On the eve of VCT EMEA 2026, the offseason felt like a genuine reshuffling of the deck. After being removed from the VCT EMEA ecosystem due to underperformance, Gentle Mates had seemingly stepped away from the VALORANT scene; yet the league’s landscape shifted again when the organisation was brought back to replace Movistar KOI, whose slot Riot Games withdrew shortly after Champions.

In the background, Ascension also played its part, with ULF Esports and PCIFIC securing promotion into the franchised league. The most striking move, however, came from BBL Esports. The organisation essentially acquired the entire lineup that had just won under the PCIFIC banner. In practical terms, that decision delivers a “ready-made” roster to EMEA, while PCIFIC are forced into a near-immediate rebuild almost before they have had the chance to properly savour their promotion.

A few unexpected transfers within the league

As if that were not enough, the headline transfers set the tone. One of EMEA’s most highly regarded prospects, Georgio "keiko" Sanassy, left Team Liquid to join the reigning 2025 world champions, NRG, in VCT Americas, a move that encapsulates North America’s continued appetite for elite EMEA talent.

At the same time, Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov closes the Fnatic chapter after years at the top and signs with Team Vitality, where he reunites with Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev. Two names, and a clear signal: in 2026, Vitality are not merely aiming for a respectable finish, but for genuine contention, reinforced by the addition of 18-year-old Ștefan "Sayonara" Mîtcu, a long-term prospect identified and recruited by the organisation from an early age.

VCT EMEA 2026 Rosters

With all these changes, Sheep Esports has compiled all the rosters that have been officially announced, as well as the line-ups reported through sources and leaks:

Team Vitality

Team Liquid

Team Heretics

FUT Esports

Fnatic

BBL Esports

Gentle Mates

GIANTX

NAVI

Karmine Corp

PCIFIC Esports

ULF Esports