NAVI and Gentle Mates launched the VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026 with commanding 2-0 victories over Karmine Corp and FUT Esports on Day 1, securing spots in the Upper Bracket.
NAVI 2-0 Karmine Corp
- Split: 13-11 (NAVI surged to a 7-2 halftime lead, fended off a comeback, and clinched after intense second half exchanges).
- Haven: 13-7 (NAVI dominated early at 7-2, holding firm despite Karmine Corp’s late five round push).
Standout: ‘Ruxic’ topped with a 1.28 rating and 37/25/13 KDA.
Gentle Mates 2-0 FUT Esports
- Abyss: 13-8 (Gentle Mates blitzed to 4-0, held a 7-5 halftime edge, then shut out FUT post side switch).
- Split: 13-6 (Gentle Mates led 8-4 at half, cruising to victory).
Standout: ‘starxo’ shone at 1.31 rating; FUT’s ‘xeus’ notched 240 ACS in defeat.
Karmine Corp and FUT Esports drop to the Middle Bracket starting January 21.
Upcoming Upper Bracket Round 2 (January 22)
- NAVI vs. Team Heretics
- Gentle Mates vs. GIANTX
Catch all action live on VCT EMEA’s Twitch and YouTube channels. These openers signal a fierce EMEA start to the 2026 VCT campaign.
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- Source: https://www.esportsbets.com/news/navi-and-gentle-mates-sweep-vct-emea-kickoff-2026-openers-in-berlin/