en
Best Players to Watch at VALORANT Champions 2026
The biggest stage is almost here, with the world's best teams and players ready to battle for the VALORANT Champions 2026 title. After months of competition, fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite players shine, but with so much talent in the tournament, who should you be paying the most attention to?
TYL Splash
One of the most interesting players to watch is Moses “splash” Jonathan. The Indonesian duelist joined TYLOO midway through the 2025 season, but 2026 has been a breakout year for him.
Alongside the team, he secured his first title, while also helping TYLOO claim their first-ever regional championship.
Splash was named MVP of VCT China 2026: Stage 2, with his standout performances establishing him as one of the most underrated players in the region. Now, with the support of his home crowd, he is certainly a player to watch at this year’s Champions.
GE PatMen
Now wearing a different jersey from the one he wore when he won his first international title in 2025, Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza returns to Champions with his sights set on lifting his first Champions trophy.
One of the team’s most consistent players, PatMen played a crucial role in helping Global Esports secure its first-ever regional title.
Despite his performances, PatMen’s departure from Paper Rex was one of the most debated moves of the offseason, raising questions about whether he could replicate his success with another organization. However, his time with GE has silenced those doubts, as he proved he deserves a spot at the Tier 1 level.
LOUD lukxo
LOUD is back with a talented group of young players looking to make their mark on the international stage. While the entire roster will be making its Champions debut, Lucca “lukxo” Travaioli has quickly emerged as one of the team’s key players.
With his infectious energy on stage and iconic shirts that have become part of his match-day look, lukxo has established himself as one of Brazil’s most promising Sentinel players.
The young roster has also reignited Brazilian fans’ hopes of seeing another international title return to the region, something they have been waiting for since 2022.
For many, these players represent the next generation of Brazilian VALORANT, making them a must-watch at Champions 2026, especially in their opening match against EDward Gaming, one of China’s most popular teams.
KC N4RRATE
The return of Marshall “N4RRATE” Massey to the title race after leaving Sentinels has been one of the best storylines of the year.
His move back to Karmine Corp and the EMEA region was considered by many to be a step down in his career, but he has proven why he deserves to be among the best.
After several role changes, N4RRATE finally found his place in the current meta, making him one of the most interesting players to watch as he returns to the international stage after a year away.
100T Timotino
Young, loud, and fun to watch. Those are the perfect words to descibre Timothée "Timotino" Lavigne Dupont.
As one of the youngest players in the competition, Timotino stands out for the energy he brings to the stage.
He is also a very talented duelist player that got popular for dominating Waylay before she got nerfed. At the Champions 2026, he will be one of the best players to watch, along with a very solid 100 Thieves that is returning to the international stage after two years.
FUT s0pp
Despite making his debut in 2025 and already getting a taste of international competition, Efe “s0pp” Tur remains a must-watch player at Champions 2026.
Making his first appearance at Champions, the Turkish player has become a key part of FUT Esports’ rise on the international stage.
The European regions have repeatedly showcased the talent of Turkish players, particularly their incredible aim and passion for the game. With s0pp bringing that same energy to the stage, fans can expect plenty of exciting moments from him at Champions.
EDG stew
Park "stew" Young-chan is one of the surprises of this Champions edition, joining EDward Gaming as the team’s most recent addition. After spending two years with JD Gaming, he is now set to make his international debut with another Chinese organization.
He has plenty to prove on the biggest stage, representing one of China’s most popular teams in front of the home crowd. With the competition tougher than ever, he is certainly a player worth keeping an eye on.
TL kamo
Despite not yet finding his footing on the international stage, Kamil “kamo” Frąckowiak remains a very solid player and one of the best duelists in the region. With Team Liquid looking to avoid another early exit, kamo is definitely a player to watch at Champions 2026.
Since joining the organization in 2025, kamo has already competed at four international events, heading into his fifth at just 21 years old.
The team surprised everyone with a roster change just two weeks before the event, making them an especially interesting team to watch.
NS Dambi
It is impossible to talk about the players to watch without mentioning one of the most entertaining Neon players of the season.
Fast and fearless, Lee “Dambi” Hyuk-kyu embodies everything that makes the agent so exciting to watch, with his risky and aggressive playstyle making him a standout player.
Alongside a strong NS RedForce searching for their second international title of the season and their first Champions trophy, Dambi will be one of the players to keep an eye on as the team looks to cement itself among the tournament favorites.
Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League of Legends news, and follow our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured Image Credit: VCT Americas/Riot Games
Read More:
VALORANT Champions Shanghai: All Teams Tier List
VALORANT New Rifle Warden: Price, Details, Release Date, and More
VALORANT Adds New Game Mode "Gauntlet: Glitched" in Patch 13.06
