Karmine Corp vs NRG Betting Predictions
Karmine Corp and NRG will face off on Tuesday, September 29, in the second round of Group D at VALORANT Champions 2026, in a rematch from the Esports World Cup, when NRG edged out a 2-1 win.
Both teams entered VALORANT Champions 2026 with high expectations. Karmine Corp showed incredible form in Stage 2, while NRG have been very consistent this season and seemed to have found a new level in Stage 2 before collapsing in the playoffs.
Both teams have also shown good things in the first round of the group stage, granted NRG had to step it up more, as they faced Nongshim RedForce, while KC had it easier against XLG Esports.
On paper, there is no clear favourite for this match, and while NRG have indeed looked good in the first round, it is also fair to say that Karmine Corp should present a tougher challenge.
- NRG are up in the head-to-head
- KC and NRG both enter this game in good shape
- This can be anyone’s game
NRG Lead the Head-to-Head
NRG and Karmine Corp met once before, during the Esports World Cup, when NRG won.
| Date | Event | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 6 | Esports World Cup 2026 | NRG | 2-1 |
Where to Watch Karmine Corp vs NRG Live?
Esports fans can watch the match between Karmine Corp and NRG on esports streaming sites, via VCT channels. Alternatively, esports bookmakers with in-play betting options for VALORANT Champions, such as Stake, will offer free streaming options for the event.
- Visit Stake
- Log in or sign up with Stake promo code NEWBONUS and claim your welcome offer
- Find VALORANT Champions markets under the VALORANT tab
- Watch the free streams and place in-play bets
Karmine Corp Chase a Revenge Win
Karmine Corp had an amazing run at VCT EMEA Stage 2, proving themselves as one of the world’s best teams and realistic VALORANT Champions 2026 title candidates. Entering the tournament with high expectations, Karmine Corp delivered in the first round of Group D, where they handled XLG Esports with relative ease.
Karmine Corp won the match with 13-3 on Sunset and 13-6 on Abyss, dominating the Chinese squad. N4RRATE, in particular, played well on the day, posting a 1.62 performance rating, ahead of Avez at 1.39. XLG, on the other hand, did not have a single player who ranked above 0.80.
Following a dominant display against XLG, Karmine Corp will now have to face a real challenge as they prepare for a rematch against NRG, who bested them once before this season – during the Esports World Cup in June.
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 25 | VALORANT Champions 2026 | XLG Esports | 2-0 (W) |
| August 30 | VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 | Team Liquid | 3-1 (W) |
| August 28 | VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 | FUT Esports | 2-0 (W) |
| August 21 | VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 | ENTERPRISE esports | 2-1 (W) |
| August 1 | VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 | Team Liquid | 2-1 (W) |
Karmine Corp Squad & Team News
No changes for Karmine Corp.
- Hazem "avez" Khaled
- Dmitrii "SUYGETSU" Iliushin
- Dastan "dos9" Zhumagali
- Burak "LêwN" Alkan
- Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey
NRG Are in Great Form
The defending world champions kicked off VALORANT Champions 2026 with a 2-0 sweep of Nongshim RedForce, and with that, NRG sent a strong message that they came to China to play.
Beating Nongshim RedForce is not a small feat, and NRG looked good doing it, winning the series with 13-5 on Lotus and 13-10 on Split. NRG performed much better than expected, but it is not like they have been looking bad this season.
NRG seem to have found their best form in Stage 2, and considering what they showed in the first round of VALORANT Champions, it is very easy to have faith in them and their chances to take down another heavyweight.
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 25 | VALORANT Champions 2026 | Nongshim RedForce | 2-0 (W) |
| September 5 | VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 | LOUD | 2-3 (L) |
| September 4 | VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 | 100 Thieves | 0-2 (L) |
| August 28 | VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 | LOUD | 2-1 (W) |
| August 9 | VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 | Evil Geniuses | 2-0 (W) |
NRG Squad & Team News
NRG haven’t announced any changes.
- Adam "mada" Pampuch
- Brock "brawk" Somerhalder
- Logan "skuba" Jenkins
- Georgio "keiko" Sanassy
- Ethan "Ethan" Arnold