Gentle Mates replaces KOI in VCT EMEA until end of 2026

Despite facing relegation from VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, Gentle Mates is back in the International League — this time as a partnered team.

The French organisation will be occupying the slot left by KOI after Riot removed it for “inconsistent performance and failure to meet certain obligations.”

Gentle Mates will be part of the tier-one circuit until the end of 2026, when the partnership contracts for all VCT teams are set to expire.

According to the official announcement, a total of 10 teams were invited to submit applications, including Visitor Teams and the 2025 VALORANT Ascension contenders. Nine of them expressed interest.

After evaluating all teams based on various factors such as organisational goals, strategies, operations, and more, Gentle Mates achieved the highest scores.

“When the opportunity to apply presented itself, it was a no-brainer: Valorant is part of Gentle Mates’ DNA,” said the Director of Gentle Mates, Marceau Lambert.

“Since our rise through Ascension, we have brought a strong identity, an engaged community, and a unique energy to the league. But for us, that’s only half the story.

“The other half will be played out on the field. For the future, our ambition is clear: to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, worthy of what the brand represents and our history in the game.”

Since both Gentle Mates and Apeks failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2025 or reach the top eight in VCT EMEA Stage 2, the region’s International League will be welcoming two new squads based on the relegation rules.

This will keep the total number of teams in VCT EMEA at 12 for 2026. However, according to Riot Games, the best Challengers teams in 2026 will also get a chance to compete in the Stage 2 playoffs for an opportunity to secure a VALORANT Champions slot.

Currently, it is unclear how Riot will provide Challengers teams with this opportunity without disrupting the current format.