Riot Games has announced that the vacated slot in Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA has been filled by Gentle Mates, who will join the league for the 2026 season, filling the slot previously held by Movistar KOI.
This decision follows what has been described as an “extensive” application process, with ten teams from the Valorant Esports EMEA ecosystem invited to participate, including previous Visitor Teams and the 2025 Valorant Ascension contenders. Nine teams responded to the invitation, although Riot has not disclosed who is on that list of teams.
WE’RE BACK !
Gentle Mates sera bien présent en VCT la saison prochaine pic.twitter.com/LCUxCoAJaz
— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) October 7, 2025
How Were Applicants Evaluated?
The process mirrored the system used during the league’s inception, when ten teams were initially selected as VCT EMEA partners. All applicants submitted a formal application, evaluated against the following criteria:
- Organizational goals for the 2026 season
- Collaboration, strategic alignment, and channel strategy
- Operational readiness
- Competitive plans and player support systems
- Community resonance and ability to generate fandom
After a thorough review, Gentle Mates achieved the highest overall score. As a result, they have been offered a one-year contract, which will run through the end of 2026, when all VCT EMEA partnerships are set to conclude.
Why Were Movistar KOI Removed?
Gentle Mates’ inclusion in VCT EMEA comes after Movistar KOI’s removal from the league, a decision made due to a breach of the team’s contractual agreement with Riot Games. The Spanish organization was removed from VCT for failing to comply with the terms of their agreement, resulting in the vacant slot now being filled by Gentle Mates.
Update on our VCT slot: pic.twitter.com/vOxHIfVkbU
— Movistar KOI English (@MovistarKOI_en) September 6, 2025
At the time, executives at the organization claimed that the decision somewhat blindsided them, as it was very sudden, despite proposals having been made to improve their standing over the coming seasons.
Following Valorant Ascension EMEA later this year, two additional teams will be promoted into VCT EMEA, maintaining the league’s 12-team roster for the 2026 season.