The VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 delivered a wave of shocking results across all major regions. Traditional favorites struggled, while rising teams seized momentum and moved closer to Masters qualification.
As a result, the competitive balance shifted quickly. Europe, Pacific, and China all experienced major changes at the top.
VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 in EMEA: Gentle Mates and BBL Take Control
In EMEA, VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 broke the expected hierarchy. Gentle Mates stunned NAVI with a clean 2-0 win in the Upper Bracket.
That victory secured a playoff spot and sent NAVI to the middle bracket. Gentle Mates’ tactical discipline defined the series, especially in mid-round control.
At the same time, BBL Esports proved its consistency. After beating Fnatic earlier, the Turkish squad defeated Team Vitality 2-0. This win secured a spot in the Upper Bracket Final against Gentle Mates.
Meanwhile, Fnatic began a comeback run. The team defeated Team Liquid 2-0 in the middle bracket. The result kept Fnatic alive but placed Liquid on the brink of elimination.
Thus, EMEA ends VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 with an open field and weakened traditional favorites.
Pacific and China Face Major Shifts in VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02
In the Pacific, VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 produced one of the biggest upsets so far. Rex Regum Qeon defeated Paper Rex 2-0, shutting down the reigning regional champions.
Paper Rex struggled to impose its aggressive style. As a result, the team dropped to the lower bracket and lost its safety net. RRQ’s strategic preparation dismantled PRX’s tempo.
Additionally, Nongshim RedForce defeated FULL SENSE 2-0 and advanced to face RRQ for a direct Masters spot. Meanwhile, traditional giants faltered. T1 eliminated DRX 2-0, ending the run of one of the region’s most consistent teams.
Gen.G also remains under pressure after early losses. The Pacific region now faces a complete reshuffle at the top.
In China, VCT Kickoff 2026 Week 02 put the world champions at risk. Xi Lai Gaming defeated EDward Gaming 2-0, shocking fans and analysts alike.
The loss highlighted EDG’s struggle to adapt to the new meta. At the same time, All Gamers defeated Dragon Ranger Gaming 2-1 and confirmed its rise.
As a result, the Chinese Upper Bracket Final will feature XLG versus All Gamers. At least one new Chinese representative will attend the Masters, while EDG must fight through the lower bracket to defend its legacy.
