Foo Zen-Wen

The 2026 VCT season is here and with the conclusion of Kickoff tournaments globally, the first Masters event of the season is upon us. VCT Masters Santiago assembles 12 of the best VALORANT teams in the world across 16 days to crown the tenth Masters winner and the first of the season. Which of the four regions will step forth in this pivotal and determining first bout?

The conclusion to the much-anticipated Lower Finals between Fnatic and Team Liquid ended with a resolution few expected and yet bears similar beats to the previous years. Coming off the back of the previous day’s performance against Gentle Mates, a timeline where Fnatic fails to qualify for Masters Santiago appeared so improbable, and yet we find ourselves here. Liquid’s showing in yesterday’s series was nothing short of masterful, dominating the series from start to finish to snap the final spot to Santiago.  Following the conclusion of their series, Strafe Esports sat down with Fnatic Head Coach Milan “Milan” de Meij to speak on the series, Fnatic’s preparation coming into the rematch, and so much more in this exclusive interview.

BBL find victory over Gentle Mates at the eleventh hour after a length Bo5 series in the VCT EMEA Kickoff Upper Finals. The Turkish roster is now set to attend Masters Santiago later this month.

For the first time in VCT EMEA history, the production is taking off from the Berlin studio. The Stage 2 finals are set to be hosted in Barcelona, from August 28th to the 30th at the Olímpic Arena in Badalona.

Fnatic found themselves in a repeated matchup against another Turkish roster following their loss in Week 1 to BBL. Faced against FUT, it was imperative for Fnatic to begin winning if they wished to keep their dreams of Santiago qualification alive – and win they did. What began as a one-sided affair for Fnatic quickly shifted as FUT rallied back to force the series to go the full distance. While Fnatic eventually emerged as the victor, it was far from a clean win. Following the conclusion of their series, Strafe Esports sat down with Fnatic IGL and captain Jake “Boaster” Howlett to reflect on the close nature of the series, Fnatic’s run at Kickoff thus far, the challenges of the off-season, expectations carried by the roster, and so much more in this exclusive interview.

Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) have been eliminated from the LCK Cup 2026 following their loss to Gen.G this morning. This elimination also means that the reigning champions from last year’s First Stand will not be in attendance this year to defend their title.