Valorant Masters Santiago is nearly upon us, as one of the best international Valorant groups head to the Chilean capital to duke it out on the first Masters occasion of 2026. With Decide’Ems now dwell, listed here are our options for one of the best picks to make it out of the Swiss Stage.
The primary occasion of the season can at all times be tough to gauge totally in any esport. Groups are nonetheless pretty recent, there have been sure balancing modifications, and whereas there’s knowledge to go off, you’ll be able to by no means actually guess what’s going to occur.
That’s what makes these Decide’Ems much more thrilling. So, listed here are our picks for the Swiss stage of Valorant Masters Santiago.
Undefeated: T1 (2-0)
Our precedence decide for the staff to go undefeated within the Swiss Stage is Korean aspect T1. They regarded very sturdy within the Pacific Kickoff, taking second seed and beating fellow Swiss Stage staff Paper Rex on their run.
Not solely that, however a positive opening spherical fixture towards Crew Liquid is bound to set them off on the proper foot, although an upset there may very well be enormous.
Mild Mates (2-0)
Mild Mates have a troublesome opening-round matchup towards EDward Gaming, who can actually be checked out as darkish horses to do some injury right here.
Nevertheless, M8 made quick work of a lot of the EMEA Kickoff bracket earlier than shedding out to BBL Esports, with Martin “Marteen” Pátek particularly standing out with some enormous performs and usually acting at an elite stage throughout the event. EDward Gaming might wrestle to comprise him of their opening match, but when they will and get the victory, they really feel an amazing exterior decide to get by way of Swiss.
G2 (2-1)
G2 have arguably essentially the most even opening spherical within the occasion, dealing with a Paper Rex staff which have carried out properly in Pacific and mix for an excellent matchup.
This fixture may actually go both manner, however G2 because the #2 Americas seed ought to simply have the sting to take down their Pacific opponents. If not, we’re not too nervous about them both manner, as they need to be able to beating nearly anyone within the Swiss spherical.
Paper Rex (2-1)
Whether or not they beat G2 or not, we see Paper Rex getting by way of to Playoffs. There could also be an upset as soon as both staff goes to 0-1, or the 1-1 spherical, however each are just too good to not be there.
Whichever manner this matchup goes, we predict each groups attending to Playoffs.
After all, as with all event, you’ll be able to by no means actually guess precisely how issues will play out. Reigning world champions NRG may catch hearth, whereas EDward Gaming may pull off the wins wanted to point out out on the worldwide stage.
It doesn’t matter what occurs, with Valorant heading to South America for the primary time, you’ll be able to assure a enjoyable occasion with some incredible twists and turns.
