The VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2026 has witnessed its first two eliminations, with Gen.G GC and Nova Esports GC exiting the international competition after suffering consecutive defeats. The Korean and Chinese representatives were unable to recover from their opening losses, ending their campaigns in São Paulo before the tournament reached its later stages.
Their departures leave eight teams competing for the championship, adding further pressure to the remaining contenders in the double-elimination bracket.
Gen.G GC Fall to FENNEL GC in Pacific Rematch
Gen.G GC became the first team eliminated after losing 2-1 to fellow Pacific representative FENNEL GC in the lower bracket. The result carried additional significance because the two teams had previously met in the Game Changers Pacific grand final, where Gen.G secured a 3-2 victory.
However, FENNEL turned the tables in São Paulo, sending Gen.G home following the Korean team's earlier defeat to KRÜ Blaze. The elimination marked a disappointing conclusion to a season in which Gen.G had established itself as a strong force in the Korean Game Changers scene before claiming the Pacific title.
Despite their international exit, the team's season had demonstrated its ability to compete at the regional level.
Nova Esports GC Unable to Overcome Team Liquid Brazil
Nova Esports GC became the second team eliminated after falling 2-0 to defending champions Team Liquid Brazil. The Chinese representative had already suffered an opening defeat against SK Nebula, leaving it with no margin for error in the lower bracket.
Team Liquid Brazil capitalised on the opportunity, securing the series and keeping its own championship defence alive. Nova's exit was particularly challenging given that the team represented China at the international event after winning the region's Game Changers qualifier.
The consecutive losses ended Nova's campaign before it could establish momentum against the international field.
Eight Teams Remain in the Championship Race
With Gen.G GC and Nova Esports GC eliminated, eight teams remain in contention for the 2026 title. Their departures underline the unforgiving nature of the double-elimination format, in which a second series defeat brings a team's tournament run to an end.
For Gen.G, the loss closes an otherwise successful regional season, while Nova leaves with valuable experience from competing against international opposition.
The championship continues in São Paulo, with the remaining teams seeking to secure their place in the final stages and challenge for the Game Changers crown.