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VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026 Pick'Ems Guide
The VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026 is heading to São Paulo from October 22 to November 1, and the Pick’Ems are now open!
Put your VALORANT knowledge to the test by predicting which teams will advance and which will be eliminated. With only one team able to claim the title, this guide will help you get to know the contenders and make your picks.
Which Teams Are the Favorites to Win?
Two teams stand out as the big favorites heading into the 2026 tournament;
Team Liquid Brazil is one of them, having won the 2025 Game Changers Championship and now returning to defend its title on home soil.
Meanwhile, Shopify Rebellion Gold is returning to the championship with revenge on its mind after losing to Team Liquid Brazil in last year's Grand Final.
As the only team to have won the Game Changers Championship twice, Shopify Rebellion Gold is aiming for a third title and the chance to extend its record.
They will, however, miss, one of Shopify Rebellion Gold’s Star, Melanie “meL” Capone, who announced a break from competitive play to focus on her mental health.
Despite her absence, the North American roster maintained its regional dominance and secured another opportunity to compete for an international title.
Strong Contenders
Other strong contenders could surprise fans during the tournament. The first-ever Game Changers Championship winners, G2 Gozen, are also among the teams to watch in 2026.
The European squad enters the tournament with three domestic titles this year and a new addition to the roster following Petra “Petra” Stoker’s retirement from competitive play, making them a team to watch on the international stage.
Gen.G GC could also be one of the surprise contenders in 2026. Last year, most of the current roster competed under Ninetails, quickly making a name for themselves by dominating the Pacific region.
Now, with new additions and a more established lineup, Gen.G GC could once again exceed expectations and prove to be a serious threat to the other contenders.
Finally, MIBR GC is another team that should not be overlooked, especially with the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd in Brazil.
Their top-three finish in the previous championship left mixed feelings among the players, particularly Paula “bstrdd” Naguil, who has come close to lifting the international trophy on several occasions.
With another opportunity ahead, MIBR GC will be looking to turn that disappointment into motivation and make a deeper run in 2026.
Strafe's Game Changers Championship 2026 Pick'Ems
Strafe's Pick’Ems bracket points to a Grand Final between Team Liquid Brasil and Shopify Rebellion Gold, with the Brazilian organization expected to make an undefeated run through the upper bracket. Their consistent performances make them one of the main favorites to reach the final without dropping a series.
Meanwhile, SRG is predicted to take the longer route to the Grand Final. Even if SRG loses to Team Liquid in the Upper Bracket Finals, the predictions have them fighting through the lower bracket to earn another shot at the title, setting up a potential rematch in the Grand Finals.
GEN.G GC and G2 Gozen also have a tough road ahead in the lower bracket, where every series could be their last. If the predictions hold, fans could see the tournament's biggest contenders clash before the Grand Finals, with TLV and SRG looking set to battle for the title.
Historically, the Chinese representatives have struggled to make deep runs at the championship, with differences in playstyle and the overall meta potentially putting them at a disadvantage. They could once again be among the first teams eliminated.
Except for G2, the EMEA representatives also face a difficult challenge, although they could still pull off a few surprises along the way. Reaching the Grand Finals, however, will be a much tougher task.
Pick'Ems Rewards
Completing the Game Changers Championship Pick’Ems is not just about predicting the winners. You can also earn in-game rewards to show off in your ranked games. Here is what you can get for participating and making the correct predictions.
- Participation reward for making at least one pick: "Gênio" Title
- Finish in the top 50% of participants at the end of the event: Coconut Raze Buddy
- Finish in the top 20% of participants at the end of the event: Gold Coconut Raze Buddy
The Picks lock October 22 at approximately 11:10 a.m. PT, 10 minutes after the first match of the Game Changers Championship begins.
Drops
Fans can also earn additional rewards by watching the matches live and seeing whether their Pick’Ems predictions come true.
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Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes between October 22-31: "MIGA" Title
- Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes on November 1 during the Grand Final: "Mais Que Amigas" Spray
- Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes on October 30 - November 1 through eligible on-site co-streamers: "BRABA" Title
Stay tuned for more details on the official co-streamers and other updates in the coming days!
Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest VALORANT 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: Christina Oh/Riot Games
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