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Week 4 of VCT EMEA Stage 1 is done, and the playoff bracket is taking shape fast. Five teams have locked in their spots, FNATIC made it through without their flex player, and the final week promises some must-watch matchups.
Five teams have officially booked their place in the EMEA Stage 1 playoffs. The picture looks like this:
Group Alpha:
Group Omega:
FUT and FNATIC are the top seeds from their groups with perfect 4-0 records. Building on last week's clinch by both squads, Week 4 only confirmed their dominance. For the full picture of how this group stage was set up, check the VCT 2026 Stage 1 overview.
Three playoff spots remain up for grabs heading into the final week. Here's the bubble:
Natus Vincere (1-3) and Team Vitality (1-3) are mathematically alive but would need several results to fall their way. Karmine Corp (0-4) and PCIFIC Esports are already eliminated. 💀
Here's the story that has the whole EMEA community talking. Veqaj, FNATIC's flex player, has been placed on the inactive roster due to health reasons.
The team used assistant coach Desmo as an emergency substitute against GIANTX in Week 4 and still won 2-1. Credit to FNATIC for the result, but the roster situation heading into playoffs is a real concern.
It's unclear when Veqaj will return. If he misses the bracket, FNATIC go in as the Omega top seed but with a question mark where their flex player should be 👀.
The final group stage week is loaded with stakes. Here's what to watch:
The rest of the Week 5 card includes Gentle Mates vs Team Liquid, Team Vitality vs PCIFIC Esports, and Natus Vincere vs Karmine Corp.
FUT Esports and FNATIC look like the favorites heading into the bracket, but the playoff format can flip everything 🎯. A depleted FNATIC roster is exactly the kind of opening that teams like Eternal Fire and Team Liquid will be looking to exploit.
If you're tracking the global Stage 1 story, the VCT Americas circuit has its own compelling narrative, with KRÜ and LEVIATÁN showing that dominant group runs don't always predict playoff results. And for patch context heading into the playoffs, Valorant Patch 12.08 introduced changes that could shift how teams approach the meta.
Think you've got what it takes to compete? Jump into Valorant ladders and tournaments on Amber.gg and put your skills to the test.
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