Riot Video games has unveiled the format for the VCT EMEA Conflict 2026, a mid-season match that includes VCT and Challengers groups.
The primary-of-its-kind format will see 12 groups compete throughout two simultaneous, but intertwined double-elimination brackets impressed by VALORANT’s Alpha and Omega problem.
Its inaugural version will happen throughout the break between VCT EMEA Kickoff and Masters Santiago, the primary international VCT occasion of the yr. From February nineteenth to twenty fifth, six VCT groups will face off towards six Challengers squads, every representing one of many six Challengers EMEA sub-regions.
The VCT representatives will hail from the pool of 9 groups that didn’t qualify for Masters Santiago.
Initially introduced in December final yr, the VCT EMEA Conflict is a part of Riot Video games’ purpose of making extra high-stakes aggressive alternatives for the area’s tier-two Challengers circuit.
VCT EMEA Conflict Format & Draw
The 12 EMEA Conflict rivals can be positioned into the brackets primarily based on their earlier efficiency:
- The highest 4 groups from VCT EMEA Kickoff (excluding Masters Santiago individuals) will earn a direct bye into Spherical 2 of the bracket.
- The remaining eight groups — 2 from VCT EMEA and 6 from Challengers — can be positioned right into a randomised draw.
- This draw will assure that the 2 VCT groups within the pool are seeded in numerous brackets.
Whereas the 2 double-elimination brackets will run concurrently, they may also be “interconnected’ from Spherical 2 onwards.
If a group loses within the Higher Bracket of Alpha, they are going to drop into the Decrease Bracket of Omega. On the flip facet, a group dropping within the Omega bracket will drop into the Alpha bracket earlier than going through elimination.
On the finish of every bracket will await a remaining collection, figuring out the Alpha and Omega Champion, respectively.
Followers will have the ability to tune into VCT EMEA’s Twitch and YouTube channels to seek out out which groups will conquer this new match format.
