Team Vitality Reach Valorant Champions Shanghai Playoffs after LOUD Victory
Team Vitality has secured a spot in the Valorant Champions 2026 playoffs after defeating LOUD 2-0 in Shanghai, finishing Group B as winners. The victory marks a significant milestone as Vitality became the first VCT EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) roster to advance to the playoffs stage.
The match showcased competitive Valorant at its finest, though the 2-0 scoreline masked the intensity of the battles fought. On Ascent—Vitality’s map pick—the EMEA representatives demonstrated commanding early control, establishing a formidable 7-1 lead on the Attack side. This aggressive start was fueled by exceptional individual performance, particularly from Dawid ‘PROFEK’ Święć, who recorded an outstanding 347 ACS (Average Combat Score) during the attacking rounds.
Despite Vitality’s strong positioning, LOUD mounted a resilient defense, winning five of the subsequent six rounds to narrow the gap considerably. The map became closely contested as LOUD managed to tighten the scoreline to 8-7 in Vitality’s favor, demonstrating their ability to recover under pressure.
This playoff qualification represents a crucial achievement for Vitality in the 2026 competitive Valorant season. The team’s progression as Group B winners, alongside Paper Rex and NRG advancing from Groups C and D respectively, underscores the competitive caliber of international teams competing at Champions.