Two Turkish teams, BBL PCIFIC and ULF Esports, have secured their place among the top competitors in the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA for the 2026 season. Their promotion marks a significant milestone for Turkish esports, reflecting the region’s growing strength and consistency in international competition.
Both teams advanced through the Ascension circuit, overcoming strong opponents to reach Tier 1 status. Their entry into the VCT EMEA League introduces new talent and competition to the region’s highest level, signaling a new chapter for Turkey’s presence in professional VALORANT.
The Power of the Turkish VALORANT
The rise of Turkish VALORANT continues to reshape the competitive landscape of the EMEA region. With BBL PCIFIC and ULF Esports entering the top tier, the number of Turkish representatives in the league has doubled. Both teams field fully Turkish rosters, showcasing the country’s growing depth of talent and structured development across multiple levels of competition.
BBL PCIFIC
Formed through a collaboration between BBL Esports and PCIFIC Esports in 2024, BBL PCIFIC represents a successful outcome of Riot’s affiliate team program. This initiative connects top-tier organizations with lower-tier or developmental squads to strengthen competitive pathways and player growth.
After falling short in the 2024 Ascension finals, BBL PCIFIC returned stronger the following year. Their 3–1 victory over DNSTY in the 2025 Ascension EMEA Finals earned them a long-awaited promotion to Tier 1. The win also marked a milestone for Turkish VALORANT, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of structured partnerships in nurturing domestic talent.
Current Roster
| Player | In-Game Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Eren Sargın | Crewen | Player |
| Yusuf Kaan Kanber | Lar0k | Player |
| Utku Kart | Loita | Player |
| Eren Erzan | Rosé | Player |
| Umut Pekdoğan | umu7 | Player |
| Mert Çelebi | KEY | Head Coach |
BBL PCIFIC’s disciplined play and improved coordination reflect a team that has learned from past setbacks and adapted to the demands of top-level competition.
ULF Esports
Founded in 2024, ULF Esports rose rapidly through the competitive ranks. Starting from VALORANT’s Premier system, they advanced through the Challenger circuit and secured Tier 1 status within a single season. Their 3–0 sweep against Mandatory in the Ascension Finals highlighted both their consistency and tactical discipline.
Team Lineup
- Ömür “echo” Serkan Şenol
- Anıl “nekky” Dağdeviren
- Soner “audaz” Ekiz
- Efe “s0pp” Tur
- Enes “Favian” Yiğiter
- Berke “Vlad” Kantürk (Head Coach)
ULF’s performance illustrates the potential of emerging Turkish rosters to compete at the highest level. Their success underscores the value of grassroots systems and organized player development in sustaining the country’s competitive momentum.
All 2025 Ascension Teams
The 2025 Ascension cycle concluded with six organizations securing promotion to the top-tier VALORANT leagues. Each region contributed standout rosters that earned their positions through consistent results and strong regional performances.
| Region | Promoted Team |
|---|---|
| EMEA | ULF Esports |
| EMEA | BBL PCFIC |
| Americas | ENVY |
| Pacific | SLT Seongnam |
| Pacific | Nongshim RedForce |
| China | Dragon Ranger Gaming |
These teams will join their respective leagues in 2026, marking their first appearance at the highest competitive level.
