VCT 2026 Americas Stage 1: Playoffs Begin — G2 and MIBR Chase Masters Spots

VCT Americas Stage 1 is the first major VALORANT tournament of the region in 2026. The group stage ran from May 1-13. Eight teams competed in a Swiss System format for playoff spots. Playoffs began today, May 15.

Group Stage Results

G2 Esports finished the group stage 5-0, not dropping a single map in their final matches. MIBR (3-2) entered the lower bracket after a loss to Sentinels. NRG was eliminated after three consecutive losses — a surprising early exit for many.

• G2 Esports — 5-0, best map differential (+9)
• Sentinels — 4-1, consistent performance
• Leviatán — 3-2, survived through lower bracket
• MIBR — 3-2, entered playoffs from last place

Playoff Bracket

Playoffs follow a Double Elimination format:

Upper Bracket:

• G2 Esports vs Leviatán — today, 15:00 UTC
• Sentinels vs 100 Thieves — today, 19:00 UTC

Lower Bracket:

• MIBR vs KRÜ Esports — today, 12:00 UTC
• Cloud9 vs paiN Gaming — tomorrow, 16:00 UTC

G2 Esports: Why They Are the Favorites

G2 Esports is the undisputed playoff favorite. After a roster overhaul in late 2025, the team replaced two players and brought in a young IGL from the European academy. The new lineup gelled faster than expected.

• Map pool: confident on Ascent, Sunset, and the new Haven 2.0
• Agent meta: quickly adapted to Pathfinder — the new agent from patch 10.0
• Teamplay: minimal solo play, tight rotations, team-first focus

Who Could Surprise

Sentinels are the only team that can realistically challenge G2 in the upper bracket. Their AWP player TenZ is showing some of his best form in seasons. If Sentinels avoid G2 until the final, they have a real chance.

MIBR are the lower bracket dark horse. Brazilians are known for switching into playoff mode and delivering unexpectedly high performance under pressure. Last year they reached the VCT Americas final through the lower bracket.

What Is at Stake

• Direct spot at VCT Masters Reykjavik 2026
• Maximum Circuit Points for Champions qualification
• $200,000 from a $500,000 total prize pool

Playoffs are broadcast on the official Riot Games VALORANT channel on Twitch and YouTube.