NRG VALORANT was back in action this past weekend for the first time since we conquered the world, winning VCT Champs in October. With s0m taking a step back from competition, NRG VAL spent the offseason searching for a replacement. The heart and soul of NRG VALORANT for five years, it was truly a tall task looking to replace such a legend of the game.
Fortunately, NRG was able to secure one of the top free agents in the 2025 class, Keiko, formerly of Team Liquid. Keiko was one of the top players in all of Europe this past season, and won the VCT 2025 EMEA Stage 2 Championship with Team Liquid. Keiko was deemed by many as the perfect replacement for a nearly irreplaceable player. NRG also extended team captain, in-game leader, and 2x World Champion Ethan for 2 additional years. We are thrilled to continue working with Ethan, who is approaching 5 years with the organization during his CS2 and VALORANT tenures.
With our roster set for the 2026 VCT season, the NRG boys traveled to NYC for a quick tournament hosted by RedBull (Red Bull Home Ground 2025). With little-to-no practice together, expectations were to simply begin getting our new player integrated into the system, and enjoy beautiful NYC with the VALORANT community.
The team started off the tourney with quick wins over Cubert Academy (Sentinels), and then the main Sentinels team. Earning a spot in the Upper Bracket Semifinals, NRG then faced off vs. Japanese side, Zeta Division. NRG again made quick work, defeating Zeta 2-0 (13-6, 13-6), advancing to the Grand Finals vs. rivals G2.
The Grand Finals unfortunately was the end of NRG VALORANT’s 9 match win streak dating back to the group stage at Champs. The boys fell to G2 ending our run in NYC. While our trip didn’t end in another championship and trophy raise, it was a great experience for the team and just the first step in our journey to defend our World Championship. Keiko had a promising debut and will only continue to improve as he fully integrates into the team. We can’t wait for the season to roll around again in January!
NRG RL was also back in action this past weekend for the first time since lifting a World Championship. How about that… 🏆🏆. Coach Satthew and the boys breezed through the RLCS 2026 - Major 1: North America Open 1 initial double elim phase, and then Swiss Stage without much opposition. From 192 teams down to 16 for the final Group Stage event, NRG will look to advance through to the playoff stage this weekend for a chance to go to Copenhagen to compete in the first LAN event of the “2026” RLCS season.
Our first match will be Friday at 10:10 AM PST vs. Feastaboniam. Be sure to tune in to see the World Champs continue their title defense.
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NRG CALENDAR - THE WEEK AHEAD
VALORANT
VCT 2026 - January, 2026
CS2
StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 1 - November 24-27
Rocket League
RLCS 2026 - Major 1: North America Open 1 - November 21-22