Valorant VCT Stage 2 has already started, and teams across different regions are fighting for regional glory and a spot at Valorant Champions 2026. Over the past few months, fans have witnessed these teams showcase their unique strategies and exceptional mechanical skill across major Valorant events, including the Esports World Cup (EWC) and various VCT tournaments.

However, this time the competition has become fiercer than ever before. Needless to say, it's still too early to crown a favorite, but based on their performances throughout the season, these five teams have emerged as the biggest contenders heading into VCT Stage 2.

In this article, we will highlight the 5 best teams in Valorant VCT Stage 2 across all four regions.

NOTE: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

Paper Rex has been one of the most successful and also the best-performing teams in the Pacific region, winning four Pacific titles (the highest) along with a Masters. T1 has also been one of the strongest teams in the region, with their excellent team coordination and mechanical prowess consistently delivering results when it matters the most.

Nongshim RedForce, a team that has gone through numerous setbacks since winning VCT Masters Santiago, has been steadily finding its path once again. Gen.G Esports has struggled to replicate its international success for quite some time. But this time, the team looked much stronger, which many noticed during the recent EWC event.

Global Esports could emerge as the tournament's dark horse. While they suffered a loss to Full Sense in the Pacific Stage 1 Upper Bracket Final, the team with a new head coach could make a strong comeback in Valorant VCT Stage 2.

NRG has consistently shown why they are one of the strongest teams in the Americas region. Despite falling to 100T in the EWC Grand Final, the team showcased excellent coordination and mechanical skill throughout the event.

G2 Esports could break their curse this time around. The team has often fallen short by the narrowest of margins, but Valorant VCT Stage 2 presents another opportunity to change that. G2 has everything that a team needs to win a title, and this time they could make a strong comeback.

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Leviatan, the VCT Masters London Champions, has been one of the best teams in this region. Their disciplined and unique strategies have consistently delivered results. This time they can also win the Valorant VCT Stage 2 title. 100 Thieves, the Valorant EWC 2026 champion, is in exceptional form right now.

Each of the players is looking quite strong and could finally clinch their first-ever VCT title, especially after getting a taste of international success with their first-ever championship victory. MIBR hasn't made any great impact over the past few years, but yes, they shouldn't be counted out.

The team is filled with experienced players like Aspas who know what it takes to compete on the biggest stage and have already played in major finals. If things click for them, MIBR could emerge as the dark horse of the Americas region.

Fnatic is the most successful team in the EMEA region and has won multiple regional and international titles. However, things haven't quite gone their way for the past few years. Even so, they have all the pieces needed to make a strong comeback, especially with one of the most mechanically gifted rosters in the region.

FUT Esports showcased its dominance at the recent Masters London and is looking in great form to finally secure its first-ever regional title. Team Vitality, the Stage 1 runner-up, is also a strong contender for the title. Although they fell short against Team Heretics in the grand final, the team has looked impressive and may go one step further this time.

Team Liquid has often finished their journey around the 5th or 7th seed, but the roster is packed with mechanically gifted players like nAts, kamo, and more who are capable of competing at the highest level. If they can find consistency, TL has what it takes to challenge for both regional and international titles.

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Karmine Corp hasn't shown any significant results since winning its 2024 regional championship. However, every region has its dark horse, and KC could very well claim that spot this time around if the team manages to rediscover its winning form.

EDward Gaming and Xi Lai Gaming are both top-notch teams and strong contenders for the China Stage 2 title in 2026. EDward Gaming, in particular, has won 4 VCT China titles along with the VCT Championship 2024 trophy. The team has retained most of the old players, which is one of its biggest strengths when it comes to team coordination and experience.

Trace Esports has often finished third or fourth place in regional events. However, the roster is filled with talented players who are more than capable of pushing their limits and breaking through their curse to eventually win the upcoming title.

Bilibili Gaming has defeated almost every top team in the Chinese region at one point or another. This proves that the team has what it takes to compete at the highest level and can clinch the Valorant VCT Stage 2.

Dragon Ranger Gaming could be the dark horse of the Chinese region this time. The team secured third place in Stage 1 but has shown some remarkable performances throughout the tournament. If it can maintain that momentum, DRG has every chance of making a deep run and even lifting the Valorant VCT Stage 2 trophy.

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