Riot Video games has revealed the total schedule and format for the 2026 VCT season, together with particulars relating to Championship Factors.
As for the Recreation Changers Championship, it should crown its subsequent world champion in November 2026. Followers can take a look at the entire schedule for VCT 2026 under:
- VCT Kickoff: January fifteenth to February fifteenth
- VALORANT Masters Santiago: February twenty eighth to March fifteenth
- VCT Stage 1: March thirty first to Might tenth
- VCT Stage 1 Playoffs: Might sixth to twenty fourth
- VALORANT Masters London: June sixth to twenty first
- VCT Stage 2: June thirtieth to August sixteenth
- VCT Season Finals: August fifth to September sixth
- VALORANT Champions Shanghai: September twenty fourth to October 18th
- VALORANT Recreation Changers Championship: October/November
VCT 2026 Championship Factors System
Identical to within the 2025 version, VCT groups will earn Championship Factors for successful matches all through the season. These factors will decide which organisations will qualify for Champions Shanghai.
Right here is the total breakdown of Championship Factors allotted per occasion in 2026:
Kickoff
- Winner: 4
- 2nd Place: 3
- third Place: 2
- 4th Place: 1
Masters Santiago
- Winner: 6
- 2nd Place: 4
- third Place: 3
- 4th Place: 2
- fifth Place: 1
- sixth Place: 1
Stage 1
Stage 1 Playoffs
- Winner: 6
- 2nd Place: 4
- third Place: 3
- 4th Place: 2
Masters London
- Winner: 8
- 2nd Place: 6
- third Place: 5
- 4th Place: 4
- fifth Place: 3
- sixth Place: 3
Stage 2
Season Finals
- Winner: 8
- 2nd Place: 6
- third Place: 5
- 4th Place: 4
2026 VCT Format Overview
Riot has confirmed the codecs for Kickoff and Stage 1, whereas the remaining will likely be introduced at a later date.
Kickoff
The 2026 Kickoff will introduce a brand-new triple-elimination bracket format in VCT for the primary time. Out of the 12 taking part groups, the highest 4 squads from Champions 2025 in each league will obtain a bye to the second spherical.
From there, the highest three groups from every Kickoff league will qualify for Masters Santiago. Listed below are the beginning dates for Kickoff Americas, EMEA, China and Pacific:
- Americas: January fifteenth
- EMEA: January twentieth
- China: January twenty second
- Pacific: January twenty second
Stage 1
Stage 1 will characteristic 12 groups divided into two teams of six within the Group Stage. The squads should compete in a single round-robin format, with the highest 4 advancing to the Playoffs.
In the long run, the highest three groups from Stage 1 Playoffs will head to Masters London, which is able to comply with the identical format as Masters Santiago.
VCT Stage 2 Playoffs to Function New Areas and Challengers Groups
In 2026, the Stage 2 Playoffs will happen throughout new areas all around the world. There may even be reside occasions for each Worldwide League, with Riot asserting the host cities quickly.
Along with this, the highest Challengers groups from every area will qualify on to the Stage 2 Playoffs as part of the Path to Champions programme to battle for a spot at Champions Shanghai.
