VALORANT: Gentle Mates lose VCT EMEA slot, but will likely not return to Challengers

Gentle Mates has been eliminated from the VCT EMEA and will not retain its slot for the 2026 season, like Apeks. Defeated by GIANTX on Thursday, August 7, during the fourth week of Stage 2, the French organization has now been relegated directly to the Challengers circuit, the tier below VALORANT's top-level esports unless Riot Games steps in to offer a last-minute lifeline. This situation forces M8 to reconsider its position in the game, as hinted by Lucas “Squeezie” Hauchard during their last match, where he stated: “There’s a very strong, massive chance we won’t be competing in VALORANT next year.”

In a last-chance match against GIANTX, it was Gentle Mates who struck first, securing the opening map on Corrode. Led by a dominant performance from Berkcan “ComeBack” Şentürk, the French squad started the series on a strong note. They continued their momentum on Ascent, reaching halftime with a commanding 9-3 lead. But things shifted dramatically once sides switched — GIANTX came alive on defense, largely thanks to an outstanding display from Hanceriuc “ara” Eduard-George on Jett.

Haven, the decisive map that would determine Gentle Mates' future in VALORANT, followed the same storyline — a slow and painful downfall. The Spanish roster conceded only four rounds, ultimately securing their spot in the Stage 2 playoffs while simultaneously putting an end to Mates’ VCT journey and potentially their time in VALORANT altogether.

After earning their place in the VCT through their victory over Apeks in the Ascension 2023 grand final, Gentle Mates struggled to find their footing in the International League. Throughout 2024, M8 failed to advance past the group phase in any of the major events, including the Kickoff, Stage 1, or Stage 2, securing only three wins out of twelve games played. Those struggles continued this season, with an equally underwhelming record of just three wins in thirteen matches, despite a promising Kickoff showing with a 2-2 result.

Ultimately, these results led to their relegation from the VCT EMEA, just as Apeks had experienced the previous day. August 6. Neither team will go through the Ascension process this time; they are both directly dropped back into the Challengers circuit. As is the rule for all teams promoted through Ascension across the four International Leagues, the two EMEA representatives needed to meet specific minimum performance goals to secure their long-term spot at the highest level of VALORANT esports.

To remain in the VCT for 2026, M8 had to fulfill at least one of two conditions set by Riot Games: either qualify for the Stage 2 playoffs, or finish within the top 8 of the Championship Points standings. However, following this latest defeat against GIANTX, Gentle Mates ends its season with just a single point in the overall rankings. Falling well short of the top 8, the team is now fully out of the race to stay in the VCT. They are also ineligible for this October’s Ascension tournament, which is exclusively reserved for the best Challengers teams in the EMEA region.