Natus Vincere and GIANTX Eliminated from VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff

The game day in the 3rd round of the lower bracket playoffs at the VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff marked the end for Natus Vincere and GIANTX. Both teams faced defeats in their Bo3 series and concluded their tournament run, losing to Team Heretics and Team Liquid respectively.

Natus Vincere vs. Team Heretics

In the first match of the day, Natus Vincere faced Team Heretics. The series ended with a 0:2 loss for Natus Vincere. On the Haven map, Team Heretics triumphed with a score of 13:5, and on Breeze, they secured the win with a score of 13:4, closing the series without needing a third map.

The standout player of the match was Berkan “ComeBack” Sencurk, who finished the series with a total of 367 ACS, which is 48% above his average over the past six months. You can view more detailed match statistics via this link.

GIANTX vs. Team Liquid

In the second match of the day, GIANTX exited the tournament after losing to Team Liquid with a score of 1:2. The series began with a loss for GIANTX on Breeze (4:13), after which the team managed to even the score on Pearl (13:6), but the decisive map Bind went to Team Liquid — 16:14.

The most effective player of the match was Dominikas “MiniBoo” Lukasevicius, who achieved 243 ACS in the match, which is 13% above his average over the past six months. More detailed statistics of the series can be found via this link.

The VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff is taking place from January 20 to February 16. During the tournament, 12 teams are competing for 3 slots in the VALORANT Masters Santiago, as well as VCT ranking points needed for further qualification to VALORANT Champions. More information about the tournament results and the schedule of upcoming matches can be found via this link.