Karmine Corp crush XLG in Champions Shanghai opener

Karmine Corp crush XLG in Champions Shanghai opener

Karmine Corp 2:0 Xi Lai Gaming

Karmine Corp made a dominant start to VALORANT Champions 2026 with a 2:0 sweep of Xi Lai Gaming in their Group D opener.

The EMEA champions gave XLG little room to settle into the series, winning Sunset 13:3 before closing Abyss 13:6.

Karmine dominate Sunset

Karmine Corp immediately took command of Sunset.

The European side raced to a 10:2 lead on attack and never allowed XLG back into the map, conceding only one additional round after the side switch.

Avez produced the standout performance with Fade, finishing the map with a 1.71 rating, 280 ACS and a 19/7/3 statline.

Lewn also played a major role on Neon with 15 kills, while N4RRATE contributed 14 kills on Chamber.

Abyss closes the series

XLG showed more resistance on Abyss, but Karmine Corp remained comfortably ahead throughout the second map.

KC eventually closed it 13:6 to complete the sweep without requiring a decider.

The result sends Karmine Corp into the Group D winners' match against NRG, while Xi Lai Gaming drop into the elimination side of the group.