Gentle Mates Rebuilds VALORANT Roster for 2026 VCT EMEA Return
French esports powerhouse Gentle Mates has officially revealed its revamped VALORANT lineup for the 2026 VCT EMEA season, marking a bold comeback to the elite tier.
The announcement, dropped on November 20, 2025, via a video teasing “no leaks” before showcasing the squad, features incumbent Patrik “Minny” Hušek (Czech Republic) joined by four fresh talents: Taranvir “bipo” Singh (Italy), Martin “marteen” Pátek (Czech Republic), Conner “GLYPH” Garcia (USA/Philippines), and Patryk “starxo” Kopczyński (Poland).
Player Highlights
Starxo takes the in-game leader reins, bringing pedigree as the 2021 VALORANT Champions victor with Acend, bringing to the team with veteran poise and strategic depth. Marteen arrives from Karmine Corp after two strong years, boasting top eight finishes at the Esports World Cup and VCT EMEA Stage 2. Bipo adds explosive duelist flair, while Minny anchors the flexible Central European core honed in VCT and Ascension battles. GLYPH, the NA import, crosses to EMEA post a top four run at VCT Ascension Americas with Winthrop University in October 2025.
Coaching Staff
Backing the players is a stable team of staff. Head Coach Pavle “pakko” Kostić (Serbia), Assistant Jiri “KUNDIKUNDI” Honkala (Finland), Sinan “Luinwess” Koyuncu (Turkey), and Marc “marc_kwl” (France).
Bienvenue à notre nouveau roster Valorant avec @hellowork #M8WIN
🇵🇱 @starxo5
🇮🇹 @bipoval
🇨🇿 @minnyfn
🇨🇿 @imthemarteen
🇺🇸🇵🇭 @47GLYPHStaff :
🇷🇸 @pakkoVAL_
🇫🇮 @kundikundiVAL
🇹🇷 @Luinwess
🇫🇷 @marc_kwl*pending riot approval pic.twitter.com/Sn8mF28arm
— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) November 20, 2025
Upcoming Challenge
Their first test will come at Monsters Reloaded tournament, November 22-23. This high upside project indicates Gentle Mates commitments to being one of the biggest contenders in the region and on a world scale.
Since: October 29, 2025
