ZOWIE has locked in a multi-year partnership with Riot Games to become the official monitor of the VALORANT Champions Tour Americas. The deal means every professional match at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles will be played on ZOWIE’s flagship hardware, starting with VCT Americas Stage 1 on 10 April.

ZOWIE is now the Official Monitor Partner of VCT Americas.​

With roots in the FPS community, ZOWIE ensures every product addresses the true demands of competitive play. We are dedicated to designing professional esports equipment for FPS players, and that’s why we’re partnering… pic.twitter.com/ri9v7sgXJ6

— ZOWIE Esports North America (@ZOWIEbyBenQUSA) April 7, 2026

The timing is deliberate. Stage 1 kicks off a high-stakes five-week stretch leading into the next global international event, and ZOWIE’s monitors will be front and centre throughout. It is a significant get for the BenQ-owned brand, placing its gear on one of the most visible stages in competitive VALORANT.

What Hardware The Pros Will Be Using

The monitor going on stage is the ZOWIE XL2566X+, which sits at the top of the company’s current lineup. It runs a 400Hz Fast TN panel at native 1080p and features DyAc 2 technology, ZOWIE’s proprietary motion clarity system designed to reduce blur during fast-paced gameplay. The monitor also includes enhanced colour modes tailored specifically for FPS titles.

For context, ZOWIE claims that 70% of professional FPS players use its products, a figure the brand has leaned on for years to reinforce its position in the competitive space. Whether or not you take that number at face value, the company’s presence at major tournaments is hard to dispute.

ZOWIE’s Broader Competitive Footprint

The VCT Americas deal does not exist in isolation. ZOWIE already maintains partnerships with professional organisations including ENVY and Sentinels, ensuring its monitors are validated through daily use in scrims and ranked play, not just on broadcast stages. That kind of integration matters because it means pro players are already familiar with the hardware before they sit down for an official match.

Read More: ESL Expands ZOWIE Partnership For All CS2 Events Through 2027

Read More: ZOWIE Signs Team Vitality IGL apEX As New CS2 Partner

ZOWIE was also an official partner at the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025, where the company outlined its broader strategy of embedding itself within competitive communities rather than simply slapping a logo on events.

The Monitor Arms Race in Esports

ZOWIE’s move comes during what has become an aggressive global race for monitor dominance across esports. LG Electronics recently renewed its decade-long partnership with Brazilian organisation MIBR to keep its UltraGear line in the competitive spotlight, while ASUS ROG has expanded through title sponsorships for the NECC National Championships and a full-season deal with BLAST for Counter-Strike 2.

Samsung has pushed into the Nordic scene through a partnership with Metizport, and AGON by AOC has secured collaborations with both Gaimin Gladiators and Method. Even consumer television brands like TCL are entering the space, most recently through a sponsorship with Brazilian powerhouse FURIA. Display technology has clearly become a competitive differentiator that hardware companies are willing to invest heavily in, and locking down a league-wide partnership like VCT Americas is about as high-profile as it gets.

Aim Challenge Gives Fans a Shot at VIP Access

To mark the partnership launch, ZOWIE has teamed up with ENVY and 2023 VALORANT World Champion Max “Demon1” Mazanov for the Aim Challenge, running from now until 5 May. The challenge tasks players with clearing 50 bots in the VALORANT Range as quickly and precisely as possible.

The top three scorers will each receive an XL2566X+ monitor. The overall winner gets a trip to the VCT Americas Stage 1 Qualifiers at Riot Games Arena, VIP meet-and-greet access with ENVY players, a signed jersey from Demon1, and limited-edition ZOWIE merchandise. The challenge will also have an on-site presence at the VCT Americas fan event in Los Angeles during the Stage 1 Playoffs, where attendees can try the XL2566X+ at the ZOWIE booth.

What This Means For VCT Americas Stage 1

With Stage 1 beginning on 10 April, the partnership goes live almost immediately. Bear Jemison, Head of VALORANT Esports Americas, noted that having ZOWIE’s monitors as part of the competitive fleet will elevate the experience for teams heading into a stretch that directly feeds into the next global event. For ZOWIE, the deal is a clear statement of intent in a crowded market, and for fans tuning in, it is another layer of production value on one of the biggest stages in tactical shooter esports.

The post ZOWIE Is the Official Monitor of VCT Americas in Multi-Year Riot Games Deal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

VALORANT Patch 12.05 is here, and it’s a pretty meaningful one if you care about how the game actually plays at a team level. Riot isn’t just dropping a new Agent, it’s clearly trying to shift the meta away from solo carry potential and toward coordinated teamplay, with a mix of nerfs, UI upgrades, and a brand-new limited-time mode to shake things up.

At the centre of it all is Miks, a new Controller designed to support teammates rather than dominate rounds alone, alongside balance changes targeting some of the game’s strongest “selfish” picks like Yoru and Clove.

New Agent Miks Brings A Teamplay-Focused Controller

Miks joins the roster as VALORANT’s 29th Agent and seventh Controller, arriving from Croatia with a kit built around synergy and momentum rather than raw individual power.

His abilities revolve around buffing allies, disrupting enemies, and controlling space through sound-based mechanics. Harmonize lets him grant a Combat Stim to both himself and a teammate, refreshing on kills, while M-pulse can switch between healing and concussive effects depending on how it’s deployed. Waveform gives him flexible smoke placement through a map targeter, and his ultimate, Bassquake, sends out a wave that knocks back, slows, and deafens opponents.

Riot describes him as the “ultimate wingman”, and that design philosophy shows across his entire kit. Instead of enabling solo plays, Miks works best when you’re coordinating pushes and trades with your team.

He starts rolling out globally from March 18, giving players immediate access as Act 2 kicks off.

Riot Targets “Selfish” Agents With Balance Changes

A big part of Patch 12.05 is clearly aimed at reducing how much impact certain Agents can have on their own.

Yoru has been one of the most dominant picks, especially at higher ranks and in pro play. His Gatecrash duration has been cut from 30 seconds to 15 seconds, and his Blindside flashes have been reduced from two charges down to one. Riot says his ability to rotate across the map and create pressure was starting to push out other roles entirely.

Clove is also getting toned down, particularly their ability to influence rounds after death. Smoke duration while dead has been reduced from 14 seconds to just 6 seconds, and Meddle’s area of effect has been shrunk. The goal here is to make Controllers more balanced across the board, especially with Miks entering the pool.

According to Riot’s Global Community Manager Kenny “Karnifexlol” Cameron, these changes are part of a wider push to “support coordinated teamplay and increase pick diversity,” rather than letting a handful of Agents dominate the meta.

Skye Flash Returns To Cooldown System

Skye players will notice a familiar change, her Guiding Light flash is now back on a cooldown, set at 60 seconds.

Previously, the ability had no recharge at all after earlier adjustments, but Riot says that created awkward decision-making where players either held onto it too long or used it too freely without meaningful tradeoffs.

By bringing back a longer cooldown, Skye players now have to choose more carefully between using the flash for scouting or saving it for key engagements, especially after broader Initiator changes in recent patches.

New Knockout Mode Introduces Revival-Based Combat

Patch 12.05 also introduces a new limited-time mode called Knockout, which plays very differently from standard VALORANT.

It’s a 5v5 round-based mode where eliminating an enemy brings a fallen teammate back to life. That alone changes the pacing massively, as fights can swing back and forth depending on trades and coordination.

Matches take place on TDM maps with no economy system, and weapons escalate as rounds progress. There’s also a territory mechanic where teams push a central line across the map, gaining advantages like healing and ultimate charge through orb captures.

Rounds last three minutes, with overtime forcing a final fight by disabling respawns and applying damage over time. First to four rounds wins, making matches relatively quick at around 8 to 15 minutes.

At the same time, Riot is rotating out All Random One Site and Skirmish: 2v2 to make space for the new mode.

Quality Of Life Updates Focus On Team Recognition

Beyond Agents and modes, Riot has added several UI improvements aimed at better highlighting teamwork.

Assist banners now appear on-screen when you contribute to a kill, showing exactly how you helped, whether through damage or utility.

The killfeed has also been updated to display assisting players and abilities more clearly, though this information is only visible to your team.

Status effects on the HUD have been reorganised as well, with buffs shown on the left and debuffs on the right, making it easier to track what’s affecting you mid-fight.

Even ally targeting has been updated, with Sage receiving improved UI to match Miks’s targeting system, alongside a visual model update that reflects her evolving role in VALORANT’s story.

Lotus Changes And Map Pool Rotation

On the map side, Lotus remains in the competitive pool but has received targeted adjustments to A-site.

Walls have been reinforced to reduce early-round wall penetration, especially right after barriers drop. The jump-up to Vines has been repositioned to give attackers a better chance of pushing out of lobby, and additional space has been added near A-site stairs to give defenders more flexibility when holding.

The A-site plant zone has also been adjusted, removing certain safe plant positions tied to breakable structures.

Meanwhile, Lotus and Fracture are now in the Competitive and Deathmatch queues, while Abyss and Corrode have been rotated out.

Competitive And Premier Tweaks Roll Out

On PC, Premier Stage V26A2 kicks off alongside the patch, running for six weeks instead of the usual seven. Teams will need at least 500 Premier Score to qualify for Playoffs on April 26.

Ranked is also getting a subtle adjustment, with new thresholds for Immortal 2, Immortal 3, and Radiant to ensure consistency across regions. Riot notes that underlying MMR systems haven’t changed, so leaderboard composition should remain largely the same.

A Clear Shift Toward Teamplay In VALORANT

Taken as a whole, Patch 12.05 feels like a deliberate step toward a more team-focused VALORANT experience.

Between Miks’s supportive design, nerfs to high-impact solo Agents, and UI changes that highlight assists, Riot is clearly trying to reward coordination over individual hero plays.

Whether that fully reshapes the meta or just nudges it in a new direction will depend on how players adapt, but for now, it’s one of the more philosophy-driven updates the game has seen in a while.

The post VALORANT Patch 12.05 Adds Miks, Nerfs Yoru And Clove, Introduces Knockout Mode appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A new custom game mode for Counter-Strike 2 is turning heads across the competitive scene, because it basically lets players experience a “VALORANT-style” version of Counter-Strike.

Called Project Phoenix, the experimental mode was created by modder Orel Stealth in collaboration with tournament organiser ESL.

In collaboration with @ESLCS, we made a new gamemode for @CounterStrike:
PROJECT PHOENIX🐦‍🔥

Traditional 5v5, but with 10 unique abilities!

That was a fun ride making this one! https://t.co/gY9X6XhrrR

— Orel (@OrelStealth) March 13, 2026

The twist is simple but dramatic. It keeps the traditional 5v5 Counter-Strike format, but introduces ten unique abilities that players can use during matches.

For long-time Counter-Strike fans, it’s about as close as the game has ever come to a hero-shooter experience.

What Project Phoenix Changes In Counter-Strike 2

At its core, Project Phoenix still follows the classic tactical structure players expect from Counter-Strike.

Teams play a standard 5v5 match, but before the game begins players select two abilities. One ability can be used on each side during the match, adding a layer of strategy that normally doesn’t exist in Counter-Strike’s purely equipment-based gameplay.

The abilities themselves lean heavily into hero-shooter style mechanics, including teleportation, scouting tools, movement boosts, and healing powers.

Some of the abilities available in the mode include:

• Teleport, which instantly moves the player a medium distance
• Scout, which spawns a chicken that marks enemies through walls
• Olofboost, creating a solid wall players can use for cover or elevation
• Hunden, placing a camera that tags enemies
• Dash, letting players quickly burst in any direction
• Undertaker, which heals teammates and can revive an ally with its ultimate ability
• No Fear, which heals damage from molotov fire and can bring a player back after ten seconds
• L Vape, deploying a toxic cloud
• VAC, restricting enemy movement
• Fake Flash, spawning a fake player that blinds attackers

Players can also quickly swap abilities during warmup using the in-game chat command.

The overall result is something that feels far closer to VALORANT than traditional Counter-Strike.

ESL Testing The Mode With Pro Teams

The mode isn’t just a community experiment. ESL has already produced gameplay videos showcasing professional teams trying Project Phoenix.

One video features FaZe Clan facing Team Spirit in the custom mode.

While another shows Natus Vincere taking on FURIA Esports.

The chaotic gameplay clearly caught the players off guard. During one match, FaZe in-game leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen joked that he might start a career in VALORANT after experimenting with the abilities.

Meanwhile, FURIA in-game leader Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo laughed during the match and called the mode “CS 3.0”.

The Counter-Strike Community Is Loving The Idea

Early reactions from fans have been surprisingly positive.

Many viewers joked that ESL had accidentally created a new version of Counter-Strike entirely. One comment on the gameplay video joked that while everyone else is playing CS2, ESL appears to be testing “CS3”.

Others immediately compared the concept to VALORANT’s hero abilities, with some joking that pro teams were getting a preview of Riot’s tactical shooter inside Counter-Strike itself.

Some fans even suggested that the mode would be perfect for live showmatches at esports events, where the unpredictable abilities could make for entertaining arena moments.

How To Play Project Phoenix Yourself

The mode is already available through the Steam Workshop.

The Project Phoenix download currently sits at just under 100 MB and has attracted thousands of players shortly after release, with more than 12,000 unique visitors and over 6,000 subscribers so far.

Players who want to try it can connect to a public server using the console command provided by the creators.

Just put this ‘connect 51.77.68.93:27030’ in the console.

Because it’s a community mod rather than an official update, the mode currently exists purely as a custom experience rather than something built directly into Counter-Strike 2.

Still, it’s an interesting glimpse at what Counter-Strike might look like if abilities ever became part of the core gameplay.

For now though, Project Phoenix remains exactly what it was designed to be, a fun experiment that blends Counter-Strike’s classic tactical format with the chaotic creativity of a hero shooter.

The post Playing VALORANT In CS2 Is Now Possible With Project Phoenix appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Nongshim RedForce have claimed the VCT Masters Santiago 2026 title after dismantling Paper Rex in a dominant 3–0 grand final. The Pacific showdown ended with Nongshim taking Corrode 13–11, Split 13–4, and Abyss 13–3, securing the organisation’s first international trophy in VALORANT.

HISTORY MADE BY @nsr_valorant!!!

FROM PREMIER TO A #VALORANTMASTERS TROPHY! pic.twitter.com/jzQ1WDAMEe

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 15, 2026

What makes the victory even more remarkable is where the team came from. Nongshim RedForce entered the season as an Ascension squad, yet in Santiago they completed a Cinderella run from regional promotion all the way to the top of the international VALORANT Champions Tour.

Nongshim RedForce Complete Historic Masters Santiago Victory

The grand final marked the first meeting between Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex, with both teams fighting not only for the Masters trophy but also bragging rights as the best team in the Pacific region.

Paper Rex arrived as favourites, largely due to their previous Masters success and established reputation on the international stage. Nongshim, meanwhile, were competing in their first international event after earning promotion through Ascension.

Despite that experience gap, Nongshim’s firepower quickly flipped expectations. They swept the best-of-five series 3–0, becoming the first Ascension team ever to win an international VALORANT trophy.

The Korean roster also maintained an extraordinary streak, finishing Masters Santiago without losing a single series in 2026.

Corrode Opens The Series With A Tight Comeback

The series began on Corrode, where Paper Rex initially controlled the pace. Their defensive setup helped them reach an 8–4 halftime lead after early clutch plays, including a three-kill round from d4v41 that stabilised their economy.

The second half told a completely different story.

Nongshim tightened their defence and clawed the map back round by round. Xross delivered one of the turning points of the map with four clean kills to tie the score at 9–9.

From there the momentum swung heavily toward Nongshim. Strong late-round decision making allowed them to edge ahead at 11–11 before closing out the map 13–11 to take the series lead.

Split Turns Into A One-Sided Rout

Split quickly turned into the most lopsided map of the series.

Nongshim exploded out of the gate with a six-round streak thanks to aggressive mid control and sharp mechanical play. Ivy played a crucial role during the early momentum, snapping onto multiple targets to secure a bonus round conversion.

Paper Rex eventually broke through with a clutch 1v2 from Jinggg, but by halftime Nongshim had already built a commanding 9–3 advantage.

The second half ended any hopes of a comeback. Ivy delivered an ace that pushed Nongshim to map point at 12–3, and the Korean squad closed out Split 13–4 to move within one map of the championship.

Abyss Seals The Sweep

Abyss presented an uncomfortable situation for Paper Rex. The map had not appeared in their pool during the tournament, while Nongshim had already shown solid performances on it earlier in the event.

The grand final reflected that difference immediately.

Nongshim secured another pistol round and quickly surged to a 7–1 lead. Their coordinated mid flanks repeatedly caught Paper Rex off guard, while Xross continued his strong form by consistently shutting down something in opening duels.

The first half ended 10–2 after a ninja defuse from Rb extended Nongshim’s control of the map.

Paper Rex briefly kept their tournament hopes alive by winning the second-half pistol, but the momentum disappeared almost instantly when they lost the following anti-eco round. With the economy advantage secured, Nongshim closed the map 13–3 to complete the 3–0 sweep.

Xross Dominates The Grand Final

Several players stepped up throughout the series, but Xross delivered the most eye-catching performance across the three maps.

He finished the grand final with a 1.57 match rating, 60 kills, 280 ACS, and 183 ADR, repeatedly opening rounds and shutting down Paper Rex’s attempts to regain momentum.

His consistency helped stabilise Nongshim during the comeback on Corrode and continued throughout Split and Abyss.

Dambi Named Tournament MVP

While Xross dominated the grand final itself, the Masters Santiago MVP award went to Dambi.

PURELY UNSTOPPABLE!

YOUR #VALORANTMASTERS SANTIAGO MVP, @Dambi_vlrt pic.twitter.com/ymg5HdPz6u

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 15, 2026

The player made his international debut at the event and quickly became one of the most exciting figures in the tournament thanks to his aggressive Neon play. Across the entire Masters run, his entries and mechanical confidence consistently created space for Nongshim’s executes.

The MVP honour capped off a remarkable first appearance on the global stage.

Ascension Team Writes Early VCT 2026 History

Nongshim RedForce’s victory stands out not just because of the scoreline, but because of the team’s rapid rise.

Only months ago the roster was competing through the Ascension system. Now they have defeated one of the Pacific region’s most established organisations to claim an international Masters trophy.

With the VCT 2026 season still early, Nongshim’s undefeated run suggests the competitive landscape could be shifting faster than many expected.

If their form continues, the team that arrived in Santiago as a promising newcomer may now be the squad everyone else has to chase.

The post Nongshim RedForce Win VCT Masters Santiago After 3 – 0 Sweep Of Paper Rex appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has officially revealed Miks, a brand-new Controller agent coming to VALORANT, bringing a unique mix of sonic abilities, team buffs, and even healing. The agent will launch on March 18, 2026, as part of Season 2026 // Act 2, and was first unveiled during the grand finals broadcast of VCT Masters Santiago 2026.

Miks immediately stands out thanks to a toolkit built around sound energy and team coordination. While Controllers are usually focused purely on map control, Miks introduces something rarely seen in the role, the ability to heal allies mid-round.

Who Miks Is In VALORANT

Miks originates from Croatia and uses sonic energy to manipulate the flow of the battlefield. Like other Controllers, the character’s role is to manage space and help teammates execute plays by controlling map tempo.

However, Riot appears to be experimenting with the role’s boundaries. Instead of focusing only on smokes and area denial, Miks also provides direct support through buffs and healing, making the agent far more team-focused than many existing Controllers.

Game designer Kevin Meier, who worked on the character, described Miks as a teamplay-driven agent. According to Meier, players using Miks will often make decisions based on what their teammates need most in the moment, whether that means providing smokes, boosting combat effectiveness, or healing allies before the next engagement.

Miks Abilities In VALORANT

Miks’ kit revolves around sound waves, battlefield support, and tempo control. Here is a full breakdown of every ability.

Harmonize (Q)

Harmonize allows Miks to apply a Combat Stim to both himself and a targeted ally.

When activated, the buff increases combat effectiveness, and it refreshes each time the player scores a kill. Players can also use an alternate activation to apply the Combat Stim only to themselves.

The ability is designed to support coordinated pushes or help a teammate win critical duels during a round.

M-Pulse (C)

M-Pulse is arguably the most interesting part of Miks’ toolkit.

The ability functions like a grenade that can be switched between two different modes before being thrown. One mode releases sonic waves that concuss enemies, while the other mode emits waves that heal teammates standing inside the area of effect.

This dual-purpose utility means the same ability can disrupt enemy pushes or stabilise allies after a fight, depending on the situation.

Waveform (E)

Waveform acts as Miks’ primary smoke ability.

Using a map targeter, players can place smoke locations before deploying them onto the battlefield. While the mechanic itself follows the familiar smoke systems seen on other Controllers, it remains a core part of controlling sightlines and enabling safe site entries.

Bassquake (Ultimate)

Miks’ ultimate ability, Bassquake, unleashes a powerful sonic wave across the battlefield.

When activated, it sends out a shockwave that knocks back enemies, deafens them, and slows their movement. The wide area-of-effect makes it particularly effective during site pushes or defensive retakes, where disrupting multiple opponents at once can swing a round.

A Controller With Healing

One of the most notable aspects of Miks is the inclusion of a healing mechanic.

Traditionally, healing has been limited to agents like Sage and Skye. With Miks’ M-Pulse healing mode, the new Controller becomes only the third agent in VALORANT capable of restoring teammates’ health.

This addition could significantly influence team compositions, especially in situations where squads want healing without dedicating a full support agent slot.

At the same time, parts of the kit resemble abilities from other agents. The Combat Stim buff is reminiscent of Brimstone’s team utility, while the concussion effects and crowd control aspects draw comparisons to Breach.

Whether this blend of mechanics makes Miks extremely versatile or spreads the agent too thin across multiple roles will likely depend on how the competitive meta evolves.

Miks Release Date And First Impressions

Miks will officially join the VALORANT roster on March 18, 2026, launching alongside Season 2026 // Act 2.

Fans attending VCT Masters Santiago were able to see the agent in action during a showmatch demonstration, where early reactions from the crowd appeared positive. With a toolkit that combines smokes, buffs, healing, and disruptive crowd control, Miks could quickly become a popular pick once players get hands-on time with the new agent.

How the character ultimately fits into the competitive ecosystem, especially in ranked play and professional tournaments, will likely become clearer in the weeks following release.

The post VALORANT New Agent Miks Revealed: Abilities, Kit, And Release Date Explained appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed when fans will be able to buy VALORANT Masters London tickets, along with full pricing, scheduling, and venue details for the second global event of the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour.

The tournament will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London, United Kingdom, from June 6 to June 21, bringing together 12 teams from across VCT Pacific, VCT Americas, VCT CN, and VCT EMEA.

Alongside the international trophy, teams will also compete for Championship Points that contribute toward qualification for VALORANT Champions later in the year.

Tickets will go on general sale on March 27 at 10:00 AM GMT through Ticketmaster.

VALORANT Masters London Ticket Sale Date And How To Buy

According to Riot Games, VALORANT Masters London tickets will be available globally through Ticketmaster starting March 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM GMT.

Fans can purchase seats for all stages of the event through Ticketmaster UK. Riot has also confirmed a limit of four tickets per checkout.

Image Credit: Riot Games

With the Copper Box Arena considered a relatively compact esports venue, coverage from esports outlets notes that playoff and finals tickets may sell out quickly. Fans planning to attend are advised to prepare their payment details ahead of time to avoid missing out when sales open.

The event will feature reserved seating across all ticket tiers. Buyers select their preferred tier during checkout, and the best available seats within that tier will be assigned automatically.

Masters London Event Schedule And Format

Masters London runs for just over two weeks, with multiple competitive stages leading into the championship match.

Early stages and playoffs will take place across two separate windows:

• June 6 to June 10
• June 12 to June 16

Finals weekend then takes place from June 19 to June 21, culminating in the Grand Finals.

Doors open earlier during finals weekend, reflecting the expanded broadcast schedule. During the earlier stages, arena doors open at 1:30 PM local time, with matches beginning at 3:00 PM. For the final weekend, doors open at 12:30 PM with matches starting at 2:00 PM.

The event follows Masters Santiago as the second international tournament on the 2026 VCT calendar.

VALORANT Masters London Ticket Prices

Ticket pricing varies depending on the stage of the tournament and whether the match day falls on a weekday or weekend.

Early Stages And Playoffs

Weekday Matches (June 8, 9, 10, 15, 16)

• Tier 1 – £50
• Tier 2 – £40
• Tier 3 – £30
• Tier 4 – £20
• Tier 5 – £10 (slightly obstructed view)

Weekend Matches (June 6, 7, 12, 13, 14)

• Tier 1 – £75
• Tier 2 – £60
• Tier 3 – £45
• Tier 4 – £30
• Tier 5 – £15 (slightly obstructed view)

Upper Finals And Lower Finals

June 19 and June 20

• Tier 1 – £100
• Tier 2 – £75
• Tier 3 – £50
• Tier 4 – £35
• Tier 5 – £15 (slightly obstructed view)

Grand Final

June 21

• Tier 1 – £125
• Tier 2 – £100
• Tier 3 – £75
• Tier 4 – £50
• Tier 5 – £25 (slightly obstructed view)

Tier 1 ticket holders will also have access to the Super Fan Zone near the VCT stage, subject to capacity.

Fan Fest Activities Planned For Finals Weekend

Alongside the matches themselves, Riot is also hosting a community Fan Fest during finals weekend from June 19 to June 21.

The Fan Fest area will include interactive experiences, community showcases, and social spaces where fans can watch matches together, meet players and creators, and explore exhibits tied to the wider VALORANT community.

Importantly, entry to the Fan Fest does not require a tournament ticket. Visitors can drop in before or between matches to take part in activities or connect with other fans.

Riot has also confirmed plans for an Artist Alley, with more details expected soon for artists and creators interested in showcasing their work during the event.

Venue Policies And Attendee Guidelines

Several venue rules have been outlined for those planning to attend Masters London in person.

Outside food and drinks will not be permitted inside the arena, and bags larger than 43 cm by 38 cm will be prohibited. All bags will also be screened by security before entry.

Cosplay is welcome at the event, though Riot notes that props must be safe and non-threatening. Realistic firearms, sharp weapons, smoke effects, and hazardous materials will not be allowed.

Professional cameras with interchangeable lenses, tripods, or flash equipment are also prohibited unless specifically authorised for broadcast or media coverage.

As with most large esports broadcasts, attendees should also be aware that the event will be filmed, meaning their image may appear in official coverage or marketing material.

With the event still several months away, Riot has yet to confirm which teams will qualify for Masters London. That race will unfold through the ongoing regional VCT leagues, with only 12 teams ultimately earning a spot on stage in June.

For fans hoping to watch the action live inside the Copper Box Arena, March 27 will be the key date to circle on the calendar.

The post VALORANT Masters London Tickets Go On Sale March 27 As Riot Reveals Prices And Schedule appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games is adding a brand-new game mode to Valorant called Knockout, and it is designed to deliver quick, action-heavy matches built around teamwork and trading kills. The mode was officially revealed during the grand finals broadcast of VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 Masters Santiago and will go live on March 18, 2026 as part of the Season 2026 Act 2 update.

Knockout launches alongside the game’s newly revealed agent Miks and introduces a round-based elimination format that mixes the fast pacing of Team Deathmatch with more tactical team coordination. Riot says matches are designed to last roughly 8 to 15 minutes, making it a quick mode players can jump into without committing to a full competitive match.

What Is The VALORANT Knockout Mode?

Knockout is essentially a tactical evolution of Team Deathmatch. Two teams face off in round-based elimination rounds where the objective is simple, wipe out the enemy team.

What makes the mode different is its kill-to-revive mechanic. Instead of players respawning on timers, eliminating an enemy immediately revives one of your fallen teammates. Every kill therefore has a double impact, weakening the opponent while restoring your own numbers.

The mechanic creates constant momentum swings. A team that appears to be losing can quickly recover if a player secures a few key eliminations. In extreme cases, a player stuck in a 1v5 situation could chain a couple of kills and suddenly bring the round back to a 3v3.

Rounds end when one team eliminates the other entirely. If neither side finishes the job before the time limit expires, an overtime mechanic triggers to force a resolution. The first team to win four rounds takes the match.

How Knockout Matches Work

Each round begins with both teams spawning in separate areas behind raised barriers. This short pre-round phase allows players to select their loadouts and coordinate strategies before the barriers drop and the fight begins.

Once the round starts, both teams push toward a central dividing wall that separates the two sides of the map. The wall is designed to encourage coordinated movement. Pushing across it alone is considered a tactical mistake, and the mode mechanically rewards teams that move together.

Abilities play a big role here. Teams are expected to use smokes, flashes, and other utility to clear angles and create safe crossings before pushing forward as a group.

Another layer of strategy comes from territory control. Teams can capture special orbs that push the centre wall toward the enemy side of the map.

This gradually compresses the opponent’s space, forcing them into tighter angles while giving the attacking team stronger positions.

The Kill And Revive System Keeps Rounds Alive

The defining feature of Knockout is its kill and resurrect loop.

Every elimination revives a teammate who has already fallen in the same round. Because of that system, no player is permanently out until the round ends. The number of active players can swing dramatically depending on how quickly teams trade kills.

This structure encourages coordinated pushes and trading rather than individual hero plays. Teams that stick together and support each other are far more likely to maintain a numbers advantage.

It also creates dramatic comeback moments. Riot designed the mode so that even a heavily disadvantaged team still has a path back into the round through smart positioning and well-timed eliminations.

Why Riot Is Expanding VALORANT’s Casual Modes

Knockout arrives as Riot continues to expand the non-competitive side of Valorant.

The developer recently introduced a 2v2 Skirmish mode earlier in 2026, signalling a broader effort to give players more ways to experience the game outside of traditional Spike modes.

Knockout fills a specific niche between casual and tactical play. It removes the complexity of spike planting and site management while still preserving the team coordination and ability usage that define the game’s core combat.

For new players, it offers a faster way to learn key concepts such as trading kills and moving with teammates. For experienced players, it provides a sandbox to practise aggressive pushes and coordinated plays without the pressure of ranked matches.

When Knockout Releases In VALORANT

Knockout officially launches on March 18, 2026 as part of the Season 2026 Act 2 update.

The update will also introduce the new agent Miks, alongside other seasonal changes including patch updates and map rotation adjustments.

With its focus on teamwork, fast matches, and comeback-heavy mechanics, Knockout could quickly become one of the most accessible modes for players who want a shorter but still tactical version of the Valorant experience.

The post VALORANT Knockout Mode Explained: Fast-Paced New Team Mode appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The For Retribution Player Card in Valorant is now available, and yes, it directly ties into the explosive Season 2026 Act 1 cinematic, Why We Fight Back. If you’ve seen the Omega Viper and Chamber scene and wanted that exact image on your profile, Riot has officially made it redeemable for free.

Here’s exactly how to get it, plus the lore context behind why this cosmetic even exists.

How To Redeem The For Retribution Player Card

Riot has made the For Retribution Player Card completely free through a redemption code. There’s no Battle Pass tier, no missions, and no purchase required.

To redeem it:

1. Head to Riot’s official redemption page: https://shop.riotgames.com/redeem/
2. Log in with your Riot account
3. Enter the code: CC-VAL26-ALPHA-OMEGA
4. Click Redeem

Once completed, the player card should be added instantly to your Valorant inventory. If you have the game open and do not see it immediately, restart the client to refresh your cosmetics list.

At the time of writing, Riot has not announced an expiration date for this code. That suggests it will likely remain active for at least the duration of Season 2026, but as with most promotional rewards, it is best to redeem it sooner rather than later.

Why The For Retribution Card Matters In Season 2026

Season 2026 Act 1 launched with the Why We Fight Back cinematic, one of the darkest Valorant cinematics to date.

The trailer confirmed that the Omega Earth versions of Viper and Chamber were in a relationship. While Alpha Earth voice lines previously showed Chamber flirting and Viper rejecting him, the Omega timeline presented a very different dynamic.

In the cinematic, we see them together in an intimate moment. However, that scene is later revealed to be a hallucination after Chamber is killed early in the trailer. The rest of the story follows Omega Viper spiralling into revenge.

She turns bitter toward Brimstone’s leadership, ultimately killing Omega Brimstone with the backing of her team. The conflict escalates further when Omega Viper leads her squad into the Alpha universe to hunt their counterparts, effectively igniting a larger Alpha versus Omega war.

The cinematic also features brutal cross-universe confrontations, including both versions of Sova injuring each other and a savage fight between Viper and Alpha Brimstone. During that fight, visions of Chamber intensify Viper’s rage, pushing her to repeatedly stab Brimstone. Riot leaves his survival ambiguous.

The For Retribution Player Card uses the hugging scene between Chamber and Viper, a moment that symbolises the emotional catalyst for the entire revenge arc.

From Fan Request To Official Cosmetic

After the cinematic dropped, players quickly began asking Riot to turn the Chamber and Viper hug into a player card. The pairing gained traction immediately, with many players running Chamber and Viper duos in ranked as a nod to the lore.

Riot has now delivered exactly that request with For Retribution.

The title itself is a direct reference to Viper’s revenge-driven storyline in Season 2026. It is not just a romantic image, it is a visual representation of the motivation behind Omega Viper’s warpath.

What This Means For Valorant’s Ongoing Lore

The Alpha versus Omega conflict is now far more personal than it has ever been. Previously, the war centred around resources and survival. Season 2026 shifts that tone into something driven by grief and vengeance.

By making the For Retribution Player Card free, Riot is clearly encouraging players to engage with the lore moment. It is a rare case of a cinematic story beat directly translating into an in-game collectible.

If you have not watched Why We Fight Back yet, it is worth doing so before equipping the card. The image carries significantly more weight once you understand what it represents.

And if Riot continues this trajectory, we may see more lore-driven cosmetics tied directly to major cinematic events throughout the 2026 season.

For now, though, the For Retribution Player Card is live and free. All you need is the code.

The post How To Redeem The New For Retribution Player Card In Valorant appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

TenZ is back on stream following his breakup with Kyedae, and while he did not turn his return into a dramatic statement, one line quickly caught the attention of viewers.

During his first broadcast since confirming the split, TenZ casually mentioned that his schedule is “suddenly really free,”.

He did not go into personal details. Instead, he eased back into streaming, joked about moderators working overtime, and queued up some games of Valorant after admitting he had not played much recently.

TenZ Confirms VCT Masters Appearances

Beyond the breakup context, TenZ also shared concrete plans for the competitive calendar.

He confirmed he will attend multiple Valorant Champions Tour Masters events this year, including Santiago, London and Shanghai. With his schedule now more flexible, fans can expect him to be present across all three international stops.

That detail is significant for viewers wondering whether he would step back from the scene. Instead, it suggests the opposite, a continued public presence within the Valorant Champions Tour ecosystem.

Living Alone And Resetting Routine

TenZ also confirmed he is now living alone in his house. He described the past few weeks as mostly “chill,” focused on cleaning, reorganising, getting new furniture and spending time with friends.

There was no drawn out explanation, just small acknowledgements that things feel “weird” right now.

He clarified that the breakup happened “quite some time ago,” pushing back against the idea that it was an overnight development. Despite speculation in comments, he did not frame the split as dramatic or public.

Community Reaction Range From Support To Speculation

The reaction online has been a mix of humour, sympathy and outright speculation.

Some viewers joked that he is now on an “I miss her arc,” especially after he reportedly performed well in-game during the stream. Others pushed back on that framing, arguing that he is entering a “path of greatness and betterment” instead.

There were also debates in the comments around whether the breakup was mutual. While some users claimed it clearly was not, TenZ himself did not frame it that way during the stream. He simply stated they had been broken up “for quite some time now.”

It is worth clarifying that although the two were engaged, they were not married, despite some commenters incorrectly stating otherwise.

Given the length of their relationship, several fans acknowledged that some level of visible adjustment is normal. As one commenter put it, “They’ve been in a long relationship, there will always be pain.”

A Shift Toward Esports Focus

If anything, the most concrete takeaway from TenZ’s first stream after the breakup is that he appears intent on staying active around top level Valorant events.

Attending multiple VCT Masters tournaments places him squarely back in the public eye at a time when many wondered whether he might pull back.

For now, there is no dramatic pivot, no tell all moment, just a return to streaming and plans to attend more events. And in esports, consistency often says more than any statement ever could.

The post TenZ First Stream After Breakup, Plans To Attend More Valorant Events After His Schedule Suddenly “Is Really Free” appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 is set to kick off as the first international VCT event of the year, bringing 12 teams to Chile for two weeks of high-stakes competition. After regional Kickoff tournaments wrapped across Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China, the focus now shifts to Santiago, where Championship Points, prize money and serious early-season momentum are on the line.

Running from February 28 to March 15 at Espacio Riesco, this marks the first time a Masters event is held in Chile, and the first VCT international tournament in the country. Here is everything you need to know about VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026, including the teams, format, prize pool, Pick’Ems rewards and how to watch.

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Dates And Location

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 will take place at Espacio Riesco in Santiago, Chile, the largest convention centre in the country. The venue can seat up to 10,000 fans, and with South America previously delivering strong crowds during LOCK//IN São Paulo, expectations are high for another electric atmosphere.

The tournament is split into two stages:

Fans can attend in person, with tickets available via PuntoTicket. International buyers must provide passport or government ID details, and purchases are capped at four tickets per checkout.

All VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Teams

Each VCT region sends three teams, making up a 12-team field. The first seeds from each region receive a direct bye to Playoffs, while the remaining eight teams begin in the Swiss Stage.

VCT Americas

FURIA stunned many by winning Kickoff Americas, defeating a star-studded MIBR lineup and securing first seed. G2 Esports followed as second seed, while reigning world champions NRG Esports claimed the final spot after a dramatic reverse sweep in the Lower Final.

VCT EMEA

EMEA delivered one of the most unpredictable Kickoff runs. BBL Esports, featuring a roster built around PCIFIC Esports’ Ascension lineup, defeated established names including Fnatic and Team Vitality. Gentle Mates qualified as the new organisation replacing KOI in 2026, while Team Liquid secured the final slot after sweeping Fnatic 3-0.

VCT China

All Gamers lifted its first VCT trophy after key signings including iamgrq and Au1, booking the organisation’s first international appearance. Ascension side Xi Lai Gaming continued its rise, while EDward Gaming secured the final seed through the Lower Final.

VCT Pacific

Nongshim RedForce claimed Pacific’s first seed, becoming the second Ascension organisation to win a VCT event after G2 Esports. T1 and Paper Rex round out the region, both entering Santiago with strong international pedigree.

Notably, Masters Santiago will feature three Ascension teams, Nongshim RedForce, Xi Lai Gaming and G2 Esports, a first for a Masters event.

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Format Explained

The tournament begins with an eight-team Swiss Stage, followed by an eight-team double-elimination Playoffs bracket.

Swiss Stage Overview

The Swiss Stage runs from February 28 to March 4. All matches are best-of-three. Teams need two series wins to advance to Playoffs, while two losses eliminate them.

Opening matchups are:

The G2 Esports versus Paper Rex clash is particularly notable, marking their fifth VCT meeting. The series is currently tied 2-2 across 2024 and 2025.

The top four teams from Swiss join the four regional first seeds in Playoffs.

Playoffs Structure

Playoffs run from March 6 to March 15 and use a double-elimination bracket. Most matches are best-of-three, while the Lower Final and Grand Final are best-of-five.

Upper Bracket Quarterfinal matchups:

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Prize Pool And Championship Points

Image Credit: Riot Games

The total prize pool stands at USD $1,000,000, with Championship Points awarded to the top six teams. These points contribute directly towards qualification for VALORANT Champions Shanghai later in the season.

Beyond the prize money, early Championship Points are crucial in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested 2026 VCT season.

Pick’Ems And Event Rewards

Pick’Ems for the Swiss Stage are already live inside VALORANT and on the official VCT Pick’Ems website. Playoffs Pick’Ems will open once all qualified teams are confirmed.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Rewards are distributed based on percentile finish and bracket accuracy:

Drops for live viewers have not yet been revealed.

How To Watch VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026

Fans can watch the event live on the official VALORANT Champions Tour Twitch and YouTube channels, with full match coverage, pre-show segments and post-match analysis.

Co-streams will also be available through partnered creators, offering alternative commentary and community-driven broadcasts.

For fans attending in person, Espacio Riesco will host live matches, fan activations and on-site experiences throughout the two-week event.

With Ascension teams challenging established international champions and early Championship Points on the line, VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 could set the tone for the entire VCT season.

The post VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026: Teams, Schedule, Prize Pool And Format Guide appeared first on Shane the Gamer.