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VALORANT Champions 2026: Teams, Format, Schedule, and more
Starting September 24, VALORANT Champions Shanghai will bring together the world's best teams as they battle for the most prestigious trophy of the competitive season and their share of a $2.25 million prize pool.
Teams & Format
VALORANT Champions Shanghai kicks off with 16 teams, four per region. These are:
| Americas | EMEA | Pacific | China |
| 100 Thieves | Karmine Corp | Global Esports | TYLOO |
| LOUD | Team Liquid | Paper Rex | JD Gaming |
| G2 Esports | FUT Esports | T1 | Xi Lai Gaming |
| NRG | Team Vitality | Paper Rex | EDward Gaming |
The action starts with the Group Stage, with only 8 teams booking their tickets to the Playoffs at Jing'an Sports Center. The event's final matches, which will determine the top four teams, will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Group Stage
- Four double-elimination format groups
- All matches are Bo3
- Top 2 teams from each group advance to the Playoffs
Playoffs
- 8-team double-elimination bracket
- All matches are Bo3, except for the Lower Bracket Final and the Grand Final
- Lower Bracket Final and the Grand Final are Bo5
Champions 2026 Drops
By watching the matches and making predictions, fans can earn a variety of in-game rewards, including player cards and gun buddies. Here are all the rewards available during VALORANT Champions 2026.
| Category | Rewards | How to Get Them |
| Drops | "Prepared" Title | Watch a minimum of 30 minutes during Groups and Playoffs |
| Drops | "Stamp of Approval" Spray | Watch a minimum of 30 minutes during the Grand Finals |
| Shotcall | "The Catch" Title | 50 points (cumulative over event) |
| Shotcall | "Crab Mentality" Buddy | 300 points (cumulative over event) |
| Shotcall | "Frag or Die Trophy" Player Card | Finish top 3% on any map |
| Pick'Ems | "Calculated" Title | Completing Pick'Ems |
| Pick'Ems | "100%" Title | Perfect Pick'Ems |
| Pick'Ems | "Stone of Heaven" Buddy | Top 50% of Pick'Ems |
| Pick'Ems | "Master: Stone of Heaven" Buddy | Top 20% of Pick'Ems |
Schedule
The tournament will span nearly one month, concluding on October 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China.
The schedule has not yet been announced. We will keep you updated and share the details as soon as they become available.
For a detailed look at the individual fixtures and localised times, check out the Strafe match page and filter for the tournament you are looking for.
What to Expect from VALORANT Champions 2026?
The stakes couldn't be higher, and anticipation is building as fans await the biggest event of the season. The biggest questions remain: Can NRG claim back-to-back titles? Or can EDward Gaming once again deliver glory for their home region and secure their second international title since 2024, this time on home soil?
EDG, however, is coming off a disappointing regional run, failing to qualify for the VCT China 2026: Stage 2. Still, the home-crowd advantage could give them the boost they need to regain their confidence on the international stage.
As for NRG, they finished third in their region but put together a consistently strong run throughout the season. They are now chasing a back-to-back title, a feat no team has ever accomplished in VALORANT history.
But the real surprise from the region is 100 Thieves. After being away from the title picture since 2024, the team is finally back on track, following up their Esports World Cup triumph and their VCT Americas 2026: Stage 2 victory.
Additionally, there is no doubt that Nongshim RedForce will be one of the most dangerous teams on the stage. As the winners of the Masters Santiago 2026, they enter the tournament with one of the most historic runs in VALORANT esports history, becoming the first newly promoted Tier 2 team to win an international title in their debut year.
The same can be said for Paper Rex, a team known for bringing their most unpredictable and explosive playstyle to the international stage while consistently competing for the biggest trophies. In 2026, they have reached two international finals, only to fall short in both. Now, they will be determined to finally get their hands on the Champions trophy.
Aside from these teams, that's a couple of organizations that can bring very good matches to watch and even surprise a lot of fans, particularly LOUD and TYLOO. Their strong regional performance, combined with LOUD and TYLOO's incredible Lower Bracket runs, has given them plenty of momentum heading into this championship.
Karmine Corp, G2 Esports, FUT Esports, Global Esports, and Team Vitality have all faced setbacks throughout the year, but they could be among the most interesting teams to watch.
Xi Lai Gaming, JD Gaming, and Team Liquid, meanwhile, will have tougher challenges ahead of them as they look to leave their mark on the international stage.
Where to Watch?
Riot Games will broadcast the event on Twitch and YouTube, starting on September 24.
You can also follow the games on Strafe.
Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest VALORANT news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
Read More:
100 Thieves Edge Out LOUD in a 5-Map Banger to Win VCT Americas 2026 Stage 2
Global Esports Reverse Sweep Nongshim RedForce to Win VCT Pacific 2026 Stage 2
VALORANT Patch 13.05: Refining Game Integrity and Progression
