French esports powerhouse Gentle Mates is making waves with the recent announcement of their new VALORANT roster, set to compete in the 2026 VCT EMEA season. This exciting development marks the organization’s triumphant return to the elite level of VALORANT competition.
Gentle Mates Unveils New VALORANT Lineup
Following the removal of KOI, Gentle Mates steps back into the spotlight as the latest partner team in the league. On November 20th, 2025, the team announced its new roster, featuring four fresh faces alongside Patrik ‘Minny’ Hušek, a steadfast player since December 2024. Joining Minny are Taranvir ‘bipo’ Singh, Conner ‘GLYPH’ Garcia, Martin ‘marteen’ Pátek, and Patryk ‘starxo’ Kopczyński. The team is spearheaded by starxo, who boasts an impressive track record, having clinched the VALORANT Champions title in 2021 with Acend Club.
Across the Atlantic, GLYPH has transitioned from North America to the EMEA region after a notable performance in the latter half of 2025, highlighted by a top-four finish with the Withrop University team at VCT Ascension Americas. Meanwhile, marteen arrives from Karmine Corp, where he contributed to top-eight finishes at the Esports World Cup and VCT EMEA Stage 2.
Gentle Mates In 2025
Gentle Mates wasn’t initially slated for the 2026 VCT EMEA, having faced relegation in August following a challenging Stage 2. However, their re-entry into the league provides a fresh opportunity to shine. Beyond VALORANT, Gentle Mates has been expanding its influence in the esports world. In August, they ventured into Counter-Strike 2 by acquiring the former Iberian Soul roster, marking a notable presence in ESL Pro League Season 22 and narrowly missing out on the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
With a renewed roster blending seasoned veterans and promising talent, Gentle Mates are set to make their mark at the Monsters Reloaded 2025 tournament from November 22nd to 23rd. This new chapter promises to be an exciting phase for both the team and its fans.