BBL Esports Beat Gentle Mates 3:2 to Claim 1st Place at VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff

BBL Esports secured a hard-fought 3:2 win over Gentle Mates in the Upper Final of VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff, claiming 1st place in the tournament standings.

The Best-of-5 series was tense, with momentum swinging between both teams. BBL stayed composed, capitalized on key rounds, and didn’t let Gentle Mates dominate for long.

Map 1 — Haven: 11–13 Gentle Mates

Gentle Mates came out strong on their first pick, Haven, controlling key areas and holding solid defenses. The map remained close throughout, but Gentle Mates managed to win critical rounds and closed it 13–11, taking the early lead in the series.

Map 2 — Abyss: 15–13 BBL Esports

BBL responded on Abyss, a closely contested map where both teams traded rounds. Gentle Mates had control in the early half, but BBL gradually gained momentum through smart utility usage and disciplined defense. In the late stages, clutch plays helped BBL secure the map 15–13, leveling the series 1–1.

Map 3 — Pearl: 16–14 BBL Esports

Pearl was another tight battle. BBL took an early lead, but Gentle Mates stayed within striking distance. Many rounds were decided in post-plant situations or clutch moments. BBL eventually edged out a 16–14 win, moving ahead 2–1 in the series.

Map 4 — Split: 13–4 Gentle Mates

Gentle Mates bounced back on Split, dominating in both attack and defense. Coordinated site control and strong rotations shut down BBL’s strategies, leading to a comfortable 13–4 win and forcing a decider.

Map 5 — Corrode: 13–6 BBL Esports

On the deciding map, Corrode, BBL started strong and never let Gentle Mates recover. They controlled mid and key map areas, executed retakes efficiently, and closed the map 13–6, winning the series 3–2 and securing the top spot in the Kickoff event.

VCT 2026: EMEA Kickoff features 12 teams and serves as a crucial early-season event, with results directly impacting qualification for Masters Santiago. Fnatic entered the tournament as one of the clear title contenders, and this performance sent a strong message that the team is ready to fight for the top from the very beginning of the season.