According to sources close to Sheep Esports, Gentle Mates have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Martin "marteen" Pátek for the 2026 VCT EMEA season. After nearly two years with Karmine Corp, the Czech player is expected to join another French organization and continue competing at the highest level of VALORANT. The sources indicate that KCorp had shown interest in keeping him, while Natus Vincere were also strongly considering his profile.

Having started his career in local Tier 2 teams, marteen took a major leap in December 2023 when he joined the BlueWall. His journey began in the best possible way, claiming the title at VCT EMEA Kickoff 2024 and securing a spot at the Masters Madrid. Unfortunately, Karmine Corp were unable to achieve a solid result there, which ended up being marteen’s only international LAN appearance throughout his two-year stint with the French organization. Success proved elusive during the rest of 2024, and despite several roster changes, 2025 followed a similar pattern.

A small break in the clouds

After finishing 9th–12th at the Kickoff, Kamel "Kameto" Kebir squad couldn’t find their rhythm and followed up with a 7th–8th place finish in Stage 1. However, some signs of hope appeared during the Esports World Cup qualifier, where Karmine Corp clinched the very last spot for the tournament. In Saudi Arabia, the team managed to escape their group after key wins over G2 Esports and Bilibili Gaming, before falling in the quarterfinals to Fnatic. It was a respectable international showing for a club that had been craving one, offering a glimpse of promise heading into Stage 2. Sadly, Fnatic once again ended KCorp’s Champions Paris aspirations, as the team finished with another 7th–8th place.

Now, Gentle Mates—recently re-promoted to VCT EMEA—are set to welcome a motivated and hungry player for 2026. The Czech duelist is expected to play alongside Taranvir “bipo” Singh, with whom Sheep Esports also reported a verbal agreement. The duo will be led by Pavle “pakko” Kostić, the team’s new head coach, who previously worked with Karmine Corp Academy in the Challengers France circuit earlier this year.

Gentle Mates roster for 2026: