Reigning VALORANT world champions NRG are off to a strong start at the VCT 2026: Americas Kickoff after posting a dominant 2–0 win over Cloud9. The championship squad, now bolstered by former Team Liquid superstar keiko, is widely tipped as one of the Americas’ top contenders.
After the match, we had the opportunity to chat with VALORANT Champions 2025 MVP, Brock “brawk” Somerhalder, and discuss his thoughts on the match against Cloud9, his read on the current meta, the overall goals for NRG this year, and more.
Exclusive Interview With NRG brawk
Q) Hello, brawk! Congratulations on the clean 2–0 win against Cloud9. It was a pretty dominant match from NRG. Did you expect to win this easily and for Cloud9 to put up a bit more of a fight?
brawk: Yeah, I felt like the match could have been a bit closer. However, we started off really hot on both maps, which did not help them get into the rhythm. We just started off really strong on both maps, which really helped.
Q) How has it been working with keiko so far? Is there anything different he brings to the team compared to s0m?
brawk: I feel like keiko brings the chance for us to play double duelist comps. With Sam (s0m), we did not really do double duelist at all, but it is not like Sam could not, as he has done it on previous teams. We looked for more flexibility on the Agents when we first brought keiko in, so we could play a lot more double duelist comps. He is also an insane fragger, so that helps too.
Q) On the topic of double duelists, do you think it is a big boon for teams to have the chance to run double duelists, and how impactful do you think it is in the current meta?
brawk: I think for some maps, it is really good. Double duelist is really good on Breeze, obviously, and Cloud9 did end up having a double duelist comp today. It is pretty good on most of the maps, and if you cannot run a double duelist comp at all, you will be lacking a little bit.
Q) Do you think teams that cannot run double duelist comps and prefer a more traditional style of VALORANT can still perform just as well despite lacking that extra edge that double duelist comps can bring?
brawk: I think double duelists have a different edge. It is more scrappy, and you fight a lot more. However, I do not think you are at a disadvantage if you are the best team playing with a double initiator. I think it is still too early to say what is the best strategy right now.
Q) Do you like how diverse the meta is at the moment, as a lot of different comps are viable on a variety of maps?
brawk: I kind of like it. I feel like it is not the same comp every map. Right now, a lot of teams are testing different stuff, and it is pretty cool to see it.
Q) Do you think a meta will be solidified by the time Masters Santiago begins?
brawk: I do not know, honestly. There are a lot of breaks between these Kickoff games, so I think these teams will change comps, and there will be a set meta, but there are always going to be random teams playing different comps, and it is not going to be one particular comp. This is because some teams have double duelist players and some do not. Also, being comfortable on Agents is a thing, as some of these duelist players cannot play every duelist, so it is going to be different.
Q) After winning Champions 2025, it is reasonable to assume that NRG have their eyes set on the domestic title. Do you believe this roster has the firepower to dethrone G2 Esports?
brawk: Yeah. I feel like we have what it takes to do it. However, G2 Esports are our kryptonite right now. We are going to try and figure out how to beat them next, but the meta has changed so a lot could happen.
Q) Are there any players from the tier two Americas scene that people need to keep an eye out for this year?
brawk: On the current rosters, a lot of players from the Shopify Rebellion Black roster are really good. The top organisations in tier two, such as Shopify and M80, are going to be the best rosters with the next up-and-coming players.
Q) What are NRG’s overall goals this year? The two-peat of Champions victories is obviously something that is likely to be the ultimate goal for the team, but what are some of the immediate goals for this roster?
brawk: I want to win a Masters. Winning one of the three LANs this year is the goal. It would be cool to win a Masters, but obviously winning Champions is also the goal, and it is pretty much everyone’s ultimate goal. If we could do it again, that would be insane.
Q) Any closing thoughts that you would like to share with NRG fans?
brawk: Thank you guys for supporting us. We have a lot more fans now after winning Champions, so I really appreciate it. Buy the NRG bundle. It is the best bundle out there.