>> quest log entry
VCT Champions 2026: Dates, Teams, Prize Pool, and Format in Shanghai
+50 XP gained
VCT Champions 2026 marks the highly anticipated culmination of the VALORANT Champions Tour, bringing together the world's best teams for a premier esports spectacle. Scheduled from September 24 to October 18, 2026, this S-Tier tournament will unfold in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China. Organized by Riot Games, it represents the pinnacle of the VALORANT competitive season and the grand finale of the V26 Tour, a year-long roadshow festival.
This event carries particular significance as it will be the final Champions tournament under the current VALORANT Champions Tour format, with an evolution towards a more open structure planned for 2027. Fans can expect intense competition as 16 elite teams battle for supremacy and a substantial share of the prize pool.
VCT Champions 2026: The Pinnacle Event in Shanghai
The stakes are incredibly high at VCT Champions 2026. A total prize pool of $2,250,000 USD is on the line, with the ultimate winning team set to claim a remarkable $1,000,000. This substantial reward underscores the prestige and competitive intensity of the tournament.
Sixteen teams will participate, each earning their spot through rigorous qualification processes across four International Leagues: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China. Each league contributes four teams, ensuring a diverse and globally representative field of competitors.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | September 24 - October 18, 2026 |
| Location | Shanghai, China |
| Organizer | Riot Games |
| Total Prize Pool | $2,250,000 USD |
| Winner's Share | $1,000,000 USD |
| Participating Teams | 16 |
Qualification Paths and Tournament Structure
Teams secure their berths at VCT Champions 2026 through two primary routes. The first path involves excelling in the Stage 2 playoffs of their respective International Leagues, with two direct spots awarded per league. The second path is through accumulated Championship Points throughout the season, where the two highest-ranked teams from each league (who did not qualify via Stage 2) earn their entry.
Group Stage Dynamics
The tournament kicks off with a Group Stage featuring four double-elimination (GSL) groups. Each group comprises four teams, and all matches in this phase are best-of-three (Bo3). A key rule for the Group Stage is the prohibition of regional match-ups, ensuring varied initial clashes. The top two teams from each group will successfully advance to the Playoffs.
Playoffs Showdown
Following the Group Stage, the eight qualifying teams move into a formidable double-elimination bracket for the Playoffs. All matches within this stage are best-of-three (Bo3), maintaining the high-stakes competitive standard. However, the intensity escalates for the Lower Bracket Final and the Grand Final, both of which will be contested as best-of-five (Bo5) series, pushing teams to their absolute limits.
As of August 21-24, 2026, several teams have already secured their spots. From the China league, JD Gaming and TYLOO qualified via Stage 2, while EDward Gaming and Xi Lai Gaming earned their places through Championship Points. Paper Rex is confirmed from the Pacific league via points, and FUT Esports along with Team Vitality have qualified from EMEA, also through Championship Points.
