VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Pick'Ems Guide and Rewards

VALORANT Masters Santiago is almost here, and that means one thing for fans: it's time to put your knowledge to the test with Pick'Ems powered by AWS. The first international tournament of 2026 kicks off on February 28, bringing together twelve of the world's best teams for 16 days of elite competition. This year's Pick'Ems challenge is bigger than ever, with more matches to predict across both the Swiss Stage and Playoffs.

Whether you're a stats wizard or someone who picks based on vibes, the Pick'Ems system gives everyone a shot at bragging rights and some exclusive in-game rewards. Here's everything you need to know about when to make your picks and what goodies you can snag.

When to Make Your Picks

Masters Santiago is split into two stages, and each has its own Pick'Ems window. Missing these deadlines means you're locked out, so mark your calendar now.

Swiss Stage Pick'Ems

The Swiss Stage runs from February 28 through March 4 and features eight teams battling in a best-of-three format. Your Pick'Ems for this stage open on February 19 at 6:00 PM CET and lock on February 28 at 7:00 PM CET when the matches begin. That gives you over a week to study the matchups, check out how teams performed in their regional Kickoffs, and make your calls.

Playoffs Pick'Ems

Once the Swiss Stage wraps up, the top four teams advance to join the four regional first seeds who earned direct byes. Playoffs Pick'Ems open on March 5 around 1:00 AM CET, right after the draw and schedule drop. You'll have until March 6 at 7:00 PM CET to submit your bracket before the Playoffs begin. The double-elimination format runs from March 6 through March 15, with most matches being best-of-three, except for the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final, which go to best-of-five.

Pick'Ems Rewards

Now for the good stuff: the rewards. Riot is handing out exclusive items based on how well you perform, and honestly, even just participating gets you something.

All Participants: Everyone who makes at least one pick earns the "Cachando todo" title. It's yours just for showing up and locking in predictions.
Top 50%: Land in the upper half of all participants and you'll snag the "¡Rico, po!" buddy. This Chilean slang-inspired gun buddy is a fun nod to the tournament's location.
Top 20%: Crack the top 20% and you'll upgrade to the golden version of the "¡Rico, po!" buddy. It's the same design, but way flashier.
Perfect Bracket: If you somehow nail every single prediction across both stages, you'll earn the ultra-rare "Perfect" title. This one is legendary and almost impossible to get, but imagine the clout.

The rewards are automatically granted to eligible participants after the tournament ends. Just remember, eligibility varies by region, so make sure you're in a participating area before you invest too much emotional energy into your bracket.

Who Can Play?

Pick'Ems powered by AWS is available globally, but there are some restrictions. The game isn't accessible in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Sudan, Venezuela, Syria, China, Quebec, Myanmar, or any other region where the offer is prohibited by local laws. You'll also need a valid Riot Account to participate and claim rewards.

If you're unsure whether your region qualifies, double-check the official VALORANT Esports channels for clarification before the windows open.

Tips for Making Picks

If you're new to Pick'Ems or just want to maximize your chances, here are a few pointers. First, pay attention to regional Kickoff performances. Teams that looked unstoppable domestically sometimes stumble when they hit the international stage, especially if it's their first time on LAN. Rookies can crumble under pressure, but they can also pop off when nobody expects it.

Second, don't sleep on seeding. The four teams with direct Playoffs byes (BBL from EMEA, FURIA from Americas, and the first seeds from Pacific and China) earned those spots for a reason. They get extra time to prepare while everyone else grinds through the Swiss Stage. That advantage can be massive.

Finally, remember that upsets happen. A lot. VALORANT is a game where momentum swings can flip entire series, and even the best teams in the world have bad days. If you're chasing that perfect bracket, you'll need equal parts skill, research, and luck.

STRAFE's Pick'Ems Selections

Masters Santiago is the first international clash of 2026, and that makes predicting outcomes even trickier. Every region is coming in fresh with new rosters and strategies, so we're leaning into a mix of proven consistency and high-ceiling potential for our picks.

Our Four Swiss Stage Qualifiers

M8 - EMEA's rising force with tactical depth
Paper Rex - Pacific's most explosive team
XiLai Gaming - China's second seed looking to prove themselves
NRG - Defending champions chasing back-to-back trophies

How to Stay Updated

Masters Santiago runs from February 28 through March 15 at Espacio Riesco in Santiago, Chile. All matches will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube. For real-time updates, schedules, and breaking news, follow the official VALORANT Esports social channels on Twitter/X (@valorantesports), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

You can also check out STRAFE's Masters Santiago guide for deeper dives into the teams, format, and storylines heading into the tournament.

Pick'Ems are live soon, and the clock is ticking. Lock in your predictions, compete with friends, and see if you've got what it takes to call the chaos. Good luck, you're going to need it.

Don't forget to follow Strafe Esports for the latest news about your favorite esports and to check out our X account for the most recent content and coverage.

Also, stay tuned to the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and much more.

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

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