French esports organisation Gentle Mates has unveiled its VALORANT roster competing in the 2026 VCT EMEA season.
The organisation returns to the top tier of VALORANT esports after becoming the latest partner team following the removal of KOI.
Unveiled on November 20th, 2025, the roster features four new signings joining Patrik ‘Minny‘ Hušek, who has represented the organisation since December 2024. Taranvir ‘bipo‘ Singh, Conner ‘GLYPH‘ Garcia, Martin ‘marteen‘ Pátek, and Patryk ‘starxo‘ Kopczyński complete the lineup.
Leading the team is starxo, a player who is no stranger to success in EMEA. In 2021, the Polish player won VALORANT Champions under the Acend Club banner.
For the 2026 season, GLYPH has made the move from North America to EMEA, following a solid showing during the second half of 2025. In October, the player scored a top-four finish as part of the Withrop University roster competing in VCT Ascension Americas.
Elsewhere, marteen joins Gentle Mates following a two-year stint representing fellow French organisation Karmine Corp. The team scored top-eight placements at the Esports World Cup and VCT EMEA Stage 2.
Gentle Mates wasn’t expected to compete in VCT EMEA next season. In August, it was relegated from the league after losing all five of its Group Stage matches in Stage 2.
Gentle Mates In 2025
Outside of its VALORANT operations, Gentle Mates has continued to cement its place as one of Europe’s prominent esports organisations.
August saw the organisation expand into Counter-Strike 2 esports with the acquisition of the former Iberian Soul roster. Following a last-minute appearance at ESL Pro League Season 22, the team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
After receiving another opportunity to compete in VCT EMEA in 2026, Gentle Mates has rebuilt its roster with a balance of youth and experience. The team makes its debut at the Monsters Reloaded 2025 tournament, taking place from November 22nd to 23rd.
