’t just be filling KOI’s shoes, but will also be tasked with helping grow VALORANT esports across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Fans can expect the official announcement of the new VCT EMEA partner team in October.

The post Riot Opens VCT EMEA Partner Team Selection After KOI’s Exit appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The VALORANT esports scene has been shaken this week with Riot Games officially terminating Movistar KOI’s partnership in the VCT EMEA, forcing the Spanish organisation out of the league heading into the 2026 season.

🚨 MOVISTAR KOI’S PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH #VCTEMEA HAS BEEN TERMINATED

Riot Games will fill the team slot for the 2026 season pic.twitter.com/3AgMCiRZVE

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) September 6, 2025

Riot cited a breach of contractual obligations as the reason for KOI’s removal, claiming the team failed to meet requirements tied to their partnership. While Riot hasn’t gone into full detail publicly, multiple reports and statements have painted a messy picture of what led to the decision.

Riot Raises Concerns Over Contractual Breaches

According to a report from Sheep Esports, Riot had flagged shortcomings with KOI’s obligations several times throughout the 2024 season. These included failing to meet co-streaming hours that were unique to their partnership, as well as not replacing Ibai Llanos as the organisation’s main broadcast asset as required by their deal.

KOI’s merger with Movistar Riders and MAD Lions KOI in early 2024 reportedly complicated matters further, causing delays and administrative issues. Riot first issued a formal warning in January 2025, followed by another meeting in May with OverActive Media’s Chief Strategy Officer, Fernando Piquer, to address the concerns. Despite this, KOI claim they believed progress had been made and that their league spot was secure, especially after working closely with Riot on the 2026 bundle.

That belief crumbled when Riot called KOI into an emergency meeting on September 4, where the organisation was informed of its immediate removal from the VCT. The public announcement went live just two days later, reportedly without KOI being granted the chance to prepare a response.

KOI Disputes Riot’s Decision

KOI’s leadership has since spoken out. OverActive Media CEO Adam Adamou released a statement saying the organisation did provide alternatives when certain requirements couldn’t be met, at their own expense, and that these “performed well beyond expectations.” Adamou stressed that Riot had every right to make the decision but called it sudden and disagreed with the reasoning, insisting the dispute came down to “technical details in the contract.”

My Statement on VCT EMEA:

“Riot has decided that our time in VCT will end after the 2025 season. I don’t agree with their decision. We delivered everything in 2024, and for 2025 and 2026 our agreement required us to provide alternatives if we were unable to meet certain…

— Adam Adamou 🐦‍🔥🎏 (@Grazen) September 6, 2025

Co-founder and streamer Ibai Llanos also posted a 10-minute video, in which he expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of warning from Riot. He admitted to shortcomings such as underwhelming content, disappointing results, and low skin sales in 2025, but said he was willing to return to full-time broadcasting of matches to address the concerns, even offering to cover League of Legends events if needed. According to Ibai, that offer was dismissed outright.

Accusations of Favouritism

In addition to disputing Riot’s reasoning, Ibai suggested that the decision may have been influenced by outside factors. Speaking on stream, he claimed Riot “made up any excuse to kick a team out so Gentle Mates can regain their slot,” referencing the French team that was relegated earlier this year. While Riot has not commented on this allegation, the statement has sparked debate among fans about whether competitive or commercial considerations were at play.

Ibai Llanos has called out Riot Games after Movistar KOI’s partnership agreement was terminated from the VCT:

“I kind of think the fact that Gentle Mates could come back to the VCT has been crucial for Riot because I feel like they made up any excuse to kick a team out so… pic.twitter.com/HFTQLJ761s

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) September 7, 2025

Fallout for Players and Staff

The decision leaves KOI’s VALORANT division in limbo. Plans to completely rebuild the roster for 2026 under academy coach Kirian “Yaba” Martínez have been scrapped, and players including Ondřej “MONSTEERR” Petrů, Harry “Gorilla” Mepham, and Dom “soulcas” Sulcas were declared free agents as of September 6. Sheep Esports reported that Riot required KOI to release its players unconditionally, leaving their futures uncertain.

KOI’s exit ends a project that began back in 2022 and was expected to continue with a fresh rebuild. Despite never reaching playoffs in any VCT EMEA event, the team had become a fan-favourite brand thanks to its ties with Ibai and rapid growth in the Spanish esports scene.

KOI Looks to the Future

In his farewell message, Adamou thanked Riot and the community, stressing that KOI’s journey in esports is far from over. “KOI is one of the fastest growing organisations in esports,” he wrote. “Our story in VALORANT ends here, but our journey together continues.”

For Riot, the focus now turns to finding a replacement team to fill the vacant slot in the VCT EMEA for 2026. As of now, no successor has been announced.

Fans will be watching closely to see who steps into KOI’s place, and what the organisation itself does next after being cut from one of the biggest esports leagues in the world.

The post Riot Ends Movistar KOI’s VCT EMEA Partnership Ahead of 2026 Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.