NeT returns to VCT with GIANTX roster for 2026 season

Michael “neT” Bernet is back in the Valorant Champions Tour. The 23-year-old American player has signed with GIANTX as their new in-game leader heading into the 2026 VCT EMEA Stage 2, which kicks off in July.

For a player who parted ways with Cloud9 back in October 2025, this is more than a roster move. It’s a second act in one of esports’ most competitive leagues.

What happened and why it matters

GIANTX, the European organization born from the merger of Excel Esports and Giants, has been tinkering with its Valorant roster for months. Their results in 2026 have been, charitably, uneven. The team finished 9th-10th in the Stage 1 group stage and managed a 5th-6th placement at the EMEA Clash main event.

After leaving Cloud9 in late 2025, neT spent time with NRG Academy, joining that squad in March 2026. Now he’s making the jump to a partnered VCT EMEA team. The signing was reported in mid-June 2026, giving the team a few weeks to integrate before Stage 2 competition begins.

The move also coincides with another roster adjustment involving player musz3kk, signaling that GIANTX isn’t just making one swap.

The esports business angle

Partnered VCT teams like GIANTX operate under a franchise-style model, meaning they have guaranteed spots in the league. When a team finishes in the bottom half of the standings, the return on that investment starts looking questionable. GIANTX’s middling Stage 1 performance put pressure on the org to make changes that could translate into deeper tournament runs, more broadcast time, and ultimately more value for their partners.

The 2026 season has introduced significant changes, including more live events and flexible roster options aimed at improving team dynamics and fan engagement.

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