Riot Games has officially unveiled the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2026, and it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious season in the history of VALORANT esports. Featuring expanded global events across three continents, new high-stakes formats, and direct qualification opportunities for Challengers, the upcoming season is all about building a more open and competitive ecosystem.
A Truly Global Stage
The 2026 season will bring VALORANT esports to new audiences with major international events set across three continents:
- Masters Santiago – the first-ever global VCT event hosted in Latin America.
- Masters London – the United Kingdom’s long-awaited debut as an international VCT destination.
- Champions Shanghai – the grand finale where the 2026 VALORANT World Champion will be crowned.
This expansion highlights Riot’s commitment to making VALORANT a global esport, ensuring fans worldwide can experience the thrill of competition closer to home.
New Formats Raise the Stakes
The 2026 VCT season will also introduce fresh tournament structures to keep the action intense and unpredictable:
- Kickoff Triple Elimination: A new format designed to maximize matches and create nail-biting comebacks.
- Masters Expansion: Now featuring 12 teams, guaranteeing more representation and more matches at the international level.
- Destination Playoffs: Stage 2 Playoffs, which serve as direct qualifiers for Champions, will be hosted in new cities worldwide — while VCT CN makes history with a five-city tour.
These changes ensure that every stage of the season carries higher stakes and more opportunities for teams to shine.
The Challengers Path to Champions
For the first time in VCT history, Challenger teams will be able to qualify directly for Champions. Four teams from Challengers will advance through International League Stage 2 Playoffs, with Riot providing financial and travel support to ensure accessibility.
This means players can now dream of progressing from in-game Premier mode all the way to Champions within a single season. The structure rewards consistency, performance, and resilience — empowering the next generation of VALORANT stars.
“2026 is about opening doors for more players and teams around the world,” said Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports. “With new global events, bigger formats, and a new path for Challengers to reach Champions, we’re building a more open ecosystem that empowers the next generation of VALORANT stars.”
Looking Ahead to VALORANT 2026
The VCT 2026 season is set to kick off early next year, promising unforgettable matches, global milestones, and a redefined path to glory for aspiring players. From Santiago to London and finally Shanghai, the season will celebrate the best of VALORANT esports while welcoming fresh talent into the spotlight.
