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End of an Era? G2 Esports Are Eliminated from VALORANT Champions 2026
Once again, G2 Esports came close to fighting for an international title but fell short at VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026.
Despite consistently qualifying for major international events and competing among the best teams in the world, G2 failed to overcome 100 Thieves, who secured the victory and will continue their run through the Lower Bracket.
The most prestigious tournament of the VALORANT competitive season is approaching its conclusion, with the Grand Final set to take place on October 18.
G2 Still Struggle to Break Through Internationally
After defeating 100 Thieves in the opening round of the Playoffs, G2 Esports failed to replicate that success when it mattered most.
With their tournament run on the line, G2 Esports fell 1-2 to the same opponent they had previously sent to the Lower Bracket, ending their Champions Shanghai 2026 campaign in fourth place.
Despite winning the first map and coming close to taking the second, G2 Esports couldn't maintain the same momentum on the final map, where the gap between the two teams became much more evident.
G2 has consistently delivered strong results in regional tournaments, but the international stage remains a challenge.
In 2026, the team finished 4th at Masters Santiago, placed 7th-8th at Masters London, and secured another 4th finish at VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
The previous year followed a similar pattern: G2 reached the final of Masters Bangkok but finished 4th at Masters Toronto and 7th-8th at Champions 2025.
Once again, G2 Esports failed to translate its regional dominance into international success, leaving fans with glimpses of what could have been before falling short of the title.
G2 Roster Changes for 2027?
Despite the disappointment of their elimination, G2 Esports shared a wholesome moment with fans as the players smiled together, potentially marking the final chapter of the current roster.
Rumors and comments from some of the players have already hinted that this could be their “last dance,” suggesting that G2 may undergo roster changes ahead of the 2027 season.
Currently, only Nathan "leaf" Orf, Trent “trent” Cairns, and head coach Josh "JoshRT" Lee have extended their contracts until 2028. The future of the remaining roster members remains uncertain as G2 Esports prepares for the revamped VCT 2027 season.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Continues
VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 runs from September 24 to October 18, with three teams still in contention for the title: Team Vitality, 100 Thieves, and LOUD.
Only one will be crowned world champion and take home the trophy, along with a share of the $1 million prize pool.
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Featured image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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