M80 returns to VALORANT for 2026 with NiSMO as Head Coach

M80 has announced its return to VALORANT for the 2026 season. The organization exited the VALORANT scene during VCL 2025 - North America: Stage 2 in May 2025 without much explanation. Now, the org is back for another run, led by a new head coach.

Took a gamble

M80 has a long history in North America’s Tier 2 scene. The organization has fallen short of a VCT spot twice, once being against The Guard and once against 2GAME Esports. Despite being a consistently competitive opponent, M80 departed VALORANT last year mid-season. Founder and CEO Marco Mereu has now explained that the decision came down to a gamble that didn’t pay off.

“We looked at several options and opportunities last year that would allow us to get into the VCT. We came very close on one that unfortunately required us to move on from our Challengers team mid-year, without a guarantee that we were making the VCT. We did that, and it didn’t work out.”

Back on track with a new Head Coach

Now, nine months later, M80 has decided to make its comeback. According to Mereu, this was the right time for the organization to re-enter the scene. While a roster announcement has yet to be revealed, M80 has laid a strong foundation by appointing Marki "NiSMO" Tayar as its new Head Coach.

NiSMO is no stranger to the organization, having spent two years with M80 as a player before departing for Cubert Academy in 2025. This time around, however, his role will be behind the scenes.

On social media, NiSMO announced that he is officially retiring from professional play to fully transition into coaching.

Big goals for 2026

After being away from VALORANT for so long, M80 is looking to come back stronger than ever for the 2026 season. Their goal is to make the VCT Stage 2 Playoffs and eventually qualify for Champions. It remains to be seen whether their time away slowed them down or gave the organization extra fuel heading into the new year.

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Featured Image Source: M80