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These are the teams to keep an eye on at VALORANT Champions 2026
The pressure is rising as the world’s best VALORANT teams enter the business end of Champions 2026. Here’s who has the firepower to go all the way.
After a year-long journey of intense VALORANT competition, it all comes down to this. The world's best VALORANT teams have descended on Shanghai, China, and with $2,250,000 up for grabs, along with the World Championship Cup on the line, there's everything to play for.
With the Group Stage complete and eight teams sent home after close battles and tight upsets, the world's best teams are here to settle the score in a double-elimination bracket – and prove just who the world's top VALORANT team is. Keep your eyes on these rosters as the competition heats up.
01
NRG
NRG will look to retain their title
© Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
As the reigning VALORANT Champions title holders, NRG head into the tournament with a target on their backs. While they have yet to add more silverware to their collection this year, they have shown enough promise to suggest they can mount another title challenge.
Led by two-time Champions winner Ethan 'Ethan' Arnold, NRG look in good shape heading into the knockout stage. They fell to rivals 100 Thieves in the Esports World Cup final, but will now turn their attention to defending their Champions crown and becoming the first organisation in VALORANT history to win back-to-back titles.
02
G2 Esports
Jawgemo will be looking to take G2 far
© Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
North America's fourth seed at Champions, G2 fought their way into the tournament on points, but their performances throughout the season have shown they are capable of much more. A first-place finish at VCT Americas Stage 1 secured their place at VCT Masters London. Although they exited early as Leviatán went on to claim the title, G2 bounced back in the regional league, finishing fourth at VCT Americas Stage 2 to book their place at Champions.
They have continued to build momentum at Champions, opening with a straightforward win over TYLOO. A narrow defeat to Paper Rex followed, but G2 bounced back by sweeping EMEA's Team Liquid to secure their place in the knockout stage. Keep a close eye on Alexander 'jawgemo' Mor and Andrej 'babybay' Francisty in particular, whose trademark firepower has helped G2 navigate some difficult moments.
03
LOUD
LOUD will look to live up to their name
© Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
Brazil's LOUD arrived at Champions with plenty of firepower after an impressive year for the organisation. They finished second at VCT Americas Stage 2 following a lower-bracket run that saw them defeat G2 Esports and NRG before pushing 100 Thieves to all five maps in a dramatic final. Those performances suggest LOUD have the potential to make their home region proud on the international stage.
Champions winners in 2022, LOUD will be eager to add another trophy to their collection. Their current roster has the firepower to trouble the best teams in the competition, and they will be looking to build on their regional form as the tournament enters its knockout stage.
04
T1
T1 could showcase underdog upsets at this year's Champions
© VCT Pacific/Riot Games
T1 could be one of the dark horses at this year's Champions. Representing VCT Pacific as the region's fourth seed, the South Korean organisation have already shown they can compete with the best. With a legendary League of Legends team setting the standard, T1's VALORANT roster will be eager to build a legacy of its own.
This team already has a Masters title to its name, having triumphed in Bangkok in 2025, and consistent performances throughout the 2026 regular season suggest that success was no fluke. T1 have continued to impress at Champions, beating JD Gaming and FUT Esports in the group stage. Now, they'll be looking to carry that momentum into the knockouts and upset some of the tournament favourites.
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