Eight players to watch at VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026

Eight players to watch at VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026

VALORANT Champions Shanghai will bring together some of the world's best players following a 2026 season that produced different champions across several of the year's biggest tournaments.

Nongshim RedForce claimed Masters Santiago, LEVIATÁN won Masters London, and 100 Thieves emerged victorious at the Esports World Cup, while the final regional splits produced another collection of champions heading into Shanghai.

With no single player or team dominating the entire season, several established stars and breakout talents will have an opportunity to end 2026 at the top.

Sayonara — Team Vitality

Ștefan "Sayonara" Mîtcu made an immediate impact after becoming eligible to play for Vitality during EMEA Stage 1.

The 18-year-old helped Vitality reach the Grand Final while recording a 1.13 rating, 221 ACS, 1.17 K:D, and 149.6 ADR. He also converted 10 of his 44 clutch opportunities.

After a quieter Masters London, Sayonara returned to form during EMEA Stage 2 with a 1.19 rating, the third-highest at the tournament.

Cryocells — 100 Thieves

Matthew "Cryocells" Panganiban adapted to a new sentinel role following 100 Thieves ' restructuring for the 2026 season.

The change eventually paid off at the Esports World Cup, where Cryocells posted a 1.13 rating, 206 ACS, and 1.17 K:D while recording a tournament-high 11 clutches.

He finished the Grand Final against NRG with 65 kills and 25 assists as 100 Thieves claimed the title, earning MVP honors for his performance.

PatMen — Global Esports

Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza helped Global Esports complete a remarkable turnaround during VCT Pacific Stage 2.

After an inconsistent group stage, Global Esports reverse-swept Masters Santiago champion Nongshim RedForce to capture the organization's first VCT Pacific title.

PatMen's flexibility played an important role in the run, as he switched between controllers, initiators, and duelists while recording a 1.07 rating, 221 ACS, and 1.10 K:D across 29 maps.

lukxo — LOUD

Lucca "lukxo" Travaioli emerged as one of the standout performers of VCT Americas Stage 2 after LOUD struggled through much of the previous season.

Across 31 maps, lukxo produced a 1.16 rating, 238 ACS, and tournament-leading 1.31 K:D. His 572 kills were also the most recorded by any player at the event.

LOUD ultimately fell to 100 Thieves in a five-map Grand Final, but lukxo finished the series with 90 kills and 18 successful opening duels.

Dambi — Nongshim RedForce

Lee "Dambi" Hyuk-Kyu became one of Nongshim RedForce 's defining players during the team's Masters Santiago championship run.

Playing an aggressive Neon alongside Kim "Francis" Mu-bin's Yoru, Dambi finished the tournament with a 1.11 rating, 238 ACS, and 1.19 K:D.

He also recorded 43 first kills across 215 rounds before Nongshim swept Paper Rex 3–0 in the Grand Final, with Dambi earning tournament MVP honors.

trent — G2 Esports

Trent "trent" Cairns remained one of G2 Esports ' most consistent performers throughout 2026 despite the team's changing compositions.

He recorded a 1.15 rating, 1.11 K:D, and 73% KAST at Masters Santiago before maintaining a 77% KAST during G2's difficult Masters London campaign.

Trent followed that with a 1.16 rating, 1.12 K:D, 76% KAST, and 236 assists as G2 won Americas Stage 2.

N4RRATE — Karmine Corp

Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey returned to Karmine Corp following his departure from Sentinels and eventually helped the organization complete a dramatic turnaround.

After KC went 0–5 during EMEA Stage 1, the team rebounded to win Stage 2 with a 3–1 victory over Team Liquid .

N4RRATE finished the tournament with a 1.21 rating, 235 ACS, 1.34 K:D, and 76% KAST. His aggressive play also produced 78 first kills against just 41 first deaths.

Slowly — TYLOO

Sun "slowly" Kelun helped TYLOO secure its first VCT China championship after the organization spent much of its previous history around the middle of the regional standings.

TYLOO defeated Bilibili Gaming 3–0 to qualify for Champions before overcoming JD Gaming 3–1 to claim the Stage 2 title.

Slowly finished the tournament with a 1.22 rating, 250 ACS, 1.30 K:D, and 161.7 damage per round across 30 maps.

He also led the tournament with 127 opening kills and was named VCT China's 2026 Season MVP.

Champions Shanghai will now give all eight players an opportunity to turn their regional and international performances into a run at VALORANT's biggest trophy of the year.