A winless Stage 1 once left Karmine Corp searching for answers. In their VALORANT Champions 2026 opener, they handed that problem to Xi Lai Gaming.

The EMEA Stage 2 champions swept XLG 2–0 in Shanghai on September 25, taking Sunset 13–3 and Abyss 13–6. N4RRATE led the series with 39 kills and 313 average combat score, according to VLR.gg, as KC moved within one series victory of the playoffs.

XLG had two maps to find a foothold. KC gave them little room on either.

Avez opens the door, N4RRATE slams it shut

Sunset belonged to KC almost immediately. A 10–2 halftime advantage left XLG chasing a recovery that never arrived, with KC conceding only one further round before securing their map pick.

Avez supplied the standout performance: 19 kills and seven deaths on Fade. His contribution gave KC a commanding start before N4RRATE took centre stage on Abyss.

XLG’s own pick was their opportunity to change the direction of the match. Instead, KC reached another halftime with a sizeable cushion, this time leading 9–3.

N4RRATE’s Yoru was the headline act. He posted 25 kills, seven deaths and eight first kills without a first death on Abyss. Those opening kills repeatedly gave KC a player advantage, adding another obstacle to XLG’s attempt to force a third map.

KC closed Abyss 13–6. Ascent stayed unplayed, and XLG were left facing elimination pressure.

Karmine Corp’s revival began before Shanghai

The sweep adds another chapter to a season that once looked very different.

At the pre-event press conference, N4RRATE reflected on KC’s climb from a 0–5 Stage 1 record to the EMEA Stage 2 title. He credited role changes and a coaching staff change, while acknowledging the negativity that had previously affected the team.

He described “trying to lean into more positivity and being good humans to each other” as a key part of their progress.

That makes Shanghai an intriguing test of KC’s recovery. Winning EMEA had already shown how far they had travelled from their early-season struggles. Their opening sweep now gives that revival an international result to build on.

NRG stand between Karmine Corp and the playoffs

According to VLR’s Group D bracket, KC face NRG on September 29 with a playoff berth on the line. XLG meet Nongshim RedForce on October 1, when another defeat would end their run.

KC have earned a convincing start, but qualification remains unfinished business. Against NRG, they get the chance to show how much further this turnaround can take them.