EWC 2026 Valorant: Group Stage Results
Four teams have already secured their spots in the EWC 2026 Valorant playoffs: 100 Thieves, Team Vitality, Team Heretics, and Gentle Mates. Here's a full breakdown of the group stage results, and what's still on the line.
Esports World Cup 2026 — Valorant
🎯 The First Qualifiers: 100 Thieves and Team Vitality
On Day 3 of the EWC 2026 Valorant group stage, 100 Thieves and Team Vitality claimed the tournament's first two playoff spots.
100 Thieves dominated Group A, beating BBL Esports and showing the composure you'd expect from a squad hungry for a deep EWC run. In Group B, Vitality edged out NRG 2-1, a tight series that confirmed the EU roster is hitting its stride at the right time.
The real story of Day 3? Karmine Corp upset Paper Rex 2-1, sending the Pacific's top-ranked team home early. It was one of the biggest upsets of the group stage, and a reminder that EWC bracket results are never guaranteed. 🔥
💪 EMEA Confirms: Heretics and Gentle Mates Punch Their Tickets
Day 4 was all about EMEA. Both Team Heretics and Gentle Mates sealed their playoff berths on July 5, reinforcing the region's status as the most consistent force at this tournament.
Heretics Sweep MIBR in Group D
Heretics took care of Masters Santiago champions MIBR in convincing fashion: 2-0.
- Lotus (OT): Heretics 16-14: marteen on Raze was relentless, racking up 16 kills in the first half alone
- Ascent: Heretics 13-2: a complete dismantling
Photo: Wojciech Wandzel / Riot Games
Gentle Mates Clutch Through Group C
Gentle Mates got past Nongshim Redforce in a back-and-forth series (2-1):
- Lotus: Nongshim 17-15 (OT): a narrow escape for the Korean squad
- Haven: Gentle Mates 13-10: Starxo's clutch play was the turning point 🏆
- Ascent: Gentle Mates 13-3: dominant close
Meanwhile in Group C's elimination match, G2 swept Xi Lai Gaming 2-0 (Lotus 13-7, Breeze 13-9), keeping their playoff hopes very much alive.
🔥 What's Still at Stake: Decider Matches
Four groups still have one playoff spot to award:
G2 Esports are the must-watch story here. The squad arrived at EWC as Valorant MSI finalists: if they get through, the playoff bracket gets a lot more interesting. Check the EWC 2026 team preview to see who's predicted to go deep.
📊 Group Stage Takeaways
EMEA already holds half the confirmed playoff spots, and the decider matches could push that number even higher with G2 still in contention. The EWC 2026 group draw set up some tough paths, and so far, the teams expected to advance have mostly delivered.
For context on the meta going into playoffs, the Valorant Patch 13.00 notes are worth a read: map pools and agent picks are being shaped by recent changes.
Think you can hold your own against EWC-level competition? Jump into skill matches on Amber.gg and prove it.
Want to test your own skills while the pros battle it out? Join Valorant community tournaments on Amber.gg and compete for real prizes while following the EWC 2026 playoffs live.
