Gentle Mates Rejoins VCT EMEA Ahead Of Competitive Season
Gentle Mates, a French esports organization, has regained its position in the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA after a brief absence. The team’s return follows a challenging 2025 season that ended in relegation, where they recorded three victories across thirteen matches.
Their comeback became possible after Riot Games terminated Movistar KOI’s league partnership, leaving an open slot in the roster. With this decision, Gentle Mates reenters the competitive scene, ready to rebuild its standing among the region’s top VALORANT teams.
Gentle Mates rejoins VCT EMEA
Following Movistar KOI’s removal from the league, Gentle Mates regained their position in the VCT EMEA circuit. The French organization’s return came after months of speculation about its potential reinstatement. While KOI’s leadership did not issue an official statement, one of its co-founders, Ibai Llanos, acknowledged shortcomings in management and team performance that contributed to the vacancy.
Gentle Mates’ influence within the league remains significant. Their matches consistently attract high viewership, reflecting their strong community presence. Data from VCT EMEA Stage 2 shows that three of the five most-watched games featured the team.
| Match | Peak Viewers | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle Mates vs Team Heretics | 200,772 | 2nd |
| BBL vs Team Liquid (Playoffs) | 273,503 | 1st |
These figures highlight the organization’s continued relevance in the competitive VALORANT scene, reinforcing Riot Games’ decision to bring them back for the upcoming season.
The selection process
Riot Games conducted a detailed evaluation to determine which organization would fill the open slot in the VCT EMEA league. Ten teams received invitations to apply, and nine completed the process. The review focused on measurable factors rather than reputation or past results.
Key evaluation areas included:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Organizational goals | Alignment with the league’s long-term vision for the 2026 season |
| Strategic collaboration | Ability to coordinate effectively with Riot’s operational and marketing frameworks |
| Operational readiness | Infrastructure and staffing capacity to meet league standards |
| Competitive structure | Plans for roster development, coaching, and player support systems |
| Community impact | Demonstrated engagement and positive influence within the fan base |
This structured process ensured that each applicant met consistent standards across performance, management, and community engagement.
