G2 Esports survived a three-map battle against 100 Thieves, winning 2–1 in the VCT Americas: Kickoff 2026 playoffs. After trading Bind and Corrode, G2 closed the series on Split to keep their triple-elimination run on track.

VCT AmericasKickoff 2026Playoffs

Veltra Esports StaffJan 18, 2026

NRG Sweep Cloud9 2–0 to Open Kickoff 2026 Playoffs

NRG opened VCT Americas: Kickoff 2026 playoffs with a clean 2–0 over Cloud9, winning Pearl (13–2) and Breeze (13–9). The result sends NRG forward in the upper bracket while Cloud9 drop to a lower-bracket matchup.

VCT AmericasKickoff 2026Playoffs

Veltra Esports StaffJan 18, 2026

Cloud9 Sweep LOUD 2–0 to Open Kickoff 2026 Playoffs

Cloud9 started VCT Americas: Kickoff 2026 with a 2–0 win over LOUD, taking Haven 13–7 and edging Abyss 13–11. OXY led Cloud9 with 38 kills, while lukxo topped LOUD with 40 in the series.

VCT AmericasKickoff 2026Match Recap