VCT 2026: New Locations, Format Changes, Challengers to Champs and More

With the current competitive season coming to an end on Sunday, October 5, VALORANT has announced the format changes and plans for VCT 2026. The new season will present Challengers teams with an opportunity to reach VALORANT Champions next year. Let’s take a look at all the changes in store for the next season.

New Locations

For starters, the three international tournaments will take us to three new cities:

• Masters Santiago
• Masters London
• Champions Shanghai

 

Further details regarding the locations can be found in another article of ours.

Format Changes

The VCT 2026 will feature format changes across all layers, from Kickoff to Masters & Champions.

• A brand-new triple-elimination bracket debuts at Kickoff.

• The top 3 teams from each league qualify for the 12-team Masters Santiago.
• A new regular season format for each region will be shared later this year.
• Stage 2 Playoffs will be a destination event for every league.
• VCT CN goes on tour, visiting five cities across the region.

 

A New Path to Pro

With VCT resetting for 2027, the Challengers leagues will not conclude in Ascension tournaments. Instead, they will provide a direct path to VALORANT Champions 2026.

• Four Challengers teams will advance to Stage 2 Playoffs for a chance to qualify for Champions Shanghai.
• For a Premier-to-Champions journey in 2026:
  • Rank up to Invite Division or win a Qualifier event for Challengers League.
  • Get promoted and win the Challengers League to secure a Stage 2 Playoffs spot.

Further details will be disclosed closer to the release date.

With exciting format updates, a brand-new ‘Path to Pro,’ and fresh host cities, VCT 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable, high-stakes season.

But before that, tomorrow, October 3, we kick off the Finals Weekend of VALORANT Champions 2025. Out of the four teams—NRG, Fnatic, Paper Rex, and DRX—only one will be crowned Champion.

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Feature image credit: Riot Games

Read more:

VALORANT Masters and Champions locations revealed for 2026

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