NRG and MIBR start the year with wins

NRG and MIBR claim convincing victories on the third day of VCT 2026: Americas Kickoff

The third match day of VCT 2026: Americas Kickoff in Los Angeles went without surprises. Both series ended early, with clean wins for NRG and MIBR, who left their opponents no chance.

Match results

NRG confidently defeated Cloud9 with a score of 2:0, without needing a third map.

• Pearl: 13:2 - Win for NRG

• Breeze: 13:9 - Win for NRG

• Bind: Not needed
  The MVP of the series was Keiko from NRG, whose play set the tone on both maps.

In the day's second match, MIBR also had no serious problems, defeating the league newcomers Team Envy with a score of 2:0.

• Abyss: 13:6 - Win for MIBR

• Corrode: 13:8 - Win for MIBR

• Split: Not needed
  The MVP of the match was the legendary aspas, once again showcasing his high level of play.

Tomorrow's schedule:

• FURIA Esports vs Sentinels - 23:00 CET
• 100 Thieves vs G2 Esports - 2:00 CET

Tournament format

VCT 2026: Americas Kickoff is taking place in Los Angeles at Riot Games Arena from January 15 to February 15. Twelve teams are competing, and the prize pool includes not only cash payouts but also crucial qualification points.

The top three teams at the end of the tournament will earn spots at the season's first international Masters event — VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. The Kickoff champion will receive 4 points towards the VCT Americas standings, the runner-up will earn 3, and the third-place team will get 2 points.

The tournament playoffs will be played using a triple-elimination bracket. Before each match, the teams will determine sides for the map pick-ban in a unique 1v1 Skirmish — a duel without abilities, where the winner is the first player to reach 5 rounds.