VCT 2026 Updates; Season schedule, Masters Santiago tickets, and Path to Champions
Zahk
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The 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour is shaping up to be the most ambitious competitive year in the game’s history. Riot has overhauled the flow of the VCT 2026 season, expanded global events, and opened the pathway to Champions wider than ever before. With a refreshed structure, new teams entering the leagues, and a clearer avenue for Challengers squads to break into the highest tiers of competition, this year promises to deliver a fiercely competitive race toward Champions Shanghai.
New Teams Entering the Race
Entering 2026, six teams have earned their place in the international leagues. Newly ascended squads ENVY, PCIFIC, ULF, and SLT Seongnam have officially joined the partnered ecosystem, marking a major shakeup in the competitive landscape. Alongside them, Nongshim Redforce and Dragon Ranger Gaming return after qualifying once more, ensuring familiar names stay in the fight. There is also one more team yet to be announced to replace Talon Esports after they were removed from the VCT Pacific League.
2026 VCT Schedule Overview
This season introduces a refreshed Championship Points system and maintains the same qualification structure: two teams earn their spot at Champions Shanghai through Stage 2 Playoffs, and two more qualify through points. With more events, more live audiences, and a deeper pool of teams, 2026 is designed to be the largest VCT campaign yet.
Image credit: Riot Games
Below are the official dates for the 2026 season:
• Kickoff
January 15 – February 15
• Masters Santiago
February 28 – March 15
• Stage 1
March 31 – May 10
• Stage 1 Playoffs
May 6 – May 24
• Masters London
June 6 – June 21
• Stage 2
June 30 – August 16
• Season Finals
August – September
• Champions Shanghai
September 24 – October 18
• Game Changers Championship (City TBA)
October – November
Kickoff Format Refresh
The 2026 season begins with drastic changes to Kickoff. This year introduces a triple-elimination format, giving teams more opportunities to adapt and recover early in the season. Twelve teams will compete in each league, though the top four finishers from Champions 2025 receive a crucial first-round bye, meaning NRG, FNATIC, DRX, and PRX will get a bye.
The stakes are high from day one: the top three teams in each league will secure places at the newly expanded Masters Santiago, now a 12-team global event.
Image credit: Riot Games
Kickoff Start Dates
Americas – January 15
EMEA – January 20
Pacific – January 22
China – January 22
Stage 1: The Road to Masters London
Following Masters Santiago, teams return to league play for Stage 1. Each league splits into two groups of six, competing in a single round-robin of best-of-three matches. Only the top four from each group advance to playoffs, while the bottom two are immediately eliminated from Masters London contention.
The top three teams from Stage 1 Playoffs will earn spots at Masters London, which maintains the same 12-team structure introduced in Santiago.
Stage 2: More Live Events Than Ever Before
In 2026, Stage 2 becomes the most important stretch of the season. Not only will points be on the line, but each region will host its Stage 2 Playoffs in brand-new live event locations, giving players more opportunities to compete in front of fans and broadening the global reach of VCT.
These playoffs will determine the final direct qualifications into Champions Shanghai—two via playoffs and two via points.
A New Route for Challenger Teams
One of the biggest changes this season is the removal of the traditional Ascension system. Instead, Challenger teams will have a direct path to Champions by qualifying for Stage 2 Playoffs. Riot is providing $75,000 in travel and visa support for every Challenger team that reaches this stage, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder their championship aspirations.
Image credit: Riot Games
Across all territories, four Challenger teams will qualify for the Stage 2 Playoffs and compete directly against International League opposition. While affiliate teams remain eligible, Academy teams will not be eligible to participate in the “Path to Champions,” but may still compete in regional Challenger competitions. Riot is also removing the relegation protection for Academy teams in 2026. If an Academy team finishes in the bottom of their regional Challengers, they will need to fight to protect their spot. This approach will increase competitive meritocracy and create a more equitable competition within the Challengers ecosystem.
Roster and age restrictions have also been clarified, particularly due to China’s legal requirements mandating that all players at Champions must be at least 18 years old. Challenger teams qualifying with younger talent must prepare early to adjust accordingly.
Premier Pathway
For players aiming to break into the pro scene through Premier, Riot encourages competitors to verify their regional residency requirements and Challenger eligibility. With a now fully connected pathway, Premier serves as the foundational entry point for those hoping to climb all the way to Champions.
Masters Santiago: Live Audience & Ticket Sale Information
Masters Santiago will be the first global LAN event of 2026, hosted at Espacio Riesco in Santiago, Chile. Running from February 28 to March 15, the event will feature 12 teams competing for crucial Championship Points, and it will take place entirely in front of a live audience.
Image credit: Riot Games
Ticket Sales
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 10 at 12pm (CLST) / 7am (PT) Available globally via: puntoticket.com/valorant
Venue
Espacio Riesco Av. El Salto 5000, Huechuraba, Región Metropolitana, Chile
All ticket tiers grant access to: • Zona de Comunidad (fan activities & booths) • La Galería (standing near the stage) • El Foro (post-match interview area)
Other important notes: • Max 4 tickets per purchase • No re-entry permitted • Food & drink available on site • Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
The Road to Champions Shanghai Begins Now
With more events, more teams, and more opportunities than ever, the 2026 VALORANT season aims to elevate the competitive ecosystem both regionally and globally. From the triple-elimination Kickoff to the expanded Masters circuit, the year ahead promises nonstop storylines, and the ultimate showdown at Champions Shanghai.
Zahk plays and watches a lot of video games, especially Valorant, when she’s home, and travels the world the rest of the time, usually a book in hand. She loves telling stories, coffee, and living life like an adventure.
