Gentle Mates GC stun defending champions Team Liquid Brazil at Game Changers Championship

Gentle Mates GC defeated the defending world champions Team Liquid Brazil 2-0 in their opening match at the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026 in São Paulo.

The victory secured the European squad a spot in the upper bracket semifinals, where they will face the winner of the G2 Gozen versus MIBR GC matchup on October 27.

Team captain Iman "Nami" Nagaaoui said the squad ignored predictions of an easy win for the Brazilian roster and focused on their own preparation.

"Now everyone knows who we are, that we're ready, and that we are real beasts," Nami said after the victory.

Gülce "wens" Sürmeli was named the match MVP after securing two aces and winning a series of key clutches.

The team said wens' performance was the result of hard work on her confidence and in-game mindset, and they were not surprised by her showing.

Gentle Mates GC also credited the successful integration of new player Safia "safiaa" Leghzal, who joined shortly before the tournament and had to change her in-game role.

Despite initial concerns, safiaa successfully adapted in just a month, thanks to the warm atmosphere in the team and the support of her new teammates.

Nami said the addition of safiaa has made the team even stronger and they are looking forward to a potential matchup against G2 Gozen.

A victory over G2 Gozen would allow them not only to prove their dominance in the EMEA region but also to take revenge for their loss in the grand final in Turkey.

The team was confident in their abilities even before the match started and felt no pressure, despite the active support for their opponents from the local crowd.

Off stage, the team is enjoying São Paulo, noting the city's beauty and the extraordinary hospitality of Brazilians.

A special discovery for the esports athletes was the politeness of local players in VALORANT ranked matches, which came as a pleasant contrast to the usual toxicity of European servers.