en
BBL Seize 1st Seed to Masters Santiago in VCT EMEA Kickoff Upper Final
BBL have done it. After a tense Bo5 (Best-of-5) series against a rising Gentle Mates, the Turkish wonder-team have proven their mettle worthy of the international stage. They’ll now be headed for Masters Santiago as the 1st seed representative from VCT EMEA after winning the Upper Bracket Finals this evening.
Turkish Talent Takes Team the Distance
In a series that truly delivered on all metrics as a fan, BBL and Gentle Mates (M8) walk off the stage proud of the battle they emerged from. Despite Gentle Mates stealing away BBL’s opening map pick of Haven, BBL replied back with wins on Abyss and Pearl after length back-and-forths in overtime.
Under fire, M8 finally found success on Split, silencing the Turkish side for the first time in the series in a dominating performance. However, the opposite story played out on the final map of Corrode. With both teams clearly flagging, BBL proved greater stamina reserves as they powered themselves to victory, set to attend their first-ever international event.
From the bedroom to the international stage
The core formerly known as BBL PCIFIC is a storied one. A group of friends blasted their way through the VALORANT Premier system, eventually qualifying for Ascension and punching their way into VCT EMEA for the 2026 season.
BBL have very quickly proven themselves among the elite of EMEA. Their run thus far in Kickoff consisted of a win against their former organization, dominating wins against EMEA titans Fnatic and Team Vitality, and fellow emerging heavyweight, Gentle Mates, emerging undefeated to qualify for the first Masters event of the year.
Heading into Santiago, expectations are not quite solidified yet. Many see this BBL roster as an excellent one with an already great showing domestically. Time will tell if this squad can replicate their success on the international stage.
[caption align = "aligncenter" width = "800"]
BBL has swiftly lodged itself in VCT EMEA as a cornerstone with its fanbase (Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games)[/caption]
Follow Strafe Esports for the latest VALORANT news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games
Read More:
