While KOI’s replacement has yet to be confirmed, Gentle Mates, currently in the running to take over the vacant VCT EMEA slot, has already started laying the groundwork for its roster and overall project in case their application is accepted. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, Pavle “pakko” Kostić has reached a verbal agreement with the French organization to become their Head Coach. This agreement, of course, remains contingent on Riot Games’ final decision and would be broken if M8 doesn't get the spot. Per sources, Gentles Mates held tryouts for the Head Coach position, with several coaches evaluated by the French team, and they are also currently holding tryouts for players.

Active on VALORANT since 2022, the Serbian coach spent nearly three years with Diamant Esports in the East league before joining Karmine Corp and the French Challengers at the beginning of 2025. With KC’s academy roster, the Blue Stars, he managed to guide the team once to an EMEA tournament this season, although without real success in their domestic league. After finishing Top 3/4 in Split 1, the squad secured a second-place finish in Split 2, which earned them a spot at the continental event, where they ended up in the Top 5/8 bracket. The organization fell short in the third segment of the year, finishing only Top 5/6 and missing out on playoffs.

A Project Ready to Take Off

He is now set to take charge of a rebuilding project that he will have to shape and direct from the ground up. Gentle Mates is moving proactively, working on their structure even before knowing if they will officially be the team replacing KOI in VCT EMEA. Following a very difficult year that ended with eleven defeats, only three wins, and eventual relegation to Challengers alongside Apeks, the French organization could have chosen to pull the plug on its VALORANT investment.

Instead, they appear ready to bounce back, putting all the odds in their favor. The club is working to secure valuable profiles as early as possible, ensuring they will not be left scrambling if their bid succeeds, and aiming to lock in the right players for every position in hopes of achieving stronger results in 2026.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub. You can also follow every confirmed move and leak throughout the offseason with our Offseason Tracker.