VCT Americas Stage 2 play-ins preview: Leviatán leads the charge as heavy favorites

Ahsan Kabir Published August 16, 2026

VCT Americas Stage 2 is reaching its final stage, with only the top two teams securing a direct entry into Shanghai. Leviatán seems unstoppable, NRG continues to be a menace, and eight teams are set to clash in a highly competitive play-in tournament along with four regional Challengers. Below are all the details that you need to know before the stage kicks off.

Current standings and teams to watch

The VCT Americas Stage 2 group stage just finished on August 9, so we finally got the full scenario before the play-ins officially starts:

• Direct into playoffs: Leviatán, NRG, LOUD, 100 Thieves.
• Playing in play-ins (VCT): ENVY, KRÜ Esports, FURIA Esports, Evil Geniuses.
• Regional challengers: M80 (North America), La Masia (Brazil), BESTIA (Latin America), 2GAME Esports (Americas LCQ).

Leviatán looks like the team to beat

Image credit: Riot Games

Leviatán qualified for the playoffs directly owing to an impressive group stage performance. In their encounter with MIBR on August 8, Sato scored 222 ACS, while Neon continued his MVP streak, contributing 34 kills. Honestly, with such great showings from spikeziN and blowz as well, Leviatán demonstrated their depth valiantly. However, teams like 100 Thieves and LOUD are always prepared to go head-to-head with them.

If you’re wondering who the favorites are to win in other regions, check out our preview on VCT pacific Stage 2.

NRG facing a very major challenge

Image credit: Riot Games

NRG is still considered to be one of the teams to be afraid of, who are likely to make it to playoffs along with 100 Thieves. During their recent match with Evil Geniuses, the superiority in the firepower of NRG was clear for all to see. Keiko dominated with a high ACS of 267 and 35 kills alongside mada who is not far behind with an ACS of 257.

The challengers are a threat

For those four partnered squads which fall short, their road for Champions is going through the tough 8-team Play-ins against hungry Tier 2 talent. It is going to be a tough journey for them.

Keep Your Eye on This Play-in talents:

• GLYPH (ENVY): A recent addition to the ENVY roster, GLYPH put on an absolute masterclass in the Group Stage. Playing KAY/O against Evil Geniuses with a staggering 1.41 rating and 287 ACS, his ability for securing crucial rounds is going to be very important if his team wants to survive in the lower bracket. 

Image Credits: Valorant Esports

• NiSMO (M80): After a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 Ascension Grand Final, M80’s veteran captain is finally making his long-awaited debut in the top-tier tournament. His leadership and clutch factor make him a very big challenge for any VCT team who is hoping for an easy win. 

Image credit: Riot Games

• Melser (BESTIA): The former KRÜ Esports captain led his South American squad through a grueling regional final. Melser plays with so much tactical confidence, and facing off directly against his old organizations is going to be super exciting for the fans to watch. 

Image credit: Riot Games

• heat (KRÜ Esports): Having recently rejoined KRÜ for Stage 2, heat has been playing amazingly well lately. His explosive duelist capabilities will prove whether veteran experience can beat rising challengers who have nothing to lose.

Image credit: Riot Games

Key opening matchups and schedule

The Play-ins runs from August 13 until August 23. Twelve teams will compete in a double-elimination format, meaning a team gets eliminated after two losses. The opening matches featured a highly anticipated battle between main Americas VCT teams and the new regional Challengers.

Opening schedule (upper bracket round one):

• August 13: KRÜ Esports vs. BESTIA and ENVY vs. M80
• August 14: FURIA Esports vs. 2GAME Esports and Cloud9 vs. Fluxo W7M

What to expect next

Once the Play-ins come to an end, the four remaining teams will proceed and become part of the final bracket which uses a double elimination format. The matches will have three games each, reaching up to five games for the Grand Finals.

Leviatán, NRG, LOUD, and 100 Thieves become the contenders to watch out for, but Challengers like M80 can very much create a fairy tale underdog success story in this competition. Each map becomes highly important considering that qualification to Champions is on the line.

Featured image credit: Riot Games