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 TeamJan 18, 2026

100 Thieves Outlast Leviatán 2–1 in Kickoff 2026 Playoffs Opener

100 Thieves opened their Kickoff 2026 playoff run with a 2–1 win over Leviatán, taking Bind and Split to close the series. Despite the loss, Sato led the server with 59 kills and 252 ACS as Leviatán fought back with a Pearl win.

VCT AmericasKickoff 2026Playoffs