Valorant made headlines worldwide and the enormity of the news was such that it left people in a daze. NRG, the newly crowned champions of the tournament, are rumored to make a PARTLY roster change that will be BIG for the 2026 VCT season. The website Anonymotum has reported that Keiko has obtained a verbal agreement to join NRG and that he will be taking the place of s0m in the main lineup. You heard it right, the very guy who just made their championship happen might be moving his position.
A huge cut from one side to the other. NRG has just shown their dominance over all the teams and they are already thinking about changes for the next season? That is either a step further in confidence or complete chaos. The reaction from the community has been crazy, to the point where players are going crazy just for the possibility of this move.
One player just yelled “EXCUSE ME WHAT” when he heard the news and honestly, the same goes for you dude! The confusion is really heavy. Another one was like “NAAAHHH KEIKO??? they might win again” and honestly? That’s the exact mood people are in. This transfer has even caused speculation NRG could actually win the championship consecutively which would be totally, absolutely, and unbelievably insane in competitive Valorant world.
But wait, some contradictions are also appearing in the replies. A user said “wait aura” that definitely gives the impression maybe there is more to the story. And another was speaking about someone saying “leaked it on stream without confirming” thus rumors are still there, but their source is quite reliable?
Strategic discussions have begun, and they have become intense. Conversations are all about agents and how Keiko would adapt to the NRG system. A player was saying, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Keiko ends up playing duelist too, but I just can hardly believe this team can be successful for one complete season unless Ethan gets sova or vyse or if Keiko gets viper” – such a player is undoubtedly providing super tactical analysis.
Moreover, there is an emotional aspect of s0m’s swapping. One gamer put it nicely, “i’m not gonna be too much of a complainer bc i like nrg but fuckin hell man :(” which is just feelings. The first problem has also emerged by the side of s0m who among the other players is in the team but here it is a matter of making the team a powerhouse.
The viewpoint of the international community is just as interesting along with a user writing in French “je vais beaucoup aimer si cela ce produit” meaning “I’m going to really like it if this happens” so indeed the global Valorant community is highly interested in this prospective move.
What is really astonishing is how quickly some people are already saying “NRG B2B champs gg’s” just like they’re already handing the 2026 cup to them. The thrill is REALLY there. Another person said, “Naaahhh it’s over americas is the best region” and the like, with such an event, they might just be right?
Analogies to the NFL are popping up as well and predictably so, one question was “Explain in nfl terms” and an answer came, “As a panthers fan, this is a fire analogy” thus the sports analogies are plenty.
Agent meta discussion has become quite complicated. Gamers are participating in this debate at an advanced level talking about Vyse vs Veto, thorns and walls being the best stall in the game and how Keiko as a smoke character player could change the dynamics of the game completely. It seems like the whole community has switched to a horde of professional strategists trying to solve the puzzle.
It is even more mind-boggling that there are some people who actually predicted this chaos? One reply read, “I knew it since yesterday platchat episode” meaning the rumor mill was already working overtime before this news became public.
Generally, everyone is of the opinion that this is a huge power play that might place NRG at the top of the competitive scene while some comments like “That’s actually a good pick up” and “NRG may win champs back to back now wtf” keep the hopes sky-high.
However, let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is just a report about a verbal agreement. Unofficially, things in esports may change quicker than you can say “clutch”. Yet, the very fact that NRG is even considering a roster change of a championship-winning team indicates how fierce the competition in this field has become. They are not resting on their laurels – they are playing for keeps.
However, player reactions are the true informants – from surprise through thrill and tactical analysis everybody has a say in the issue of the potential transition. It is the router that could alter the course of the 2026 season before it even starts. Whether it turns out that way or not, NRG is still making the headlines, and that in the esports world can sometimes be half the battle.
So, it may be NRG who will create a superteam for 2026, and the whole Valorant world will be watching anxiously for the unfolding of events. Back-to-back champions? With such moves, the possibility is certainly there.
The G2 esports scene is also buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, PlayStation and Xbox fans are eagerly awaiting upcoming events.
