Team Liquid advance to Masters Santiago after a lower-bracket run

Team Liquid secure the final spot at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026, having produced an incredible run through the lower bracket

On February 15 at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff concluded, and the region's third and final representative for VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 was decided. Team Liquid dismantled Fnatic 3:0 in the lower bracket final, earning the coveted slot on the international stage.

Ayaz nAts Akhmetshin was named the match MVP — his 1.46 rating, 170.08 average damage per round and 69.74% KAST were key to the clean victory. The Russian player showcased excellent performances on Brimstone, Viper and Cypher.

Team Liquid's run to the tournament deserves special attention. The squad dropped into the lower bracket almost at the very start of the event but showed incredible will, strung together five straight wins and reached the final. Head coach of the roster Ivo LohaN Albino noted after the match that two of the three maps they won — Corode and Abyss — the team hadn't even practiced with the new agent picks, which makes the victory even more impressive.

The first slots from EMEA were previously secured by BBL Esports, who finished first, and Gentle Mates, the runners-up from the other bracket. Fnatic, unfortunately, remain on the outside of VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026, having lost the decisive match.

Champions roster
Ayaz nAts Akhmetshin - IGL
Kamil Kamo Frąckowiak
Dominykas MiniBoo Lukaševičius
Semyon purp0 Borchev
Wayne WAYNE Chang
Ivo LohaN Albino - head coach

Tournament format
VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff took place in Berlin from January 20 to February 15. 12 teams competed in a triple-elimination format. All matches, except the bracket finals, were best-of-three; the bracket finals were best-of-five. Before each match, opponents determined side selection for map picks and vetoes through Skirmish Side Selection — a 1v1 duel in Skirmish mode with abilities disabled.

The tournament winner BBL Esports received 4 EMEA Points, second place Gentle Mates — 3 points, third place Team Liquid — 2 points. All three teams will go to VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. Organizer — Riot Games.