The group stage of VCT 2026: EMEA Stage 1 recorded the lowest viewership figures among all opening stages in VCT history. According to Esports Charts, the average number of viewers was under 100,000.
Total watch time reached 8 million hours, which is 30% lower compared to last year. The peak viewership was recorded during the match between Fnatic and Team Vitality, with 179.9K viewers — 26.9% lower than the previous year.
Despite setting a negative record among first stages, this tournament did not become the least popular overall — that title still belongs to VCT 2024 EMEA Stage 2.
The main reason for the decline is attributed to decreased interest among key demographic groups, particularly French-speaking audiences. This is linked to underwhelming performances by Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates.
As a reminder, the ATB retail chain officially announced the end of its collaboration with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
