Karmine Corp Ends Its VALORANT Academy Run for 2026, Exits Challengers France

A Major Shift for Karmine Corp’s VALORANT Programme

Karmine Corp has announced a surprising change heading into next year, confirming that the organisation will no longer operate its VALORANT academy roster in 2026. With this move, the team will officially withdraw from VALORANT Challengers France, closing the chapter on its Blue Stars line up.

Comme annoncé par Kamel en live, nous n’aurons pas d’académie Valorant en 2026 et quittons donc les Valorant Challengers France.

Merci aux joueurs ainsi qu’au coaching staff pour cette belle saison, on vous souhaite plein de réussite dans vos futures aventures @sorenkhhh @Yohpa_… pic.twitter.com/iNc1mXmJ9x

— Karmine Corp (@KarmineCorp) November 12, 2025

The announcement was first revealed by Karmine Corp founder Kamel during a livestream, then echoed across the organisation’s socials. KC thanked the full roster and coaching staff for their work throughout 2025, wishing each of them success moving forward.

A Strong 2025 Season Despite No Ascension Path

While Karmine Corp Blue Stars had no path to Ascension due to academy restrictions, the team still put up a solid year. They finished second in VALORANT Challengers France: Revolution Stage 2, which secured a place in VALORANT Challengers EMEA: Stage 2.

Although the squad did not capture a championship title, fans praised the team for pushing deep in the competition and proving their potential. Many supporters expressed gratitude on social media, saying the roster went further than expected and delivered an exciting season.

Players React to the Disbandment

The decision to shut down the academy roster has not been accompanied by a clear explanation. Fans asked repeatedly why the team was ending, but Karmine Corp has not provided details.

One of the team’s players, Baptiste “Yohpa” Khoury, shared a heartfelt message. He said he was eager to continue with KC in 2026, but the opportunity was not possible. Yohpa called the situation disappointing, adding that he remains grateful for everything the year brought him.

La fin de l’ère KC Yohpa 😞

Merci à tous ceux qui ont cru en moi cette saison.
Porter le maillot de la Karmine a été une immense fierté, autant sur le plan humain que compétitif.

J’ai vécu une année pleine d’apprentissage, de moments très dur…
Entouré de personnes… https://t.co/JcrmR9Ylto

— Yohpa (@Yohpa_) November 12, 2025

Across social media, fans and community figures echoed similar sentiments. Some expressed sadness, others showed pride in the team’s achievements, and a handful debated whether the move signals a focus shift towards other titles such as League of Legends or even a potential return to Overwatch.

What Happens Next for Karmine Corp?

The closure of the academy team comes as changes are also happening within the main VCT roster. KC recently released Artur “pyrolll” Minin, though a replacement has not yet been announced. Another key detail is that Matias “Saadhak” Delipetro is currently not listed on the official VALORANT Champions Tour Contract Database as part of the team.

For now, the confirmed KC players for the 2026 season are:

• Martin “marteen” Pátek
• Hazem “avez” Khaled
• Dmitrii “SUYGETSU” Iliushin

More signings are expected soon as the Off Season moves into its final stages. With the next VCT season approaching, the team will need time to train together and finalise strategies.

A Farewell to Blue Stars

Although the academy squad will not return in 2026, the year-long project has left a strong mark on KC’s fan base. Many supporters thanked the players for their efforts, celebrating their run and wishing them success in future teams. For Karmine Corp, the shift opens the door to new priorities as the organisation prepares for a packed year ahead.

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