Turkey Takes Over! Two Teams Ascend to VCT EMEA 2026

Look Sports Media – The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA 2025 Ascension has concluded with a dominant performance from Turkish teams, as BBL PCIFIC and ULF Esports secured their spots in the VCT EMEA 2026 league. Their victory marks a significant shift in the EMEA Valorant landscape, promising fresh competition and renewed rivalries.

The Ascension tournament, held to fill slots left vacant by the relegation of Apeks and Gentle Mates, and the expulsion of KOI, saw BBL PCIFIC and ULF Esports navigate through fierce competition to emerge victorious. Gentle Mates secured the partnership slot. Their promotion finalizes the team roster for VCT EMEA 2026, setting the stage for an exciting season.

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The complete list of teams competing in VCT EMEA 2026 includes:

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BBL Esports
FUT Esports
Natus Vincere
Fnatic
Team Liquid
KOI
Team Vitality
Karmine Corp
Heretics
GIANTX
BBL PCIFIC
ULF Esports

BBL PCIFIC and ULF will make their VCT debut at the VCT Kickoff event in early January, a crucial tournament that serves as a qualifier for Valorant Masters Santiago. While their participation in Kickoff won’t directly impact their VCT status, it offers a vital opportunity to establish themselves and gain experience against established teams.

The challenge for ascended teams to remain competitive against partnered organizations is well-documented, with both of 2025’s Ascension teams, Gentle Mates and Apeks, facing relegation after difficult seasons. However, success stories from other regions, such as G2, NS RedForce, XLG, and DRG, offer a glimmer of hope for the Turkish newcomers.

While BBL PCIFIC and ULF aim to emulate the success of ascended teams in other regions, the stakes for their 2026 performance remain somewhat ambiguous. Riot Games has hinted at a major overhaul of the VCT system in 2027, potentially opening up the closed ecosystem. However, the details of this future model are yet to be revealed, leaving teams uncertain about the long-term implications of their performance in 2026.

BBL PCIFIC and ULF’s journey to the Grand Finals wasn’t without its challenges. Both teams faced close calls during the group stage, with ULF narrowly escaping defeat against DNSTY and BBL PCIFIC edging out Twisted Minds by a slim margin.

In the Grand Finals, ULF dominated Mandatory, securing a decisive 3-0 victory with convincing wins on Ascent (13-8) and a nail-biting 15-13 win on the second map. Meanwhile, BBL PCIFIC overcame an initial setback against DNSTY, demonstrating their tactical prowess and resilience to win the series 3-1, joining their sister organization, BBL Esports, in the VCT.

The results solidify the presence of Turkish talent in the VCT, with both the top team by Ascension points and the Stage 3 EMEA Challengers champion earning their place in the league for 2026.

Full VCT Ascension winners list:

EMEA: