VCT introduces 1v1 Skirmish Side Selection as skill-based standard for competitive VALORANT

The VALORANT Champions Tour is implementing a significant change to competitive play in 2026 with the introduction of skirmish side selection. This new system replaces traditional coin flips or predetermined methods, adding a skill-based element to determine which team gets priority for map and side selection.

What is a Skirmish?

A skirmish is essentially a high-stakes 1v1 duel between designated players from each team. Think of it as a quick-draw showdown that takes place before the actual match begins. These abbreviated duels strip away the complex tactical layers of standard VALORANT gameplay: no agent abilities, no utility, just pure gunplay mechanics. It’s VALORANT at its most fundamental: two players, their aim, and their movement skills. It is a separate mode available if you want to try it in-game.

How the System Works

The skirmish side selection process follows a straightforward structure. Before each match begins, one player from each starting roster steps into a 1v1 skirmish. These skirmishes are played at designated times and locations determined by league officials, ensuring consistency and fairness across all matches. The format is simple but intense: first to five rounds wins. With abilities disabled, players must rely entirely on raw gunplay mechanics: their aim, positioning, and movement. There are no second chances or strategic agent picks to fall back on; it’s a pure test of mechanical skill.

The stakes are significant: the skirmish winner earns their team the edge heading into map selection, giving them priority in the crucial veto process that shapes the entire series.

Starting at kickoff across all VCT leagues, equally seeded matches will utilize this skill-based standard for side selection. While the announcement indicates this system will be implemented globally, official confirmations have currently come from VCT Americas and VCT Pacific. Other regional leagues are expected to follow suit, though formal announcements are still pending.

Starting at Kickoff, equally seeded VCT matches will use a skill-based standard for side selection.

Before the match begins, one player from each starting roster steps into a 1v1 Skirmish. A high-stakes duel will determine priority for map and side selection. pic.twitter.com/9GXnwsD8Hm

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) January 14, 2026

Impact on Competitive Play

The introduction of skirmish side selection adds a new dimension to competitive VALORANT. Teams must now consider which player possesses the strongest mechanical fundamentals when designating their skirmish representative. This could elevate the importance of pure aim training and deathmatch practice, as these skills directly translate to skirmish performance.

This adds a much better way of deciding which team gets to choose the side they want to play on, and provide them a possible advantage in the map veto that could decide how the map plays out. For instance, if you’re better prepped on the defense side, you can opt to choose that if you win the skirmish, ensuring you and your team have a chance at gaining an early lead. With how early leads can often translate into victories, this is a significant feature. Further, the 1v1 Skirmish promises to be entertaining for viewers too, especially if your favorite player is the one to take up the challenge.

The system ensures that advantages in map selection are earned through demonstrable skill rather than chance, aligning with VALORANT’s competitive philosophy. As the 2026 season unfolds, skirmish side selection will test not just team coordination and strategy, but individual mechanical prowess under pressure, adding yet another layer to the highest levels of competitive VALORANT.