VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026: Pick'Ems Guide

The VALORANT Game Changers 2026 - Championship is just around the corner, and the Pick’Ems are officially open. It’s time to test your knowledge of the Game Changers scene and predict which teams will reach the finals of the biggest international event in women's and marginalized genders' VALORANT.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Pick’Ems and look at the teams that have shown the most consistency throughout the year to help you make your predictions.

For more information about the participating teams, tournament format, and match schedule, check out THESPIKE’s Game Changers Championship 2026 overview.

Game Changers Championship 2026: Favorites to the Title

The Upper Bracket is expected to be dominated by Team Liquid Brazil and Shopify Rebellion Gold, two of the most consistent teams in the competitive scene over the past few years.

However, as the winners of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Game Changers Championship, Team Liquid Brasil could also make a deep run and reach the Grand Final to fight for the title once again. With the tournament taking place in Brazil, the home crowd could give the team a slight advantage.

For the American organization, having already won two Game Changers Championship titles is more than enough reason to expect another strong run. The team will be looking to claim a third trophy and extend its own record as the organization with the most Championship titles in the history of the competition.

Beyond the main favorites, several teams could surprise their opponents and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title. These include:

• MIBR GC (Third place at GCC 2025)
• G2 Gozen (GCC 2022 Winner)
• Gen.G GC (Pacific Winner)

With two Brazilian teams finishing in the top three at the 2025 Championship, competing on home soil could give them an extra boost. Both teams will be ones to watch as they look to build on last year's results and challenge for the title once again.

A Championship Full of Potential Surprises

The 2026 edition of the Game Changers Championship could bring plenty of surprises for fans worldwide. With several young and talented rosters qualifying for the tournament, we could see unexpected upsets from teams that have struggled to make their mark on the international stage.

Teams like FENNEL Female, Gentle Mates GC, and SK Gaming could deliver exciting matchups and challenge some of the tournament favorites, making the competition even more unpredictable and entertaining for fans.

While some organizations will be making their international debut, others bring together well-known players with years of experience in the competitive scene. Their return to the international stage is highly anticipated, particularly by longtime fans and those who have followed the inclusive VALORANT scene over the years.

Suzu "suzu" Sasaki is one such example. She rose to prominence during her time with FENNEL Female and later ZETA DIVISION GC, qualifying for the Game Changers Championship in 2022 and 2024, respectively. In 2025, she rejoined FENNEL Female with the ambition of changing the course of the Pacific region, which has yet to claim an international title.

After spending time away from the international stage, her return is highly anticipated by fans eager to see her compete at the highest level once again.

Pick'Em Rewards for VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026

Pick'Ems always bring with themselves exciting rewards, here are those year's ones:

• Participation prize: "Gênio" Title
• Global Top 50% finish: "Tô na Sombra" Gun Buddy
• Global Top 20% finish: "Pick'Ems Master: Tô na Sombra" Gun Buddy

Drops

Three other exclusive in-game rewards will be available during the Game Changers Championship:

• Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes between October 22-31: "MIGA" Title
• Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes on November 1 during the Grand Final: "Mais Que Amigas" Spray
• Watch for a minimum of 30 minutes on October 30 - November 1 through eligible on-site co-streamers: "BRABA" Title

The VALORANT Game Changers Championship São Paulo kicks off on October 22 and runs until November 1, bringing together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title.

The Pick’Ems will close just before the first match of the tournament begins. The stage is set, and the countdown is on. Are you ready for the action?

What lies ahead for the Game Changers circuit

The tournament will bring the 2026 VALORANT esports season to a close, marking the end of an era before major changes reshape the competitive scene in 2027.

In 2027, the Game Changers Championship will move to Austin, United States, where it will conclude alongside VALORANT Champions 2027. Qualifying teams will also have a $1 million monetary incentive at stake. With major changes coming to the VALORANT competitive scene, the Game Changers circuit will be part of this new chapter.

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 Moon Suwon/Riot Games