First upper bracket semifinalists of VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff decided

The first week of VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff has determined the early favorites

In Berlin, the first week of VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff has successfully concluded. Over several days of play, the first frontrunners have emerged who will continue their run in the upper bracket of the triple-elimination bracket.

Upper bracket results

According to the published bracket, the first rounds of the upper bracket have already determined the strongest teams:

• Natus Vincere confidently defeated Karmine Corp, and then claimed a win over Team Heretics, advancing to the upper bracket semifinals.

• Gentle Mates consecutively defeated FUT Esports and GIANTX, likewise securing themselves a spot in the upper bracket semifinals.

• In the other part of the bracket, BBL Esports and Team Vitality have made it through the first round and will now face each other in the next upper bracket match.

The teams that suffered defeats in the first round of the upper bracket have dropped into the middle bracket, where they will get an additional chance to stay in contention. Among them are Karmine Corp, Team Liquid, FUT Esports, Fnatic, PCIFIC Esports, GIANTX, Team Heretics, and ULF Esports.

Tournament format features

VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff is taking place in Berlin at Riot Games Arena from January 20 to February 15. It features the 12 strongest teams in the region, and the main prize is berths to the first international tournament of the season — @Masters Santiago.

Key features:

• Triple elimination: Teams have three chances to stay in the competition.

• Skirmish Side Selection: Before each match, teams decide the side for map pick-ban in 1v1 Skirmish — ability-less duels where the winner is the first to take 5 rounds.

• Rewards: The champion will earn 4 points toward the VCT EMEA standings and a berth in Santiago. Second and third place will also secure participation at Masters. Teams finishing from 4th to 12th place will receive points that count toward qualification for the subsequent VCT 2026: EMEA Clash.