VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026: Complete Team Tier List and Pick’Em Guide

The Masters Santiago 2026 is almost here, and the hype is real. Top teams from all over the world are coming to clash, and fans are wondering who will rise and who will fall. Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-follow tier list, from tournament favorites to teams likely to exit early.

Masters Santiago 2026 Tier List

Below is the structured tier list summarizing all teams before we move into detailed explanations.

Below, we will explain why the teams are placed in these positions.

First Four Eliminated

EDward Gaming shows weak results across key metrics, ranking low on most maps. The team has occasional standout moments, such as successful duels from Kong Kong, but overall it does not excel in any particular area. Their average player strength and overall map performance are low, making the team highly vulnerable in the tournament. As a result, EDward Gaming is likely to be eliminated in the early stage of the competition.

Team Liquid is considered one of the weakest teams in the tournament. Statistically, they slightly outperform EDG, but their performances are highly inconsistent: the team can have strong moments, but maintaining a stable performance at the international level is unlikely. Despite some recent improvements, unpredictability remains a critical factor. Therefore, Team Liquid is expected to exit in the early stage of the tournament.

NRG Esports, the reigning world champions, showed a decline in recent regional stages, finishing third in the Americas. They do not fully adopt the hyper-aggressive double duelist style, preferring a more cautious and strategic approach. Their strength lies in making smart decisions and reading situations well, but at the international level this may not be enough, as success heavily depends on individual skill and precise shooting. Consequently, NRG is likely to be eliminated in the early stage of the tournament.

Paper Rex has had an inconsistent season, heavily relying on one standout player — Forsaken. The rest of the roster delivers average performances, making the team vulnerable on the international stage. Even if some players improve during the tournament, overall inconsistency and limited depth make Paper Rex one of the teams likely to be eliminated early.

Bottom Four in Playoffs

Gentle Mates are a team with solid individual skills, but their performances are inconsistent and unpredictable. While they have the ability to make smart plays at crucial moments, their success often depends on these high-pressure reads rather than overall consistency. Statistically, they rank around the middle of the pack, but on an international stage, this inconsistency could prevent them from advancing far. As a result, Gentle Mates are likely to finish in the bottom four of the playoffs, struggling to progress past the early knockout rounds.

AG (All Gamers) play a controlled and slower-paced style, which worked well regionally, but their performance may not translate as effectively on the international stage. Statistically, they have some strong maps and individual player metrics, but the overall strength of their region slightly inflates these numbers. Despite starting in the playoffs and being guaranteed a top-eight finish, AG is likely to end up in the bottom four of the playoffs, with a chance to finish around fifth or sixth if they maintain consistency.

BBL Esports are known for their wildly aggressive and fast-paced playstyle, which has made them stand out regionally. However, their approach may not be as effective against international teams that are experienced at countering aggressive strategies. Statistically, their overall map strength and average player ratings are relatively low, and their inexperience on the big stage could impact their performance under pressure. As a result, BBL is likely to finish in the bottom four of the playoffs, facing challenges in progressing deep into the tournament.

FURIA had a strong regional showing, led by some of the top-rated duelists, but their overall team firepower may be insufficient at the international level. While teamwork and coordination are solid, their reliance on first-kill conversions could be a vulnerability against more skilled opponents. On a global stage, even a moderate drop in their individual impact could hinder their success. As a result, FURIA is likely to finish in the bottom four of the playoffs, potentially struggling against the top-tier teams.

Top Four Likely

Nongshim Red Force are an explosive and highly dynamic team known for their unique and aggressive playstyle. While this approach worked well regionally, their first international appearance presents new challenges against more experienced opponents. Despite this, the team has shown strong coordination and adaptability, particularly with their offseason addition, X Ross, who quickly integrated into new roles. Statistically, they rank just above top contenders like T1, and their combination of experience overcoming setbacks and high individual skill makes them likely to finish in the top four, with potential to reach the grand finals.

XLG are a strong team with impressive statistical ratings, particularly in individual player performance and map strength. While their numbers may be slightly inflated due to regional competition, they have shown the potential to compete at the highest level internationally. Their solid coordination and consistent performance make them a dark horse contender for the top four, with the possibility to surprise and advance deep into the tournament.

Tournament Favorites

G2 Esports have transformed their playstyle this season, showing a dramatic improvement in both team coordination and map strength ratings. While their firepower is middle-of-the-pack, their strategic approach, adaptability, and consistent individual performances make them a serious contender to win the tournament. With the addition of Baby Bay and a renewed team identity, G2 demonstrated the potential to dominate the competition and contend for the championship.

T1 Esports are a top-tier team built to win championships, with elite talent in every position and strong strategic leadership. Despite a slow start in Kickoff, they have quickly adapted to their style and identity, showing high map strength ratings and solid individual performances. With standout players like Ezu leading the charge, T1 are a serious favorite to reach the grand finals and have a strong chance of winning the tournament.

Masters Santiago 2026: Swiss Stage Pick’Ems

To determine which teams to pick, you should rely on the previously mentioned insights about each team and also take a look at the tournament bracket to make more accurate predictions.

So, we have the matchups M8 vs EDG, XLG vs NRG, G2 vs PRX, and T1 vs TL. Let’s break down each of them.

Gentle Mates vs EDward Gaming At the moment, the Chinese roster is struggling to regain their former strength and glory, showing mediocre results on the Chinese scene, not to mention against teams from other regions. On the other hand, Gentle Mates look much better and more coordinated. They played impressively in the EMEA Kickoff and came very close to winning, but just fell short.

XLG Esports vs NRG NRG should not be underestimated, as they are, after all, the reigning world champions. However, their performance has dipped since Champions, and currently, XLG appears more structured and cohesive as a team. This makes them the favorite for the match and positions them as one of the top contenders for a Top 4 spot at Masters.

G2 Esports vs Paper Rex Paper Rex is extremely inconsistent—they are the kind of team that can beat anyone and lose to anyone on any given day. Based on recent results, North American roster G2 Esports is far more solid and, overall, the favorite in this Masters matchup.

T1 vs Team Liquid There was huge hype when Team Liquid signed MiniBoo, but in practice, it hasn’t lived up to expectations. Whether it’s due to lack of synergy or simply not gelling as a team, MiniBoo hasn’t delivered the performance fans and viewers hoped for. Meanwhile, T1 Esports has been fascinating to watch. In their region, they finished second, losing only to NS RedForce, who took first place. This makes T1 the favorites for this match and strong contenders for the championship.

Masters Santiago 2026: How Does Pick’Em Reward System Works

The Pick’Em system in VALORANT lets players earn unique rewards by predicting match outcomes in esports tournaments. Simply participating grants the “Cachando Todo” title for your profile, while placing in the top 50 % unlocks the “¡Rico, Po!” buddy, and finishing in the top 20 % upgrades it to a gold‑colored Pick’Em Master version. The ultimate achievement — correctly predicting every match in both the Swiss stage and playoffs — awards the ultra‑rare “Perfect” title. To maximize your chances, make your picks as soon as they open: Swiss Stage predictions usually start before February 28, and Playoffs picks open after the bracket is announced. Accuracy compared to other players determines your ranking, so researching team performance and strategies can help you climb the leaderboard and claim higher-tier rewards.

VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 looks less like a chaotic coin-flip event and more like a tournament where consistency will decide everything. Teams with clear structure, stable roles, and strong map pools should have the advantage. Those relying heavily on momentum or individual hero plays may struggle once the pressure builds.

The tier list is based on current form and realistic expectations. T1 and G2 Esports look the most complete right now — not because they are flashy, but because they make fewer mistakes and adapt well mid-series. Nongshim Red Force and XLG have real potential to go deep, but they still need to prove themselves against top international opposition.

Teams in the lower tiers are not weak — the overall level at Masters is high — but they show more inconsistency or structural issues that are harder to fix during a short tournament.

For Pick’Ems, the safest approach is to prioritize stability over reputation. Big names do not always translate into big results. Focus on recent performances, map depth, and how styles match up in specific pairings.

There will be surprises — there always are at international events. But if we look at form and overall balance, the most logical outcome is a controlled, disciplined team lifting the trophy rather than a volatile one catching fire for a weekend.