VALORANT VCT 2027 Explained: Format, Schedule, Open Qualifiers, Prize Money and Locations

The VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) will move to a tournament-based format in 2027, replacing traditional regular-season leagues with regional Cups, open qualification routes and more than 50 tournaments throughout the year. Non-partner teams will be able to compete for places at Masters and Champions without first earning a long-term partnership slot.

Riot Games has also confirmed the international host cities and a new financial support system. Here is how VALORANT esports will work in 2027, from the first qualifiers in November 2026 to Champions in October 2027.

How Does the VCT 2027 Format Work?

The VCT 2027 format consists of Open Qualifiers, Kickoff, two regional Cups, two Masters tournaments and Champions. Teams will advance through results rather than a full regular-season league schedule, and new Open Qualifiers will provide additional routes into regional competition during the year.

Kickoff determines the first Masters representatives. Cup 1 leads toward the second Masters, while Cup 2 is the final regional stage before Champions. Teams outside the partnership program can enter through Open Qualifiers ahead of these regional events.

Teams that fall short at a Cup or Masters may return through Open Playoffs. Those without sufficient prior results must start again in the next Open Qualifiers, giving established rosters and new contenders different entry points.

For more on the overhaul, see our breakdown of the VCT 2027 format changes.

What Is the VCT 2027 Schedule?

VCT 2027 Kickoff runs from January 14 to February 7, with the season ending at Champions on October 10. Open Qualifiers begin in November 2026, before the first regional tournament. The schedule includes two Masters events and two Cup windows.

These are the overall event windows, not complete match-by-match schedules. Cup qualification dates, opening matches and arena details will depend on each region's announcements.

Where Will VCT Masters and Champions 2027 Take Place?

Masters 2027 will take place in Seoul, South Korea, and Valencia, Spain, while Champions 2027 will be held in Austin, Texas, United States. Across international and regional events, Riot has announced a tour spanning 15 cities.

The Kickoff and Cup host cities are listed below:

For the full venue announcement and international event dates, see our VCT 2027 host cities coverage.

How Do the VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers Work?

VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers give eligible non-partner teams a route into Kickoff and the regional Cups. From those tournaments, teams can qualify for Masters and Champions through results. Separate qualifier windows throughout the season mean elimination from one competition does not necessarily end a team's year.

Exact brackets, entry requirements and registration dates vary between Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China. Riot's initial VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers announcement explains the overall system.

How Many Teams Will Compete in VCT 2027 Kickoff?

Each VCT 2027 Kickoff will have 12 teams. Americas, EMEA and Pacific will each feature eight partner teams and four Open Qualifier entrants. China will have eight partner teams, two visitor teams and two Open Qualifier entrants.

The top three teams from each Kickoff will advance to the first Masters, which will feature 12 teams across the four territories.

How Do the VCT EMEA 2027 Kickoff Qualifiers Work?

EMEA will award four Kickoff spots: two through Europe, one through Türkiye and one through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Qualifying begins November 1, 2026, with two Open Qualifier opportunities in each area before the decisive stages.

Europe's qualifiers feed into a 16-team playoff; Türkiye will hold an eight-team playoff; and MENA will decide its place through separate Middle East and North Africa routes, followed by a final on December 6. See our complete VCT EMEA Kickoff qualifiers guide for dates, registration and eligibility.

How Do the VCT Americas 2027 Kickoff Qualifiers Work?

VCT Americas has four open qualification spots for Kickoff 2027: one each from North America, Brazil and Latin America, plus one through an Americas Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). The LCQ will feature the runners-up from those three regional paths.

North America's first Open Qualifier starts November 5, 2026. The finalists from its playoff stage also qualify for Red Bull Home Ground 2026, while the winner earns a direct Kickoff place. The runner-up moves to the Americas LCQ in São Paulo on December 17 and 18. Our VCT Americas North America qualifiers report includes the full format and registration schedule.

What About VCT Pacific and China Open Qualifiers?

VCT Pacific will have regional qualification routes across South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania. Riot also plans a Pacific LCQ route for leading teams from South Asia and Oceania.

China will have two Kickoff places available through its Open Qualifiers. Full regional brackets, dates and registration details will be added when confirmed.

Can Non-Partner Teams Qualify for Masters and Champions 2027?

Yes. Non-partner teams can reach both Masters and Champions in 2027 by qualifying for regional VCT tournaments and advancing through competitive results. A partnership agreement is no longer required to enter those events, and teams can attempt qualification at different points in the season.

Eligibility is region-specific. Riot has advised prospective players to prepare valid passports and meet ranked-play and anti-cheat requirements. Residency requirements also apply in most regions, so teams should consult their own qualifier rules before registering.

Will VCT 2027 Still Have Partner Teams?

Yes. VCT 2027 retains partner teams under a new two-year partnership cycle covering 2027 and 2028. Partners receive base payments and other benefits, including performance incentives and in-game team cosmetics, but direct entry to Kickoff does not guarantee automatic entry to every subsequent Cup.

After Kickoff, results determine progression in Americas, EMEA and Pacific. Teams falling short at major events may have to qualify again through Open Playoffs. Teams that retain at least three of their five players can preserve their accumulated points and competitive progress.

What Are Visitor Teams in VCT China 2027?

VCT China's visitor teams are separate from the eight long-term partner teams and the two Open Qualifier entrants. Their places are part of an existing promotion-and-relegation model that Riot will retain for 2027, offering another route for teams to stay in the top-level circuit.

Unlike the other territories, VCT China will give both its partner teams and visitor teams direct entry into Kickoff and the first two Cups. The other two Kickoff places will come from Open Qualifiers.

What Is the VCT 2027 Prize Pool?

Riot Games has announced more than $6 million in annual tournament prize pools for the new VCT system. The full amounts for individual 2027 events and the payout breakdown by final placement have not yet been detailed.

Prize money is separate from the fixed qualification payments awarded to eligible non-partner teams, as well as additional support such as funded travel to global events.

How Much Can Non-Partner Teams Earn in VCT 2027?

Non-partner teams will receive guaranteed qualification payments of $100,000 for reaching Kickoff or a Cup, $200,000 for Masters, and $400,000 for Champions. These are qualification milestones, not the prize pools awarded for winning matches or finishing in particular positions.

Eligible non-partner teams may also receive prize money and other incentives. Riot has separately announced a $100,000 incentive for non-partner teams qualifying for the Game Changers Championship.

Will Game Changers Be Part of Champions 2027?

Yes. Riot has confirmed that the Game Changers season will conclude at Champions 2027. The change brings the inclusive circuit's finale into the main VCT championship program. Further details about the event's format and qualification process are still to come.

What Else Is Changing in VALORANT Esports in 2027?

VCT 2027 will also introduce a new Ghost-based team skin bundle and updated community tournament guidelines. The Ghost replaces the Classic as the weapon featured in team esports cosmetics, while Riot's revised guidelines aim to make third-party tournaments easier to organize.

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Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

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