Gentle Mates return to VCT 2026, Replacing KOI

Riot Games has officially announced the team that will be taking the final partnership spot in the VCT EMEA 2026 season. Gentle Mates are back with a vengeance after being relegated from the league earlier this year. As they claim the last partnered slot, only two Ascension teams remain to complete the 12-team lineup for the 2026 season.

Replacing KOI

Back in September, KOI was removed from the VCT after failing to meet the performance and organizational standards required to remain a partnered team. Following their exit, Riot Games began the search for a new org to fill the vacant spot. The selection process mirrored the one used during the launch of the league, when the initial 10 VCT EMEA partner teams were chosen.

The new org had to meet key criteria:

• Organizational goals for the 2026 season
• Collaboration, strategic alignment, and channel strategy
• Operational readiness
• Competitive plans and player support systems
• Community resonance and ability to generate fandom

According to Riot, nine organizations applied. Gentle Mates earned the highest overall score and have been officially invited back to compete in VCT EMEA 2026. They’ve signed a one-year contract that runs through the end of the season, when all current partnerships are set to expire.

Gentle Mates' previous history in VCT EMEA

After qualifying for the VCT EMEA at the end of 2023 through the Ascension league, their VCT journey was rocky and officially came to an end in August 2025 after they failed to earn enough Championship Points to stay in the league. Being sent back to Tier 2, they were set to grind their way back through the system—that is, until KOI’s relegation opened a door. Now, Gentle Mates get a second shot to make an impact on the biggest stage.

Ibai was right

When KOI announced their departure from the VCT, founder Ibai Llanos predicted that Gentle Mates would be the team to replace them. In his statement, he emphasized how important it was for Riot to include Gentle Mates in the league due to their strong fanbase and community engagement. In the end, he was right as Gentle Mates are officially back for the 2026 season.

Two Ascension teams left

With Gentle Mates taking the final partnership slot, only two more teams are needed to complete the 12-team VCT EMEA 2026 roster. These will be decided through the Ascension tournament, with the two Tier 2 finalists earning their spots alongside the 10 partnered orgs for the upcoming season.

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Featured image source: Gentle Mates.