As per Esports Insider, VALORANT Champions Shanghai is set to conclude a season that saw no clear dominant team or region. With Nongshim RedForce winning Masters Santiago, LEVIATÁN claiming the Masters London title but missing out on Champions, and 100 Thieves securing victory at the Esports World Cup in Paris, the year has been defined by various players making significant impacts across different periods.
Ștefan ‘Sayonara’ Mîtcu, part of Team Vitality’s reconstruction alongside Nikita ‘Derke’ Sirmitev and Timofey ‘Chronicle’ Khromov, faced delays in competing despite being announced in November 2025. His debut during EMEA Stage 1 saw him help Vitality reach the grand final with impressive stats, although his form dipped in the final. Despite ups and downs, he bounced back in EMEA Stage 2, showcasing his talent as highlighted by Coach Dawid ‘PROFEK’ Święć.
Highlighting Cryocells’ MVP Performance with 100 Thieves at the Esports World Cup
Matthew ‘Cryocells’ Panganiban’s transition to a sentinel role for 100 Thieves in 2026 proved successful, leading to a standout performance at the Esports World Cup where he was named MVP. His versatility and impact were evident in key matches, showcasing his prowess across different agents and strategies.
Global Esports faced challenges throughout the season, including a public dispute and coaching changes, but managed to secure their first VCT Pacific title by defeating Nongshim RedForce. The team’s resilience and ability to overcome setbacks were key to their success.
Esports Insider’s player predictions for Champions Shanghai include standout names like Lukxo of LOUD, Dambi of Nongshim RedForce, Trent of G2 Esports, N4RRATE of Karmine Corp, and Slowly of TYLOO, all expected to make a significant impact on the upcoming tournament.
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