2026 VCT Stage 1 teams unveiled for Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China

With the conclusion of the VCT 2026 Kickoff occasions throughout EMEA, Americas, Pacific and China, all 2026 VCT Stage 1 teams have been drawn.

For the Stage 1 Group Stage, every area will divide its groups into two single-round robin teams, referred to as Group Alpha and Group Omega.

Every area’s group draw used seeding swimming pools primarily based on groups’ aggressive efficiency at VCT Kickoff.

For instance, the primary crew drawn from the pool of groups ending eleventh and twelfth was positioned within the area’s Group Alpha, whereas the second crew drawn went to Group Omega.

All Stage 1 group attracts had been held following the area’s VCT Kickoff Decrease Bracket Closing.

VCT EMEA’s Group Alpha consists of Light Mates and Group Liquid, two of the three groups that certified for Masters Santiago. Nonetheless, Group Omega appears extra stacked throughout the board, that includes EMEA giants equivalent to Fnatic and GIANTX.

Furthermore, ULF Esports and Group Vitality will subject their full rosters throughout Stage 1, as all of their gamers can have turned 18 by April.

The teams for VCT Americas look pretty even. Group Omega hosts two Masters Santiago groups, FURIA and NRG, whereas Group Alpha options the superteam MIBR. Decrease-seeded groups throughout each teams, together with Leviatán and Sentinels, carry quite a lot of potential for enchancment because the season progresses.

It’s unclear in the intervening time whether or not KRÜ Esports’ official line-up can have its visa points or if the LATAM organisation should proceed competing with a substitute roster.

VCT Pacific has drawn a stacked Group Alpha for Stage 1. Along with Masters Santiago groups, Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex, the group consists of two massive Pacific names, DRX and Gen.G Esports, in addition to a promising darkish horse in World Esports.

Though Group Omega options up-and-coming groups equivalent to DFM, FULL SENSE, and VARREL, they’ve been inconsistent or have underperformed to this point.

VCT’s youngest area has seen quite a few upsets and sudden outcomes throughout Kickoff, making the Stage 1 teams pretty open. By the top of Kickoff, nonetheless, a few of China’s traditionally dominant organisations equivalent to EDward Gaming and Bilibili Gaming, have come out on high or not less than confirmed indicators of life once more. 

Furthermore, Group Omega is brimming with groups equivalent to Dragon Ranger Gaming and Wolves Esports, which may simply upset larger names.

2026 VCT Stage 1 throughout all Worldwide Leagues will kick off in April, following the conclusion of Masters Santiago, the primary world occasion of the VCT 2026 aggressive calendar. Stage 1 may also provide qualification for Masters London happening in June to each area’s high three groups.