NRG re-signs Ethan until the end of the VCT 2027 season

NRG has officially announced that they have re-signed in-game leader Ethan "Ethan" Arnold through 2027 following the organization’s victory at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions.

The VCT 2025 season was one that saw NRG transform itself from untapped potential to the best team in the world. One of the primary reasons behind this transformation was Ethan’s evolution from the team’s midrounder to the IGL. Now, the journey with NRG will continue in VCT 2026, following the organization's announcement that they have re-signed their world champion IGL until 2027.

Ethan stays with NRG for the long haul

Ethan rejoined NRG at the start of the VCT 2024 season following his win at VCT 2023 - Champions with Evil Geniuses. The veteran VALORANT player was unable to replicate his success in 2024 and the early stages of the 2025 season. However, things started to improve for NRG in VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Americas Stage 2, which saw Ethan transition into the IGL position.

Ethan’s new contract will keep him on NRG until the end of the VCT 2027 season. After winning his second VALORANT Champions title, Ethan will look to lead NRG to their second championship title, and his third. It will be interesting to see Ethan’s evolution as an IGL throughout the length of this contract and whether he can become the first player to win three VALORANT Championship titles. For now, Ethan will be able to participate in the VCT 2026 season, which is set on keeping NRG at the top of the VALORANT scene.

According to roster rumors, NRG will remain relatively intact except for veteran Controller Thinnaphop "oreobrown1e" Phansaeng, who will be taking a step back from competitive VALORANT indefinitely. His slated replacement on the lineup has been rumoured to be Team Liquid star Georgio "Keiko" Sanassy, who will be looking to find international success in VCT Americas next year.

Be sure to follow THESPIKE.GG for more VALORANT offseason updates like this as we head closer to the start of the VCT 2026 season.

Photo by Adela Sznajder/Riot Games