Known invites to The International 2026 revealed, NAVI finalize four players for NAVI Junior VALORANT roster — news digest for May 26

We have prepared a digest of the main esports and gaming news for Players readers for May 26, 2026.

Invited teams and qualification schedule for The International 2026 announced

• Valve has revealed the list of teams that received direct invitations to The International 2026 in Dota 2. This time, only seven teams received invites instead of the usual eight. The company also shared details and dates for the regional qualifiers.

NAVI finalize four players for their VALORANT academy roster

• Vitalii “Javelin” Fedak, Herman “Kolosha” Skrypka, Vaniss “Darxcio” Mel, and Nikita “avey” Ivanovs have been confirmed as members of NAVI Junior’s VALORANT roster. Illan “K9lyos” Vogel and Viktor “sizo” Buyak are competing for the remaining vacant spot.

EA FC 26 World Cup mode receives official release date

• The football simulator EA FC 26 will receive a special FIFA World Cup-themed mode called The World’s Game. The free update is scheduled for release on June 4, 2026.

GTA Online may have accidentally revealed a new GTA 6 mechanic

• Grand Theft Auto 6 fans believe Rockstar Games may have unintentionally hinted at one of the upcoming game’s new mechanics through GTA Online. Players noticed a strange element while customizing a vehicle that could be connected to GTA 6’s rumored police pursuit system.

Riot Games unveils VALORANT Patch 12.10 — Pick’Ems for Masters London and replay sharing

• Riot Games has presented Patch 12.10 for VALORANT. The update introduces Pick’Ems predictions for Masters London 2026, a replay-sharing feature with friends, as well as updates to the Skirmish and Premier modes.