The French competitive gaming association, Gentle Mates, has presented its lineup for VALORANT, set to participate in the 2026 VCT EMEA tournament.
Following the expulsion of KOI, the association makes its way back to the highest echelons of VALORANT competition, becoming the most recent affiliated group.
The lineup, which was revealed on November 20th, 2025, includes four recent acquisitions along with Patrik ‘Minny‘ Hušek, who has been a member of the association since December 2024. The team is completed by Taranvir ‘bipo‘ Singh, Conner ‘GLYPH‘ Garcia, Martin ‘marteen‘ Pátek, and Patryk ‘starxo‘ Kopczyński.
Leading the squad is starxo, a competitor who is well-acquainted with triumph in EMEA. The Polish player secured victory at the VALORANT Champions event while playing under the Acend Club banner in 2021.
For the 2026 season, GLYPH transitioned from North America to EMEA after a commendable performance in the latter part of 2025. In October, the player achieved a top-four placement as a member of the Withrop University squad competing in VCT Ascension Americas.
Furthermore, marteen is joining Gentle Mates after a two-year engagement with Karmine Corp, a fellow French organization. The squad earned top-eight spots at both the Esports World Cup and VCT EMEA Stage 2.
Gentle Mates was not initially expected to be a participant in VCT EMEA in the upcoming season. The team experienced relegation from the league in August, following the loss of all five of its Group Stage matches during Stage 2.
Gentle Mates In 2025
Aside from its VALORANT endeavors, Gentle Mates has consistently solidified its standing as a leading competitive gaming association in Europe.
In August, the organization expanded its presence into the Counter-Strike 2 esports scene by acquiring the former Iberian Soul team. Following a late inclusion in ESL Pro League Season 22, the team narrowly failed to qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
Gentle Mates has reconstructed its squad with a mix of emerging and seasoned talent following their renewed chance to participate in VCT EMEA in 2026. At the Monsters Reloaded 2025 event, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd, the squad will debut.
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