The grand finals of 2026's Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 will once again be hosted at the ESA Arena in Istanbul, Türkiye on August 30. The winner will receive a direct invite to this year's Game Changers Championship in São Paulo.

g2 gozen image G2 Gozen G2 Gozen Europe Rank #44 Akita Esllene Xu amy Amy Lai Vania Aleyna Keskin eva Nur Çakır mimi Michaela Lintrup has lifted both Stage 3 trophies so far. (Photo: Michal Konkol/Riot Games)

This year, EMEA's Game Changers has fostered more talent than ever as teams continue fighting for a spot at the Championship. The past two stages have both been won by different teams, Gentle Mates GC Gentle Mates GC Europe Rank #6 Nami Iman Nagaaoui berryx Emine Çoban Wens Gülce Eda Sürmeli Marti Martyna Pabian tokameite Anastasia Pozharskaya and SK Nebula SK Nebula Europe Rank #11 Joliinaa Tina Agélii LizA Elizabeth Luybovina Thuy Ngoc-Thuy Duong rezq Eda Naz Akçocuk fluxxy Lola Ainslie .

G2 Gozen G2 Gozen Europe Rank #44 Akita Esllene Xu amy Amy Lai Vania Aleyna Keskin eva Nur Çakır mimi Michaela Lintrup – despite winning the last two EMEA Stage 3 events – has yet to earn a trophy this year.

A long road of Group Stage matches, Play-Ins, and Playoffs await teams who wish to make an appearance on Istanbul's stage, as only the top two teams will be invited to compete in-person.

“Over the past two years, Istanbul has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in Game Changers EMEA history,” said Tomek, Esports Product Manager of VCT EMEA. “It's also been an incredible year for Game Changers. The level of competition continues to rise, the ecosystem is maturing, and initiatives like Cash Cups are creating even more opportunities for players to compete and grow. As the scene continues to evolve, we want to elevate the Finals experience and make it a celebration for the entire VALORANT community.”

Fans attending the event will have opportunities to meet players and creators ahead of the grand finals.

As the event coincides with the EMEA Stage 2 grand finals in Barcelona, the Stage 3 finals will transform into a VCT watch party after the victors are crowned.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets beginning August 3.