M8 wens on GCC 2026: "We got revenge for my girls and the region"

The underdogs have left their mark at VALORANT Game Changers 2026 - Championship, ruining Pick’Ems along the way. Against all expectations, Gentle Mates GC have fought their way into the Upper Bracket Final, taking down two of Brazil’s favorite organizations, including the reigning world champions.

This time, they came out on top against MIBR GC, proving that this French organization is a force to be reckoned with. In an interview with THESPIKE after the match, Gülce "Wens" Eda Sürmeli discussed the team's confidence, how they have evolved since the start of the season, and how they are making their mark at the tournament as a team to be feared rather than underestimated.

VALORANT Game Changers 2026 - Championship

MIBR GC

0

X

2

Gentle Mates GC

Upper Bracket Semi Final, Best of 3 - October 27, 2026 - 6:00PM

4

Ascent

13

11

Haven

13

MIBR GC

player

Rating

PS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

conir

1.21

0

32/32/20

0

1.00

82.8%

140.3

32%

60%

3

2

bstrdd

1.07

0

35/33/7

+2

1.06

74.9%

126.7

33%

33%

3

6

waved

0.87

0

25/34/13

-9

0.74

72.8%

144.2

31%

56%

9

7

mel

0.71

0

21/33/8

-12

0.64

67.8%

116.0

23%

43%

3

4

mizzy

0.60

0

17/33/12

-16

0.52

56.0%

100.3

19%

75%

3

1

Gentle Mates GC

player

Rating

PS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Marti

1.71

0

43/27/24

+16

1.59

86.6%

218.9

26%

50%

6

6

nami

1.47

0

34/21/27

+13

1.62

88.7%

135.4

28%

100%

3

0

safiaa

1.28

0

37/26/14

+11

1.42

90.8%

165.6

40%

57%

4

3

BBL berryx

0.97

0

28/32/12

-4

0.88

71.6%

140.7

31%

41%

7

10

Wens

0.78

0

23/24/7

-1

0.96

83.7%

98.4

40%

0%

0

3

A team where everyone steps up

Gentle Mates' Sentinel player caught everyone's attention with her outstanding performance against Team Liquid Brazil. Wens finished the match with a 57/22/12 KDA and 361 ACS, impressive numbers made even more remarkable by the fact that they came against the reigning world champions.

The Turkish player considers it one of the best games of her career and believes that Gentle Mates always have someone ready to step up and lead the team to victory.

I wasn't surprised to be top three. Our goal was to win Champs and when I see ourselves playing well, winning against good teams, winning against the last winners of the GCC, I feel proud of ourselves. We're all so strong together, and I'm happy to see us where we deserve to be. I was feeling weird because it hadn't happened before. I hadn't had that kind of game before. It's not realistic. If I saw someone playing like that, with everything going in their favor, I would be scared of what's next. But today, I was the one observing, and my teammates were shooting. They were carrying me.

A family inside and outside the server

For wens, Gentle Mates is like a second family. Both inside and outside the server, their synergy is undeniable, and all the hard work they have put in is finally starting to pay off. From day one, she believed this team had what it takes to win the Game Changers Championship.

THESPIKE: When you joined Gentle Mates, did you imagine reaching this stage of an international tournament with this roster?

Wens: "Yes, because when I look at the roster, our coach, his presence, and Sammy [assistant coach], I can see that we have really good synergy and teamwork. We have really good individual players. From the beginning, I could see that this team had the potential to reach a Championship and win it. Of course, we needed to work hard. We're here because we're doing some things right, and we believe in each other and in ourselves."

Thanks to her teammates, wens has also been able to build her confidence and trust more in her own abilities. In particular, watching Emine "berryx" Çoban play has helped her believe in herself and approach the game with greater confidence.

THESPIKE: What's something you've learned from one of your teammates this year that has made you a better player?

Wens: "Berryx is really good, and she has a lot of confidence during games. Sometimes, I struggle with that, so I watch her and see how she doesn't give a f*** and just plays. I was trying to do the same."

Back on the international stage after three years

Since competing with BBL Queens in 2023, wens had not returned to an international event. Now, three years later, she is back on the international stage and making a statement, performing as if she had never left.

THESPIKE: How different does this Game Changers Championship feel compared to your previous appearances, now that you’re back with a different team after three years?

Wens: "I was so young back then, around 17, and now I'm 20. We got COVID three years ago. First, it was Alkyia, who couldn't even play on stage once. Then it was me, and I only played one game. In the third game, it was Eva and Vania. Four of us had COVID. I mean, I couldn't really experience the Champions atmosphere three years ago. But now it's different, and it's good to win."

"THESPIKE: How good was it to get revenge for your girls after MIBR eliminated G2 Gozen?

Yesterday, we were talking, and I asked, ‘Okay, are we going to get revenge?’ We said we would try our best, and she said, ‘Yeah, go get our revenge, girl.’ Then I posted that we would get revenge for my girls. And yeah, I'm happy we got our revenge for them and for the region.

Path to victory

Gentle Mates are now just one win away from reaching the Grand Final of the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026. For wens, this is a dream come true, especially after seeing how much the team has grown and evolved since the start of the season.

I think we've changed a lot. We've evolved as players and as a team. We've improved both individually and collectively. We're lucky to have good coaches who show us what to do. In this tournament, we kind of destroyed both good teams. Hopefully, it will continue like this and we'll win. But even if we lose, we've surprised everyone. Even next year, they'll be scared of us.

Standing in their way is a major challenge: two-time GCC champions Shopify Rebellion Gold. Gentle Mates will need to overcome them to secure their place in the Grand Final. The road ahead won't be easy, but Gentle Mates are confident and ready to fight for their place in the Grand Final.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image by Heaven Wolf/Riot Games