VCT Masters Santiago Skirmish Series: Format, Schedule, and More

VCT Masters Santiago is scheduled to begin in the coming days, and Riot Games has introduced a new, exclusive on-site activity for the tournament’s live audience. The upcoming Masters will feature a live Skirmish tournament series, where attendees can compete in an open competition for a chance to qualify for the final weekend.  Selected players will also receive complimentary Masters tickets and the opportunity to play on the VCT stage, offering gamers in Santiago, Chile, and traveling fans a truly unforgettable experience.

For those unfamiliar, Skirmish is a 1v1 VALORANT game mode played on a compact map with obstacles between the two opponents. Players spawn with Heavy Armor and can choose any weapon they prefer. The mode does not involve any abilities, making it a pure test of aim. The first player to win 10 rounds claims the match, with each game typically lasting between 5 and 10 minutes.

Format

The Santiago Skirmish event will span four days, with four single-elimination tournaments being held each day. Each tournament will feature 16 players and last approximately one hour. Matches will be played 1v1, following a best-of-one (Bo1) format. Winners of each qualifier will receive prizes, including two tickets to Masters Santiago on March 14. They will also secure a spot in the Final Tournament, scheduled for the same date.

The Final Tournament will bring together 16 players, one from each qualifier, to compete alongside content creators and other invited players in a 32-player double-elimination bracket. The final is expected to run for roughly two hours, with matches taking place on the VCT stage for the live audience.

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VCT Santiago Skirmish Schedule

The competition will be spread across four days, with each day having four open qualifier tournaments: 

• Wednesday, March 4th

• Friday, March 6th

• Monday, March 9th

• Friday, March 13th

Below, you can find the detailed schedule for the qualifiers and the Final Tournament. 

Daily Schedule (March 4th, 6th, 9th)

• Qualifier Tournaments Registration: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

• Player selection, bracket creation, and alerting players: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

• Tournament 1 Check-in: 3:30 pm

• Tournament 1: 3:45 pm

• Tournament 2 Check-in: 4:00 pm

• Tournament 2: 4:15 pm

• Tournament 3 Check-in: 4:30 pm

• Tournament 3: 4:45 pm

• Tournament 4 Check-in: 5:00 pm 

• Tournament 4: 5:15 pm 

Daily Schedule (March 13th)

• Qualifier Tournaments Registration: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 

• Player selection, bracket creation, and alerting players: 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

• Tournament 1 Check-in: 2:30 pm

• Tournament 1: 2:45 pm

• Tournament 2 Check-in: 3:00 pm

• Tournament 2: 3:15 pm

• Tournament 3 Check-in: 3:30 pm

• Tournament 3: 3:45 pm

• Tournament 4 Check-in: 4:00 pm

• Tournament 4: 4:15 pm

Finals (March 14th)

The top performers from the four days of Skirmish tournaments will get a chance to play against influencers and guests on March 14th. 

• Check-In: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 

• Final Tournament Start: 1:15 pm

• Grand Finals: ~6:00 pm (exact Show Match time will depend on when Masters matches conclude)

What To Expect For Open Qualifiers 

All tournament communication, including match times, bracket updates, and announcements, will be handled via Discord.

Spots will be limited each day. And since demand is still unknown, entry capacity and formats may evolve across competition days. The organizers reserve the right to make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible on-site experience for both competitors and fans.

Follow the action on the Strafe Esports tournament page as the tournament unfolds.

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest VALORANT news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

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VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Pick'Ems Guide and Rewards

VCT Masters Santiago 2026: All You Need to Know Guide

All Teams Qualified for VALORANT Masters Santiago