After a 2025 season that was as demanding as it was spectacular, marked by a comeback run to the EMEA Stage 2 final and a historic qualification for VALORANT Champions in Paris, GIANTX head into 2026 with the intention to build on that momentum. Long viewed as outsiders behind the established giants of the league, the organisation finally found its rhythm in the middle of the year, securing high-profile wins and a notable Champions campaign before bowing out in the playoffs.

GIANTX have therefore decided to extend their run with the five that finished 2025: Kirill "Cloud" Nehozhin, Grzegorz "GRUBINHO" Ryczko, Miłosz "westside" Duda, Karel "Flickless" Maeckelbergh and Eduard-George "ara" Hanceriuc. This roster, already fielded during Stage 2 and at Champions Paris, emerged gradually as the result of mid-season adjustments, most notably the promotion of Flickless and ara from UCAM Esports Club, in the VCL Spain. Their impact was immediate, particularly the young Duelist ara, and combined with the arrival of GRUBINHO from the wider European circuit, provided enough firepower and structure for GIANTX to contend with the majority of EMEA.

Locking in the project for 2026

At the core of this project, Cloud remains the primary reference point. Retained during the 2025 reshuffle and confirmed as in-game leader by the organisation, the Russian player continues to steer GIANTX’s in-game direction, drawing on several years of experience at the highest level in Europe. His ability to structure mid-rounds and keep the team competitive in tight matches was one of the key drivers behind their rise during Stage 2 and at Champions.

Around him, the club has found a balance between stability and growth. westside has established himself as a pillar on Sentinel roles, while GRUBINHO, who joined before Stage 2 from the European circuit, brought additional firepower and a welcome level of consistency on key maps.

A blend of continuity and emerging talent

The rookie trio of GRUBINHO, Flickless and ara embodies the organisation’s willingness to invest in ascending profiles rather than assemble yet another so-called superteam. They proved decisive in the qualification for Champions Paris and in the series against Sentinels, where GIANTX overturned the match. Their extensions through 2026 confirm the staff’s assessment that these players still possess significant room for growth and can continue to raise the team’s ceiling over the next competitive cycle.

On the staff side, the guiding principle remains unchanged. Daniil "pipsoN" Meshcheryakov continues his work as head coach, supported by Jan "wayLander" Rahkonen as assistant coach. With the starting five renewed, the staff consolidated, a 2025 season rich in lessons, and a Project Blender title secured during the offseason, GIANTX approach VCT EMEA 2026 with a clear roadmap: convert their status as an appealing outsider into a regular presence in the latter stages of international competitions.

GIANTX Roster for 2026:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.