Mark Daniel Demayo

Global Esports clears Gen.G as first hurdle in 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff lower bracket

Article (news)

Mark Demayo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177047623405855067547638_e3d72b704d_k.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Global Esports&#x27; Pinoy rookie and in-game leader Xavier &quot;xavi8k&quot; Juan during the 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff. VCT Pacific/Handout</span></span></span></div><p>Global Esports stayed alive in the lower bracket of the 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff after knocking out a battle-worn Gen.G in a close series, 2-1.</p><p>The Indian organization recovered from a loss to DetonatioN FocusMe in the middle bracket of the new triple-elimination format.</p><p>Their Korean opponents recently fended off tier 1 rookies VARREL in a full series that included a 14-round overtime series. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2026/1/23/global-esports-with-new-pinoy-duo-wins-first-vct-pacific-2026-kickoff-match-1910" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Global Esports with new Pinoy duo wins first VCT Pacific 2026 kickoff match</a></div><div><br/></div><p>In Breeze, Gen.G was in control for most of the first half with only book-end wins and an additional round in between for GE, concluding at 3-9 at the half. </p><p>GE clawed back in the second half by running four-round win streaks twice and forced the map to overtime. </p><p>The two squads traded a round each at the start of post-regulation, but Gen.G managed to keep GE at bay at 13-15.</p><p>In Abyss, Gen.G took the lead again out of the gate with four rounds, but GE fought back earlier by winning seven rounds to end the half at 7-5. </p><p>It was a close affair during the second half that nearly went again to overtime. But GE managed to deny the Gen.G comeback to end the series at 13-11 and force the decider map.</p><p>Haven saw GE take the lead this time around by winning seven rounds and limiting Gen.G to five, ending the half at 7-5. </p><p>Gen.G began to close the distance between them and GE in the second half, but when the Korean squad had the chance again to force another overtime, GE stopped the comeback once again and completed the reverse sweep in the series at 13-11.</p><p>Australian fragger Kale &quot;Autumn&quot; Dunne was given the MVP honors in the match with 71 kills, 53 deaths, and 19 assists while playing Jett and Yoru. </p><p>Pinoy rookie and in-game leader Xavier &quot;xavi8k&quot; Juan led the team&#x27;s scoreboard during their match in Abyss with 23 kills, 15 deaths, and 7 assists while on Astra.</p><p>With the win, GE will have the chance to get revenge on Paper Rex, who have also fallen to the lower bracket after their loss to T1. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2026/1/25/paper-rex-overcomes-global-esports-in-2026-vct-pacific-kickoff-2000" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paper Rex overcomes Global Esports in 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2026/2/6/paper-rex-falls-to-lower-bracket-of-2026-vct-pacific-kickoff-despite-invy-heroics-2243">Paper Rex Falls to lower bracket of 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff despite invy&#x27;s heroics</a></div><div><br/></div><p>The Pinoy battle rematch between GE and Paper Rex will commence on February 8.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p> Global Esports stayed alive in the lower bracket of the 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff after knocking out a battle-worn Gen.G in a close series, 2-1.</p>

Global Esports stayed alive in the lower bracket of the 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff after knocking out a battle-worn Gen.G in a close series, 2-1.